The Concept of a Nuclear Power Unit on the Basis of a Low-Power Multipurpose Test Research Reactor with Supercritical Light-Water Coolant

Herein is presented a preliminary concept of a nuclear power installation (NPI) based on a low-power multipurpose test research reactor with a supercritical pressure light water coolant (LMTRR-SCP), which can operate as a test or research reactor, and has the following capabilities: substantiation of operating conditions for a supercritical water-cooled power reactor in the fast neutron spectrum; adjustment of the design operating regimes of the reactor with supercritical coolant conditions (including reactor startup, attainment of the energy power level, switch-over between power levels, rated power operation, shutdown, etc.); reactor irradiation of promising types of nuclear fuel, absorbing and structural materials for nuclear installations with fast, intermediate, or thermal neutron spectrum; comprehensive experimental and numerical investigations to obtain information required for development and verification of numerical codes; evaluation of new types of equipment for various process systems (including elements of emergency cooling systems, steam generators, etc.), instruments, and control, monitoring, and diagnostics systems for power reactors of various types. Investigations into the closed nuclear fuel cycle (CNFC) problem; utilization of actinides and handling of long-lived fission products, including pilot demonstration closure of the fuel cycle; mastering of processes for the manufacture of radionuclide products for various applications; production of modified materials; and use of the reactor’s thermal energy for heat and power generation. A potential also exists for the development of international cooperation within the scope of joint research programs on the basis of LMTRR-SCP.