Multiphysics simulations of Self-Regulating performance of an optimized molten metal fuel microreactor design

Miao, Yinbin; Mo, Kun; Fei, Tingzhou; Cao, Yan

doi:10.1016/j.nucengdes.2023.112244

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Multiphysics simulations of Self-Regulating performance of an optimized molten metal fuel microreactor design

Miao, Yinbin·Mo, Kun·Fei, Tingzhou·Cao, Yan

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Abstract

Advanced microreactors are expected to play an indispensable role in reliable energy solutions for civilian/ military applications in off-grid regions and space applications such as power supplies for Lunar and Mars bases. An innovative fast neutron spectrum heat pipe microreactor (HP-MR) concept was recently proposed with two unique features: molten U-Mn fuel and heat pipes as the heat removal mechanism. The microreactor was designed to be self-regulated, solely relying on reactivity feedbacks from fuel temperature. The reactor design has been further optimized to provide sufficient engineering safety margin and effective heat removal. In this study, the self-regulating performance of the optimized molten metal fuel microreactor was investigated by multi-physics simulations (neutronics, heat-transfer and heat pipe modeling) based on the MOOSE MultiApps system. In conclusion, the responses of the reactor to a series of transient scenarios were simulated to demonstrate the exceptional and inherent safety features of the novel microreactor concept.

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21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS Microreactors Molten metal fuels Multiphysics simulation Transient scenarios

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Miao, Yinbin, Mo, Kun, Fei, Tingzhou, Cao, Yan. 2023-03-06. Multiphysics simulations of Self-Regulating performance of an optimized molten metal fuel microreactor design. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2023.112244

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