SAFETY AND ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF A 1000-MWe FAST SODIUM-COOLED REACTOR DESIGN

Abstract

This chapter discusses the status of technology of large, fast nuclear reactors in the mid-1960's, exemplified by description of a design approach using the state-of-the-art technology. The approach has been to update a previous study with respect to safety criteria and operating limits for fuel, cladding, and coolant in the light of present knowledge. Within these bounds, a preliminary reference reactor core, coolant system, and containment design have been selected, based on parametric studies. Once the design was established, hazard analyses were performed to predict the dynamic response of the reactor and plant to credible plant accidents. The hazards analyses were extended to include the severe accidents, which are deemed “hypothetical” because of the chain of improbable events required. A reactor containment concept was designed and an analysis was made to prove its adequacy for the hypothetical accident event. The plant economics were estimated, with emphasis on the effect of the safety assumptions on the fuel cycle costs. The possible effect on fuel cycle costs of physics data uncertainties and changes in fuel performance limits were determined. The approach taken is conditioned by analysis of safety considerations affecting design. The selection of conservative safety criteria continues to be a fundamental question, not only of technology, but also of policy.