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Title: Generation IV Reactors
Reference number: SH2604
ECTS: 6
Educational level: Second cycle
Target group: TNEEM, TIETM
Programmes: Master's Programme, Energy Innovation, year 1, NUEY, Recommended; Master's Program
me, Nuclear Energy Engineering, year 1, Optional
Attendance: Mandatory (minimum required: 80 %)
Number of Places: No limitations
Language: English
Campus: AlbaNova
Course Examiner: Prof. Pär Olsson
Course Responsible: Dr. Sara Bortot
Course Teacher: Dr. Sara Bortot
Knowledge/Understanding
After this course, you will be able to make design choices that make Generation IV reactors sustainable, safe and reasonably economical.
In particular, you will be able to:
design a fast reactor core meeting the target performance (breeding, size, burn-up, etc.) while respecting technological constraints;
calculate and analyze reactor safety parameters in fast neutron reactors;
develop simplified models for fast core dynamics simulations and perform preliminary safety analyses.
Skills/Abilities
An intrinsic objective of the course is to achieve skills necessary for working autonomously as a scientist or engineer. The main assignment is therefore formulated as a project/research task, which will be presented in the form of a conference paper. The objective is accomplished if you show that you are able to:
Context
The production of commercial nuclear power today is dependent on the availability of U-235, the only fissile nuclide naturally present on Earth. Once the easily accessible resources of U-235 become exhausted, a transition to reactors capable of breeding their own fissile fuel from U-238 may become economically feasible. Breeder reactors of "Generation IV" design, would - besides plutonium ‐ also recycle minor actinides, in order to reduce the long‐term radio-toxic inventory sent to geological repositories. Another Generation IV objective is the operation at high temperature, leading to better conversion efficiency, thus compensating for the higher maintenance and fuel costs of these systems.
Topics - frontal lectures
Topics - flipped classrooms
Teaching Approach
The course is designed to be as dynamic as possible, so as to give you flexibility, independence and responsibility in organizing your work. The proposed teaching approach aims at providing strong theoretical bases while fostering the development of functional skills through involvement in very technical project-based learning activities.
Learning Activities
The course is organized into lecture, workshop and free class meetings. Learning activities include both individual and group work.
Lecture class meetings last three hours and take place every second week (see Schedule). During each of these meetings, the teacher will introduce and discuss one course topic. Workshop class meetings last two hours and are dedicated to home assignments group presentations and discussion: during these meetings the teacher will provide you with additional explanations, doubts clarification and you will receive feedback on your group and individual work both from him/her and from your colleagues.
Free class meetings are scheduled every third week (namely, for the weeks free from lecture and workshop class meetings), last three + two hours, and are dedicated to independent group work. It is your total responsibility organizing and managing this time at your best convenience.
Team work will result in the preparation of seminars to be delivered by the groups during the following class meeting.
Home Assignments (HAs)
Calculation of conversion ratios for different core geometries and material option
Design of a fast reactor core meeting a given target performance
Development of a simplified fast reactor core dynamics simulator
All home assignments will be discussed and assessed during the course meetings. Having done all home assignments, writing the conference report will not be difficult.
To pass the course you should actively participate in all course meetings.
The results of home assignments and team work (flipped classrooms) will be presented and discussed at the course meetings.
If you cannot attend a meeting, report this in advance, and you will be given an extra written assignment to replace the meeting you missed.
You are further required to have participated in writing and presenting a conference report with the title "Design and Analysis of a Generation IV Fast Reactor Core". The research for the report will be done in groups. The paper is to be presented orally before the final examination.
The final examination constitutes of an individual discussion with the teacher about the contents of the course, lasting 30-60 minutes.
Criteria
In order to pass the exam, you are required to pass each of the following evaluations with a minimum grade of D:
If you obtain an average higher than 7 in these evaluations, you are admitted to the oral interview. In case you do not meet this criterion, you must attend the course again.
Oral interview: grades A to F.
Final Evaluation
Pass/Fail
For students who pass the exam being graded with A, a mention of merit with a recommendation letter will be provided by the Examiner.
A course in reactor physics (e.g. SH2600) or equivalent knowledge. This is a mandatory requirement. If you have not taken a reactor physics course you will not be permitted to attend the course.
Office Hours and Location
AlbaNova Campus, Reactor Physics Division (3rd floor) Wednesday 10:00-‐12:00;
Means of Communication
Drop-in during office hours
Time booking via e-mail otherwise
Contacts
E-mail: bortot@kth.se