Perspective on development of future SFRs in India

Full text: In the Indian energy scenario projections for the future, the nuclear power through fast reactors is expected to play an important role of ∼ 20% of total installed electrical capacity by 2052. Successful operation of 40 MWt/13 MWe capacity Fast Breeder Test Reactor over 23 years, strong R and D executed in multidisciplinary domain, and construction of 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) based on indigenous design in a smooth manner have provided high confidence on the success of fast breeder technology. Beyond PFBR, it is planned to construct 4 more FBRs of 500 MWe capacity each by 2020. Towards this, a systematic roadmap has been drawn for improved economy and enhanced safety through a number of measures. The major features incorporated to achieve economy are twin unit concept, plant life increased to 60 years in comparison to 40 years for PFBR, reduced fuel cycle cost with higher burn-up, reduction in number of steam generators from 8 to 6, in-vessel primary sodium purification, minimizing the use of SS 316LN for NSSS components, reduction in special steel specific weight requirements, compact plant layout, improved load factor, reduction in construction time by at least 2 years, and co-location of fuel cycle facility. The major features towards enhancing safety features are improvements in reactor shutdown system to provide reliability a target of 10-7/reactor-year, enhanced diversity in decay heat removal system, integrated primary sodium purification, reduction in number of tubes to tubesheet welds by increasing the seamless tube length of the steam generator, and enhanced in-service inspection. Beyond 2020, a series of 1000 MWe capacity metallic fuel with high breeding potential will be constructed. R and D activities have been systematically planned for metallic fuel development. The paper addresses the highlights of the conceptual design features of future sodium cooled fast reactors in India. (author)