DOE judges IFR best reactor design

In summary, the Department of Energy has concluded that out of 19 reactor designs evaluated using 27 criteria, the IFR (Integral Fast Reactor) is the best option to meet the world's energy needs in the future. However, some experts are skeptical about the technology's ability to reach its full potential and believe that more development is needed. Other designs such as CANDU and IPSR also show promise, but they have yet to be constructed and operated. To make a final decision, more information and research is needed.

DOE judges IFR best reactor design


  • Total voters
    2
  • #1
ensabah6
695
0
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Cool. I read the link, and it seems like a good analysis. Personally, I don't know that the IFR technology is developed enough to be sure that it will be able to reach its theoretical potential. Certainly would be amazing technology.
 
  • #3
CANDU looks right up there?
 
  • #4
I would need more information, e.g., the 27 criteria.
 
  • #5
No one has ever built an IPSR let alone operated it.

Would like to see some OE before deciding.
 
  • #6
Xnn said:
No one has ever built an IPSR let alone operated it.

Would like to see some OE before deciding.
Definitely, one would have to be constructed - but few a willing to pony up the money.

This might be of interest.
http://gif.inel.gov/roadmap/pdfs/003_r_d_scope_report_for_water-cooled_reactor_systems.pdf

http://www.ornl.gov/~webworks/cppr/y2001/pres/121500.pdf

IPSR is Integrated/Integral Primary System Reactor where the steam generator is contained within the pressure vessel, which traditionally contains the core.

The Westinghouse IRIS concept is an example. The NuScale concept is another example.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What does "DOE judges IFR best reactor design" mean?

The Department of Energy (DOE) has evaluated and determined that the Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) is the most efficient and safest design for a nuclear reactor.

2. What is an IFR reactor?

An IFR reactor is a type of nuclear reactor design that uses liquid metal as a coolant and can recycle its own nuclear waste as fuel, making it a more sustainable and efficient energy source.

3. How does the DOE determine the best reactor design?

The DOE evaluates various factors such as safety, efficiency, cost, and environmental impact to determine the best reactor design.

4. What makes the IFR reactor the best design according to the DOE?

The IFR reactor has several advantages over other designs, including a higher fuel efficiency, lower risk of nuclear accidents, and the ability to recycle nuclear waste. It also produces less long-lived radioactive waste compared to traditional nuclear reactors.

5. Are there any drawbacks to the IFR reactor design?

While the IFR reactor has many advantages, it is still a relatively new technology and has not yet been fully tested on a large scale. Additionally, the initial cost of building an IFR reactor may be higher than other designs. However, in the long run, it is believed to be a more sustainable and cost-effective option for nuclear energy production.

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