Neutronics performances of gas-cooled fast reactor for 300-600 MWt Output Power with Modified CANDLE burn-up scheme in radial direction

Abstract

Abstract Gas-Cooled Fast Reactor-GFR is a Generation IV reactor that is helium-cooled and has a closed fuel cycle. Due to the target operation on 2022-2030, this reactor type still needs further research and development technologies. We investigated the neutronics performances of a GFR balance type core with some modification of CANDLE (Constant Axial shape of Neutron flux, nuclide densities and power shape During Life of Energy production) burn-up scheme in the radial direction. The output power varied from 300 to 600 MWt. The neutronics calculation was performed using SRAC 2002 with JENDL 4.0 nuclear data library. The analysis indicate the reactor could operate critically for ten years without refueling with burn-up level 20% HM.