RBEC-M Lead-Bismuth Cooled Fast Reactor: Optimization of Conceptual Decisions

Abstract

A concept of the RBEC lead-bismuth fast reactor is a synthesis, on one hand, experience in development and operation of fast sodium power reactors and reactors with Pb-Bi coolant, and, on the other hand, of large R&D activities on development of the core concept for modified fast sodium reactor. The paper presents improved project RBEC-M, characterized by a number of innovative decisions, which allow to improve safety and cost parameters compared to the basic RBEC project. These innovative decisions include application of nitride fuel based on 15N, two-circuit scheme without main reactor pumps, gas lift system in the primary circuit, passive reactor auxiliary cooling system, etc.