Abstract
This paper examines the potential impact of some alternative cladding and fuel materials being considered for the liquid metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR) on the performance and design of large commercial gas-cooled fast breeder reactors (GCFRs). Mixed carbide fuel and Inconel 718 cladding material were examined. Another cladding alternative considered was silicon carbide (SiC), which presents some interesting possibilities in high-temperature performance. Design concepts based on the above fuel and claddings were examined and compared with a reference oxide/316 stainless steel design based on a commercial 4000 MW(th) [∼1500 MW(e)] system. Substantial benefits can be derived from a high-temperature cladding material such as Inconel 718 or 16Pe; core volume and steam generator heat transfer area could be reduced by 20% or more, and significant reductions in core inventory and doubling time are possible. Carbide fuels would reduce the number of fuel rods by 50% because of higher linear power, and doubling time would be lowered.
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