Abstract
Fuel lifetime is a crucial parameter for small reactors used as the main part of floating power plants. Such plants have the potential to solve energy supply problems of remote regions. This article explains the methodology used to determine the effective multiplication factors and breeding ratios for reactor KLT-40S (Korpusnoi Ledokolnogo Tipa; [Shell-Type Reactor of Icebreaker Kind]) under operating conditions. The following parameters are shown to affect fuel lifetime:-effective neutron multiplication factor;-breeding ratio of nuclear fuel;-and fuel element diameter or volume of charged fuel.An increase in these parameters extends fuel lifetime.Four different fuel compositions, namely, (U238 + U235)O2, (U238 + Pu239)O2, (Th232 + U235)O2, and (Th232 + U233)O2, were examined to calculate possible fuel lifetime. The dependence of lifetime on the fuel rod diameter was also determined.The study shows that Th-U fuel cycle offers great lifetime advantages over the conventional U–Pu fuel cycle. Switching the fuel composition to (Th232 + U233)O2 can prolong fuel lifetime by 75%.
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