Georgia Tech Studies of Sub-Critical Advanced Burner Reactors with a D-T Fusion Tokamak Neutron Source for the Transmutation of Spent Nuclear Fuel |
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Authors: | W M Stacey |
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Affiliation: | (1) Georgia Tech Fusion Research Center, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA |
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Abstract: | The possibility that a tokamak D-T fusion neutron source, based on ITER physics and technology, could be used to drive sub-critical,
fast-spectrum nuclear reactors fueled with the transuranics (TRU) in spent nuclear fuel discharged from conventional nuclear
reactors has been investigated at Georgia Tech in a series of studies which are summarized in this paper. It is found that
sub-critical operation of such fast transmutation reactors is advantageous in allowing longer fuel residence time, hence greater
TRU burnup between fuel reprocessing stages, and in allowing higher TRU loading without compromising safety, relative to what
could be achieved in a similar critical transmutation reactor. The required plasma and fusion technology operating parameter
range of the fusion neutron source is generally within the anticipated operational range of ITER. The implications of these
results for fusion development policy, if they hold up under more extensive and detailed analysis, is that a D-T fusion tokamak
neutron source for a sub-critical transmutation reactor, built on the basis of the ITER operating experience, could possibly
be a logical next step after ITER on the path to fusion electrical power reactors. At the same time, such an application would
allow fusion to contribute to meeting the nation’s energy needs at an earlier stage by helping to close the fission reactor
nuclear fuel cycle. |
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Keywords: | Neutron source Fusion– fission hybrid Transmutation reactor |
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