SCWR – Supercritical-Water-Cooled Reactor System

SCWR – Supercritical-Water-Cooled Reactor System
The SCWR system is a high-temperature, high-pressure water-cooled reactor that operates above the thermodynamic critical point of water (374°C, 22.1 MPa or 705°F, 3208 psia). The supercritical water coolant enables a thermal efficiency about one-third higher than current light water reactors, as well as simplifications in the balance of plant. The balance of plant is considerably simplified because the coolant does not change phase in the reactor and is directly coupled to the energy conversion equipment. The reference system is 1700 MWe with an operating pressure of 25 MPa, and a reactor outlet temperature of 510°C, possibly ranging up to 550°C. The fuel is uranium oxide. Passive safety features are incorporated similar to those of simplified boiling water reactors.
The SCWR system is primarily designed for efficient electricity production, with an option for actinide management based on two options in the core design: the SCWR may have a thermal or fast-spectrum. Thus, the system offers two fuel cycle options: the first is an open cycle with a thermal-spectrum reactor; the second is a closed cycle with a fast- spectrum reactor and full actinide recycle based on advanced aqueous processing at a central location.