Design optimization methods for high-performance research reactor core design

Betzler, Benjamin R.; Chandler, David W.; Cook, D.H.; Davidson, Eva E.; Ilas, Germina

doi:10.1016/j.nucengdes.2019.110167

Cited by 15 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Fuel design studies, making use of the ORNL Shift Monte Carlo-based tool [11] and an enhanced version the HFIR Steady-State Heat Transfer Code [12], are being conducted to evaluate performance and safety metrics, respectively, for U-10Mo and U3Si2-Al. Automation scripts for fuel design, code execution, and optimization have been deployed to increase the efficiency of the design studies that seek to balance the design features/variables (e.g., power, 235 U mass, fuel shape, burnable poisons) with fabrication complexity, reactor performance, and safety [13]. Proposed LEU fuel designs must maintain (or exceed) the performance of the HEU core, and a set of key metrics [14] have been defined as a means of capturing performance data essential for HFIR's primary missions.…”

Section: Conversion To Low-enriched Uraniummentioning

confidence: 99%

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Reactor Performance Improvement Options to Sustain High Flux Isotope Reactor Leadership Into the Future*

2021

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The mission of the Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the undertaking of high-impact research into the structure and properties of materials across the spectrum of biology, chemistry, physics, materials science, and engineering. NScD operates two world-leading neutron scattering facilities: the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the Spallation Neutron Source. HFIR achieved full power in 1966, and over a half century later, it continues to serve a variety of national missions. HFIR provides one of the highest steady-state neutron fluxes of any research reactor in the world to support scientific missions including cold and thermal neutron scattering, isotope production, and materials irradiation research. To sustain leadership in neutron sciences into the future, ORNL is exploring areas in which HFIR can be improved to enhance its performance. Many improvement areas are being explored including upgrading the cold source and neutron scattering facilities. The improvement areas discussed herein include replacing the reactor pressure vessel, upgrading the neutron reflector, and ensuring that reactor performance is maintained or enhanced after converting from high-enriched uranium to low-enriched uranium fuel.

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Section: Conversion To Low-enriched Uraniummentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Results to date indicate that HFIR could convert and meet (or exceed) performance and safety requirements with both fuel systems. Refer to [13] - [17] for a more detailed discussion on the fabrication features discussed in Table I and the HFIR conversion project.…”

Section: Conversion To Low-enriched Uraniummentioning

confidence: 99%

Reactor Performance Improvement Options to Sustain High Flux Isotope Reactor Leadership Into the Future*

2021

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“…The provided numbers are the configuration used in the example. Further discussion regarding HFIR LEU core design is found in the literature [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. A series of parametric studies dividing the problem into four 2-dimensional problems were conducted as part of the core optimization efforts.…”

Section: Hfir Low Enriched Uranium (Leu) Core Designmentioning

confidence: 99%

Metaheuristic Optimization Tool

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Betzler

et al. 2020

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“…An acceptable core design satisfies the targeted performance metrics; is coolable, safe, and controllable under all anticipated conditions; and uses compatible materials e that behave well in a high radiation environment. The relative importance of the different performance metrics, such as overall cost, fuel utilization, and cycle length, is dependent on the deployment objectives, and shapes the optimized design [25].…”

Section: Design Envelope and Requirementsmentioning

confidence: 99%