A nuclear power plant uses 87 tons of uranium in its core. The first core consists of 3 equal batches with enrichments of 2.5, 2.9, and 3.1%. For subsequent cycles, the reactor uses batches with enrichments equal to 2.6 and 3.2% in alternate years. One third of the core is discharged each year and is replaced by new fuel. Assume a 30-yr lifetime and 0.2% tails during the life of the plant. Calculate:
(a) The number of SWUs needed for the 1st core, the number of SWUs every year after the 1st cycle, and the total SWUs over the life of the plant
(b) The amount of U308 and UF6 needed for the 1st core, every year after, and the total U308 and UF6 over the life of the plant. Give your result in metric tons of uranium, UF6, and U308
(c) Assume the following prices and calculate the cost of the 1st core and the cost of the fuel per year for the life of the plant.
U3O8: $40.00/kgU
Enrichment: $80.00/SWU, 0.5% loss in conversion
Conversion: $4.00/kgU
Fabrication: $100.00/kgU, 0.85 loss in fabrication