A concept of the multipurpose liquid metallic-fueled fast reactor system (MPFR)

Against fossil fuels, the nuclear energy is the only alternative energy sou rce in the next century. Such energy source as the future nuclear power pla nt is expected to meet the following requirements. First, high temperature output for the multiple energy conversion capability as the electricity gen eration and the production of alternative fuels (hydrogen), which can be us ed widely in transportation systems. Second, the capability for siting clos e to the energy consumption area without onsite refueling. Third, the capab ility for nuclear fuel breeding and incineration of long-lived fission prod ucts, and fourth, the harmonization between active and passive safety featu res. This paper describes the basic concept of the Multipurpose liquid meta llic-fueled Fast Reactor system (MPFR), which satisfies all mentioned requi rements with introducing the U-Pu-x (x: Mn, Fe, Co) liquid metallic alloys for the fuel. We can obtain such characteristics as high operational temper ature of the reactor (between 550 degreesC and 1200 degreesC) and elongatio n of the core operational lifetime by the inherent fission product separati on in the liquid fuel by using these alloys. The enhanced self-controllabil ity is achieved by the thermal expansion of liquid fuel; and the re-critica lity phenomenon at the core compaction events can be eliminated by discharg ing of the liquid fuel from the core. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Scienc e Ltd. Al rights reserved.