Concept of a Small Modular SCWR With Horizontal Fuel Assemblies

Abstract

Based on the concept of the high performance light water reactor (HPLWR), an innovative concept of a small modular reactor is presented, which shall have smaller peak cladding temperatures than the HPLWR due to better coolant mixing, and which shall enable a passive residual heat removal by natural convection. The core is designed with horizontal fuel assemblies including an internal water channel to improve moderation. Supercritical water is heated up in seven steps, when running through these assemblies, and the outer reflector around the core is used as mixing channels. More design optimization and analyses will be needed, however, to assess the feasibility of such a concept.