Reactor Technology (EPFL)

Abstract

Basic heat removal phenomena in a reactor core, limits for heat generation and technological consequences arising from fuel, cladding and coolant properties, main principles of reactor thermal design, as well as the general design of the nuclear power plant with its main and auxiliary systems are explained. The system technology of the most important thermal and fast reactor types is introduced.

Objective

By the end of the course, the student must be able to: (1) Understand design principles of nuclear reactors, (2) Understand purpose and function of main reactor and power plant components and subsystems, (3) assess and evaluate the performance of reactor types, (4) systematize reactor system components, (5) formulate safety requirements for reactor systems

Content

- Fuel rod, LWR fuel elements - Temperature field in fuel rod - Reactor core, design - Flux and heat source distribution, cooling channel - Single-phase convective heat transfer, axial temperature profiles - Boiling crisis and DNB ratio - Pressurized water reactors, design - Primary circuit design - Steam generator heat transfer, steam generator types - Boiling water reactors - Reactor design - LWR power plant technology, main and auxiliary systems - Breeding and transmutation, purpose of generation IV systems - Properties of different coolants and technological consequences - Introduction into gas-cooled reactors, heavy water moderated reactors, sodium and led cooled fast reactors, molten salt reactors, accelerator driven systems

Resources