Optimization of the Safety Characteristics of the Generation IV Super Critical Water Reator

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Here we propose to analyze the nuclear safety performance of the SCWR, a Generation IV nuclear system, based on the following two considerations: excellence in safety and reliability and a very low likelihood and degree of reactor core damage. Because the SCWR is a nuclear system, its general behavior is controlled by reactor physics, which is used to predict the population of neutrons in the core with time as well as the changes in reactivity resulting from variation in the core properties. These changes may take place as the reactor operates and their impact on the reactor safety must be assessed. One must also minimize the likelihood of core damage that could result from postulated accident scenarios. This implies selecting a fuel configuration that will make the coolant void and power reactivity coefficients negative while optimizing fuel consumption. Finally, the efficiency of the reactivity control mechanism and shutdown systems for operation conditions or during accident scenarios must also be assessed since they play an important role to ensure the safety of the reactor.