Abstract:
In order to improve the utilization rate of PWR nuclear fuel, a kind of uniformly mixed thorium-uranium assemblies which contain suitable quantity of
232Th and
233U were developed. Neutronics calculation and analysis show that
kinf of the new assemblies decreases with the increase of burnup slowly. This property is very good for extending reactor core cycle lifetime. Unit 1 of Ling Ao Nuclear Power Plant was chosen as reference core, and thorium-uranium mixed core was formed by feeding thorium assemblies. Through corresponding analysis, the conclusion indicates that uniformly mixed thorium-uranium assemblies suit exiting PWRs and have advantages in
235U utilization and long cycle lifetime was obtained.