![]() ![]() The longer term EnCore Fuel comprises cladding made of a silicon carbide ceramic matrix composite, with high-density uranium silicide fuel pellets. ![]() Lead test rods will be inserted in a commercial reactor in spring 2019 region quantities are scheduled for 2023. By making only incremental changes to the current Westinghouse cladding material in use (Zirlo ® or Optimised Zirlo ™), and using ADOPT pellets, it offers better fuel performance with faster availability to the industry. The nearer term EnCore Fuel has chromium-coated zirconium cladding and ADOPT ™ fuel (uranium dioxide) pellets, offering moderate benefits in safety and economics. Other highly advanced, longer term EnCore Fuel products are being developed more slowly for a reduced-risk approach to ATF. Some EnCore Fuel products are being developed for fast implementation so utilities gain safety and cost benefits quickly. The suite of Westinghouse ATF products, called EnCore ® Fuel, are being developed and deployed on a strategic time schedule. Westinghouse had begun developing a fuel aimed at similar objectives in 2003/4. This is why, in 2012, the US Congress directed the US Department of Energy (DOE) to give priority to developing enhanced fuels and cladding, leading to R&D investment in accident tolerant nuclear fuels (ATF) at US DOE laboratories, in universities, and in the nuclear industry.Īppointed after a competitive process, Westinghouse is one of three nuclear fuel developers that have won awards from the US DOE to develop and implement ATF technologies. ![]() The zirconium-clad fuel currently in use as the industry standard for light water reactors (LWRs) has been safe and reliable in normal and accident conditions, but it has an exothermic reaction to steam when exposed to the high temperatures experienced in ‘beyond design basis’ accidents. Oelrich, Sumit Ray, Christian Deck and Christina Back explain.īyron 2 will load test rods next spring. Westinghouse Electric Company and its partners are adopting a two-phase approach to accident tolerant fuels (ATF) development, as Peng Xu, Robert L. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |