DOE judges IFR best reactor design

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SUMMARY

The Department of Energy (DOE) has evaluated 19 reactor designs against 27 criteria and concluded that the Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) is the optimal design to address future global energy demands. The discussion highlights concerns regarding the maturity of IFR technology and the need for operational experience (OE) before widespread adoption. Additionally, the Integrated/Integral Primary System Reactor (IPSR) is mentioned, with examples including Westinghouse's IRIS and NuScale concepts, which also require further development and investment.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of reactor design principles
  • Familiarity with the Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) technology
  • Knowledge of operational experience (OE) in nuclear reactors
  • Awareness of the Integrated/Integral Primary System Reactor (IPSR) concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the 27 criteria used by the DOE for reactor evaluation
  • Explore the operational history and performance of the Westinghouse IRIS reactor
  • Investigate the development status and regulatory challenges of NuScale's reactor design
  • Review the implications of Integrated/Integral Primary System Reactor (IPSR) technology on future nuclear energy systems
USEFUL FOR

Nuclear engineers, energy policy analysts, and stakeholders in the nuclear energy sector will benefit from this discussion, particularly those involved in reactor design and evaluation.

DOE judges IFR best reactor design

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ensabah6
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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.
 
CANDU looks right up there?
 
I would need more information, e.g., the 27 criteria.
 
No one has ever built an IPSR let alone operated it.

Would like to see some OE before deciding.
 
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.
 
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