Some key objectives of the project can be summarized as follows:
- Design of a thermal HPLWR core by evaluating previous concepts, defining a fuel assembly, control rods,
and arrangements within the reactor vessel by means of neutronics-, thermalhydraulic and stress-analysis codes.
The aim is to design a feasible core including a "Hot Channel-Factor" analysis.
- Evaluation of the potential of the HPLWR as a fast reactor to explore the potential for using the reactor
as a Plutonium management option, by designing a fast core with computational tools to be adapted and verified.
- Assessment of the reactor safety in order to verify that the HPLWR is as safe as latest Light Water Reactors
and that it leads to fulfil the European Utility Requirements (EUR)
by adapting best LWR safety philosophy and by analysing selective design basis accidents with the improved and verified codes.
- Proposal for selection of materials based on characterization for major in-core and out-of-core components
and structures of a thermal HPLWR by performing autoclave tests while concentrating on high temperature materials
with improved corrosion and stress corrosion cracking performances.
- Construction and out-of-pile testing of the Supercritical Water Loop, i.e. basic functioning of loop
components, transients, accidents. Preparation of the loop for in-pile material, radiolysis and water chemistry
testing in-pile.
- Refinement of the HPLWR plant concept respecting the Generation IV technology goals on environmental impact,
resource utilization, and proliferation resistance.
- Ongoing economic assessment in order to evaluate the economic potential of the HPLWR including determination
of electricity generation cost.
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