The Role of Recycle-PWR with Innovative Fuel Cycle Technology

Recycle-PWR (RPWR) is a heavy water cooled or a light water cooled PWR with hexagonal tight lattice fuel assemblies (a fuel rod gap is about 1 mm). This study describes benefits of introducing heavy water cooled RPWRs into the fuel cycle. First, the change of the isotopic composition of the fuel is evaluated supposing plutonium multiple recycling with MAs and FPs. Then, the feasibility of the multiple recycling with RPWR is discussed from the viewpoint of the control rod worth and the void reactivity. Second, the role of RPWR combined with the innovative reprocessing technology is estimated. The performance of such nuclear fuel cycle system with RPWRs is evaluated from the viewpoint of long life waste reduction and natural uranium saving