The Effect of Reflector Thickness and Mixed Reflectors on Fuel Burnup in CANDU-PHW Reactors

Abstract

The effect of reducing the reflector thickness or using mixed reflectors on the fuel burnup is investigated using one, two, and three dimensional models. Special emphasis is placed on the net cost saving and the impact on the decision and action time. It is shown that previous one-dimensional calculations have overestimated the burnup penalty due to reflector thickness reduction. Based on trade-off of the present worth of fuel and D₂0, a net cost saving would be achieved by increasing the 2 reflector thickness of present CANDU-PHW designs. Furthermore, a net cost reduction may be realized by using mixed reflectors.