Afshin Hedayat
Abstract
Both of small and medium sized reactors and small modular reactors are called SMRs. They are reviewed and discussed in this paper, particularly integral Pressurized Water Reactors (iPWRs). Studies show that PWRs are the most interested, designed and constructed ...
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Both of small and medium sized reactors and small modular reactors are called SMRs. They are reviewed and discussed in this paper, particularly integral Pressurized Water Reactors (iPWRs). Studies show that PWRs are the most interested, designed and constructed nuclear reactor type worldwide. Some innovative small modular PWRs like the MASLWR, NuScale, CAREM-25, SMART and ACP-100 have several outstanding characteristics to be promisingly recognized as near term options of the next generation of small modular PWRs. They have several inherently safety features and improved passive safety system. They require smaller infrastructure and capital costs. They can be also developed rapidly in different and independent modular unites even for remote area or outlands without required infrastructure or electrical grids. It should be noted that new modern economy strategies like the Return of Investment (ROI) issues may advice medium or large reactors rather than small units for developed and industrial countries while small modular plans can be much more interesting and accessible for new comers or even developing countries. Finally, multi-applicability is an appropriate solution to develop expensive nuclear power plants economically as well as multi-purpose research reactors (especially by means of small modular iPWRs).
Afshin Hedayat
Abstract
Fast neutron irradiation is one of the most strategic radiation applications of research reactors. Usually, it is performed around the reactor core containing lower neutron flux. In this paper, a hybrid object has been introduced and analyzed to enhance irradiating ...
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Fast neutron irradiation is one of the most strategic radiation applications of research reactors. Usually, it is performed around the reactor core containing lower neutron flux. In this paper, a hybrid object has been introduced and analyzed to enhance irradiating applications of the fast neutrons in the core of a Material Testing Reactor (MTR). The tool includes an old-type low-consumed HEU control fuel element, a dry channel, and a Cd filter. It is supposed to be installed at the internal neutron trap (D4 positions) of TRR core configuration. Calculating results are very promising for using the proposed tool to increase neutron fluxes, reduce thermal and epi-thermal neutron fluxes, and shift the neutron spectrum toward the fast neutron region (hardening effect) at the chosen irradiating location. Primary safety parameters are also checked and passed successfully. Furthermore, there are also some other presented safety items which must be checked carefully and conservatively in order to refabricate and install such a irradiating tool in an in-core location of a MTR.