Seed and blanket thorium-reprocessed fuel ADS: Multi-cycle approach for higher thorium utilization and TRU transmutation

• DOI: 10.1016/j.anucene.2014.08.025
• Publication Date: 2014-09-16T12:07:19Z
• Authors: Thanh Mai Vu; Takanori Kitada
• Keywords: Nuclear transmutation; Thorium Fuel Cycle

In the previous publication, seed and blanket thorium-reprocessed fuel ADS was designed for efficient transmutation of TRU waste from spent nuclear fuel. this study, multi-cycle core in order to increase thorium utilization transmutation. For that purpose, reprocessed assemblies inside subcritical are shuffled twice burnt while remained reactor until end life. As result, at equilibrium state, contribution total power is improved (35.7%) compared startup cycle it has benefit flattening peaking core. Compare cycle, less loaded but twice, hence, TRUs transmuted a deeper level. At discharge, reduction radiotoxicity about 20% with 1% uncertainty, mainly due Pu Am.