ORNL-5388 - the Molten Salt Energy Technologies Web Site

SWU
SWU
6-14
UZJS USILEINS
WYI
U5ILEIN- HM I
7
HM
THROWAWAY
HEDL 7801-78.7
Option 1: In this option, LEU (235U/238U) converters* operating on the throwaway/
stowaway cycle are permitted outside the energy centers and no reactors are operated
inside the centers. Spent fuel is returned to the secure energy centers for ultimate
disposal .
Fig. 6.1-1. Option 1: The Throwaway/Stowaway Option.
technique; the fabrication of 235U, 233U, and 239Pu fuels; the destruction and transmutation
of fissile and fertile isotopes occurring during power production in the reactor; the storage
of spent fuel, and, if permitted, the reprocessing of spent fuel; the size and composition
of fissile stockpiles as a function of time; and the amount of spent fuel or high-level
waste which must be stored as a function of time.
Thus, the amount, composition, and move-
ment of all fissile material in the civilian nuclear power system were accurately calculated
for each case under the nuclear policy options shown in Tables 6.1-4 and 6.1-5-
The cost of each nuclear option and the total power c0s.t of each nuclear unit in
the option were also calculated; however, the total power cost of a nuclear unit did not
determine whether it would be constructed. Generally it was constructed if (1) it was
available in the policy under consideration, and (2) it had a lower U308 consumption
rate than the other nuclear units available under the same policy option.
This approach
was adopted because it is possible to calculate the U308, fissile plutonium, and 233U
requirements of a nuclear unit with reasonable accuracy, while it is very difficult to
"WRs that are fueled with natural or slightly enriched uranium are included in this category.
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