Department of Energy FY 2012 Congressional ... - The FIRE Place

FY 2010
Actual
Approp
(dollars in thousands)
FY 2011
Request
FY 2012
Request
• Develop advanced 3-D calculation methods and software that use fewer approximations
reducing uncertainties and associated costly conservatism in advanced reactor designs.
• Conduct prototypic component testing to simulate operating conditions to permit validation
and qualification.
• Develop revised thermal-hydraulic design procedures and conduct the development tests.
• Develop qualified 3-D Computational Fluid Dynamics calculation methods to replace design
development test programs for reactor hydraulic parameters and pump designs.
• Develop Core Flow procedures for OHIO-class Replacement submarine.
Advanced Fuel and Manufacturing Technology: This work focuses on evaluating and testing
improved core manufacturing processes and inspection techniques to support reactors. Funding
has been identified in the estimated amount of $63,900,000 to support this work in FY 2012,
including the following:
• Develop new fuel and poison manufacturing technologies to enable future plant design
concepts.
• Revise existing processes and develop new manufacturing processes that enable the
manufacture of advanced cores with improved performance.
• Develop improved inspection equipment and procedures for existing core designs which
reduce core costs.
• Continue to fabricate model elements and core structural components essential to qualify new
reactor core materials, designs, and manufacturing and inspection technologies.
• Continue core manufacturing development and demonstration for refueling of the Technology
Demonstration Prototype and qualify fleet production-scale manufacturing capability.
• Develop advanced technologies, equipment, procedures, and specifications required to meet
the design objectives of advanced cores in a cost effective manner.
Control Drive Mechanism and Other Reactor Equipment Technology: This work focuses
on designing and testing improved reactor equipment including advanced control drive
mechanisms (CDM) which meet all design requirements, are more reliable than past designs, and
are more affordable. Funding has been identified in the estimated amount of $25,500,000 to
support this work in FY 2012, including the following:
• Continue develop of tooling and technical manuals for the A1B CDM.
• Continue other CDM support for the A1B lead ship.
• Continue design of CDM and heavy equipment for the S8G Prototype reactor plant.
• Develop, test, and manufacture advanced CDMs for the A1B, OHIO-class Replacement
submarine, and future reactor designs which are simpler and more affordable.
Naval Reactors/
Operations and Maintenance
Page 448
FY 2012 Congressional Budget