Steam Superheating in BHWRs Using Plutonium Enrichment

The Swedish version of the natural uranium BHWR, which is considered a potential type for the first Yugoslav nuclear power plant, is taken in this paper as a base for the analyses of the introduction of steam superheating, when the superheat fuel elements are enriched by plutonium produced in the boiling part of the reactor. The optimization of the reactor is made for Yugoslav conditions accepting the participation of the local industry in production of some reactor components. The geometrical, physical, thermal and hydraulic parameters of the boiling and superheat zones of the reactor are determined under the condition that all produced plutonium is used. The necessary criteria for the safe operation of the equipment are satisfied. The effect of the use of plutonium enrichment on the unit energy costs is evaluated and comparison is made with the unit energy costs in the standard BHWR. At the end of the paper a critical analysis is made of the advantages and disadvantages related to technology, safety and economics, when the boiling heavy-water reactor with natural uranium is adapted for steam superheating. (author)