Conceptual Design of the Two-row Hexagonal Fuel Assembly for SCWR

Abstract

A new hexagonal fuel assembly (FA) design which has two rows of fuel rods between the hexagonal moderator channels is proposed for the thermal supercritical water cooled reactor (SCWR). The new concept is first and foremost considered for the performance of uniform moderation and sufficient moderation, and with respect to structural size and thermal-hydraulic performance. The neutron physical performance of the two-row hexagonal FA with acceptable configuration is discussed. The results show clearly that a better balance between uniform moderation and sufficient moderation can be obtained in the two-row hexagonal fuel assembly.