Reactor core design with practical gadolinia burnable absorbers for soluble boron-free operation in the innovative SMR

Abstract

The development of soluble boron-free (SBF) operation in the innovative Small Modular Reactor (i-SMR) requires effective strategies for managing excess reactivity over extended operational cycles. This paper introduces a practical approach to reactor core design for SBF operation in i-SMR, emphasizing the use of gadolinia burnable absorbers (BA). The study investigates the feasibility of Highly Intensive and Discrete Gadolinia/Alumina Burnable Absorber (HIGA) rods for controlling excess reactivity sustainably. Through comprehensive analysis and simulations, the reactivity behavior with varying quantities of HIGA rods is examined, leading to the development of optimized fuel assembly designs. Furthermore, the integration of HIGA rods with integral gadolinia BA rods is discussed to enhance reactivity control and operational flexibility further. This approach utilizes the spatial self-shielding effect of gadolinia for extended reactivity management, crucial for stable and efficient reactor performance. The paper thoroughly addresses core design considerations, including fuel assembly configurations and control rod patterns, to ensure safety and performance in initial and reload cycles. This research advances the development of SBF operation in i-SMR by offering practical reactivity management solutions.