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Generation IV Systems Gas-Cooled Fast Reactor (GFR) Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor (LFR) Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor (SFR) Supercritical Water-Cooled Reactor (SCWR) Very-High-Temperature Reactor (VHTR)
UK Selected Generation IV Design Concepts GEN IV Reactor System AcronymSpectrum Fuel cycle Very High Temp. ReactorVHTRThermal Once-Through Gas-Cooled Fast ReactorGFRFast Closed Sodium Cooled Fast Reactor SFRFast Closed Lead Alloy-Cooled ReactorLSFFast Closed Supercritical Water ReactorSCWRThermal & Fast Once/Closed Molten Salt ReactorMSRThermal Closed = UK priority systems Note that 5 out of the 6 systems are either FRs or closed-cycle breeders
Wide UK experience with different systems Sodium-cooled fast reactors DFR PFR Present Gas-cooled reactors Magnox AGR Water-cooled reactors SGHWR Sizewell B PWR HTR
UK Priorities Very High Temp gas-cooled Reactor - Logical progression from BNFL’s interest in PBMR and gas-cooled technology for thermal reactors Gas-cooled Fast Reactor - Logical progression for gas cooled reactor technology for fast reactors Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor - Maintain capability to understand & evaluate liquid-metal cooled fast reactor systems as well as utilise historic UK knowledge
PBMR fuel
Heat applications & temperatures
Thermo-chemical process - Hydrogen generation without CO 2 production Best option for H 2 production via nuclear is thermo- chemical process. Process consumes water, & high temperature heat. Releases only H 2, O 2 & low temperature heat. All reagents are recycled
The hydrogen economy brings opportunities for all energy sources Nuclear reactor Hydrogen Production (eg electrolysis or thermo- chemical splitting of water) energy Fuel cell