Problem Statement
A number of fuel cycle options are available to the US that offer substantial improvement in performance over the existing one. The performance of the future fuel cycles, as well as the transition from the current fuel cycle need to be evaluated to assist in the decision making process for investment and research priorities.
Technical Approach
Reactor physics viability and performance (including resources used, spent fuel inventories, etc.) are first evaluated using SCALE. The resulting material mass flows and/or cross-sections are then used in ORION, a dynamic fuel cycle systems analysis tool from the UK National Nuclear Laboratory, to assess the fuel cycle transition performance e.g., viability, material availability, transition timescales etc.
Benefit
Using robust and accurate methods, such as SCALE and ORION, and experienced analysts enables disruptive technologies to be independently evaluated from a reactor and fuel cycle perspective.
Principal Investigator
Andrew Worrall
Sponsor
Department of Energy - Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE)
