Multiple usage of thorium-based fuel in a VVER-1000 reactor

This paper considers the use of unconventional fuel in nuclear power reactors, using example a VVER-type unit, order to find out possibility saving natural fissile uranium nuclei. Saving is one important tasks, solution which will give time for development two-component industry that have no problems with resources. However, at present, reserves cheap can provide existing level global energy only 80–100 years. The main components this proposed are 232 Th and isotopes uranium: 235 U (loaded) 233 (produced from thorium). All added nuclei beginning campaign account about 6% number thorium isotopes. abbreviated name TORUR-5. To keep fissionable cycle after spent unloaded, it envisaged all heavy be returned back reactor they been cleaned fission fragments, i.e., closed. At same time, principle annual movement assemblies (as burn up) as VVER-1000 reactors. Using Serpent software, model was built, composition dimensions were close parameters serial unit. results calculations quantitative compositions annually loaded into well amounts also annually. analysis obtained allowed us make following conclusions. reloading during computation period required almost constant and, comparison fuel, half much. feasible reasons. Part fissions replaced by produced Th. In addition, kept closed Th-U cycle. first “advantage” fuel. TORUR-5 requires enriched least 90%, cost several times higher than 3–5% uranium. But since much less highly required, TORUR-5-fueled significantly lower. second negative characteristic TORUR-5, further investigation, that, initial loading, appear total radioactivity which, according estimates, exceeds traditional thousand times. discharged conventional fresh millions times, problem has solved NPPs both organizationally technically. Therefore, necessary develop technology loading taking estimated radioactivity.