Design Optimization Using Depletion Perturbation Theory

摘要

Analysis of the fuel cycle performance of a reactor requires knowledge of the entire fuel burnup history. The optimal design depends upon the desired performance parameter or combination of parameters to be minimized (or maximized). The emphasis to date has been to use some combination of iterations involving a number of direct calculations, static perturbation theory, binary exchange methods, and empirical relationships. The object of this study is to demonstrate an approach to optimization based upon Depletion Perturbation Theory (DPT). The DPT equations directly couple the nuclide burnup equations and the neutron balance equations. The equations require the calculation of forward and adjoint solutions for the neutron flux and nuclide transmutations. The application is for analysis of a modular HTGR. The reactor has axially dependent fuel loadings in order to achieve an axial power shape that keeps fuel temperatures below a specified maximum. (ERA citation 09:040046)