Abstract
This work examines a mobile, land-based micro-reactor concept based on the mobile low power reactor prototype 1 (ML-1). A detailed model of the ML-1 micro-reactor was created in MCNP® and compared with experimental data from multiple demonstrations conducted between 1962 and 1965. The computed values agree with experimental data, evidenced by an obtained keff of 1.10705 ± 0.00104 versus an expected value of 1.102 ± 0.007. A low cost-estimate of $71.1 million and high cost- estimate of $291.3 million in today’s dollars for a micro-reactor design based on the ML-1 concept was obtained using program costs captured in Congressional legislative records and the average inflation rate. Improvements were made to the ML-1 design using advanced fuel materials to meet contemporary design requirements. It has been demonstrated that a modernized reactor configuration utilizing fuel in uranium carbide form, with 19.75% U-235 enrichment, and helium coolant can support steady state operation at 3 MWth for 3 years.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
