Analysis on Reactor Performances of PWR type SMR for Different Fuel
Amila Amatullah (a*), Sidik Permana (b,c), Syeilendra Pramuditya (b,c)

a) Master Program in Nuclear Science and Engineering, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Bandung Institute of Technology Ganesha No. 10 Bandung, Indonesia
*24921004[at]mahasiswa.itb.ac.id
b) Graduate Program in Nuclear Science and Engineering, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Bandung Institute of Technology Ganesha No. 10 Bandung, Indonesia
c) Graduate Program in Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Bandung Institute of Technology Ganesha No. 10 Bandung, Indonesia

Abstract

Following Sustainable Development Goal point 13 and the Paris Agreement, countries are committing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by registering their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Indonesia NDC targets a 29% emissions reduction through its efforts and 41% with international support. In 2021, these goals were adjusted to 31.89% and 43.20%. This positions Indonesia for Net Zero Emission by 2060. One strategy for emission reduction is the dedieselization program, replacing diesel power plants with renewables. Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) type Small Modular Reactor (SMR) is also a consideration. This study aims to compare fuel performance in SMRs. Four fuel types with varying fissile and fertile nuclides but equal fissile mass percentages were assessed: U-235 + U-238, U-235 + Th-232, U-233 + U-238, and U-233 + Th-232, using PIJ SRAC 2006 and JENDL 4.0. Parameters include criticality, conversion ratio, and burnup. Results indicated U-233 significantly higher fissile capacity than U-235, with about 15% criticality difference. Th-232 also exhibits better neutron capture than U-238. This research aids fuel selection for Indonesia SMR dedieselization program.

Keywords: Small Modular Reactor- K-eff- Burnup- Conversion Ratio

Topic: Nuclear Science and Engineering