Innovative Fuel Elements with Enhanced Decay Heat Removal Capability for Passive, Pressure-Tube LWRs

Abstract

This paper focuses on the development of advanced fuel elements for innovative pressure tube LWRs. Considerations and constraints affecting the design process and various possible design options are discussed. The two most promising fuel designs, which can survive LOCA without primary coolant replenishment while having sufficient margins to fuel design limits, are proposed, described and evaluated. It is demonstrated that this key objective can be achieved provided that reliable Sic cladding/coating, which can withstand operating and accident conditions without failure, can be manufactured. Recent advances in ceramic coating technologies and experimental tests of coated specimens indicate that the attainment of this goal is feasible.