|
General introduction
The reactor physics group concentrates on issues related to the development of innovative reactors for future nuclear power generation.
The time slowing down spectrometer of the PEREN platform (Plateforme d'Etude et de Recherche sur l'Energie Nucléaire
, i.e. investigation and research platform for nuclear power) has been operational since 2004 for the measurement of nuclear data. With it, we have obtained initial measurements of the elastic scattering of neutrons on carbon and fluorine. This data will help improve the international nuclear data bases and it is useful to us in the study of MSRs (Molten Salt Reactors). The chemistry component of this platform was completed in 2005. Besides permitting the preparation of molten salt samples, it will be the principal tool for our studies on bubbling in molten salt reactors which should ensure fast extraction of the main neutron poisons from the reactor core so that the reactor can continue to breed its fuel over time. Numerous simulations of the reactor core have allowed us to single out several configurations for an intrinsically safe thorium based reactor with good breeding capabilities and various neutron spectra. Several solutions for the production of the fissile fuel needed to start breeder reactors subsequently fed with a thorium or uranium 238 fertile fuel (1 ton per GWe.year) were evaluated and have led to the elaboration of nuclear power
deployment scenariosbetween now and the end of the century, taking into account likely worldwide energy consumptions.
ADSs (Accelerators Driven Systems)
offer efficient and safe perspectives for the transmutation of high-level radioactive wastes provided that the on-line measurement and control of the reactivity can be mastered. This was one of the goals of the now completed MUSE program which used the MASURCA reactor coupled to the GENEPI pulsed neutron source built by the LPSC. The last results are in the publication phase. The next step will use a continuous source on the YALINA equipment in Belarus, in view of validating the results previously obtained and, more importantly, to participate in the preparation of the European ADS pilot system which should ensue from the MYRRHA project of the SCK/CEN in Belgium.
.
|
