This course gives lectures on the fundamental structure of nuclear reactor systems, and the whole systems and main components of light water reactors, fast reactors, high temperature gas, etc. based on reactor physics, thermal engineering, material engineering, etc. In particular, the instructor explains and compares the characteristic features, advantages and disadvantages of commercial reactors, next generation reactors, innovative reactors and transmutation reactors. The purpose of the course is to let students know the characteristics of various nuclear reactor systems.
Students understand the following matters in nuclear reactor systems, and are able to discuss the nuclear reactor systems that should be developed in the future from the viewpoint of science and engineering. (1) Whole structure of fission reactors, (2) Nuclear reactor systems and their designs (i) Commercial reactors in the past (Generation I), (ii) Current commercial reactors (Generation II) and advanced reactors (Generation III), (iii) Next generation reactors (Generation IV), (iv) Innovative reactors, (3) Comparison of characteristic features, advantages and disadvantages.
Nuclear reactor, Graphite moderator reactor, Heavy water reactor, Light water reactor, Boiling water reactor, Pressurized water reactor, Fast reactor, Gas-cooled reactor, Supercritical water-cooled reactor, Transmutation reactor, Innovative reactor
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
As lectures move forward, understanding is assessed by quizzes and reports.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Outline & Gas-cooled Reactors: Gas-cooled Fast Reactor (GFR), High Temperature Gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) | Explanation of the structure of fission nuclear reactors and Gas-cooled Reactors |
Class 2 | Fast Reactor: (1) Fundamentals) | Explanation of Fundamentals of Fast Reactors |
Class 3 | Fast Reactor: (2) Sodium-cooed Reactors (SFR) ( MONJU) | Explanation of special features of Sodium-cooed Reactors |
Class 4 | Fast Reactor: (3) Sodium-cooed Reactors (SFR) (Demonstration Reactor) | Explanation of demonstration reactor of sodium-cooed Reactors (SFR) |
Class 5 | Fast Reactor: (4) Lead- and Lead-bismuth-cooed Reactors (LFR) | Explanation of special features of lead- and lead-bismuth-cooed Reactors |
Class 6 | Light Water Reactor: (1) Boiling Water Reactors (BWR, ABWR, SBWR | Explanation of special features of Boiling Water Reactors |
Class 7 | Light Water Reactor: (2) Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR, APWR) | Explanation of special features of Pressurized Water Reactors |
Class 8 | Light Water Reactor: (3) Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plants | Explanation of special features of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plants |
Class 9 | Light Water Reactor: (4) Supercritical Water-cooled Reactor (SCWR) | Explanation of special features of Supercritical Water-cooled Reactor |
Class 10 | Transmutation reactor: Accelerator-driven Reactor (ADS) | Explanation of special features of Accelerator-driven Reactor (ADS) |
Class 11 | Graphite-moderated Reactors: Carbon Dioxide-cooled Reactor (GCR), Boiling Water Reactor (RBMK) | Explanation of special features of Graphite-moderated Reactors |
Class 12 | Innovative Reactors: (1) Thorium Cycle and Molten Salt-cooled Reactors | Explanation of special features of Thorium Cycle and Molten Salt-cooled Reactors |
Class 13 | Innovative Reactors: (2) Super Critical CO2 Reactorsr | Explanation of special features of Supercritical CO2-cooled Reactor |
Class 14 | Innovative Reactors: (3) Small Reactors, Long life Core, CANDLE core | Explanation of special features of Small Reactors, Long life Core, and CANDLE core |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Course materials are available at OCW-i.
[1] Y. Oka, "Nuclear Reactor Design," Springer
[2] "Thermal Design of Nuclear Reactors," Pergamon International Library
[3] A. E Walter & A. B. Reynolds, "Fast Breeder Reactors," Pergamon Press
[4] J. G. Yevick, "Fast Reactor Technology: plant Design," The M.I.T. Press
[5] H. Nifenecker, et al. "Accelerator Driven Subcritical Reactors," Institute of Physics Publishing
Exercise and report
It is desired that students have studied nuclear reactor theory, nuclear materials and structures, and nuclear reactor thermal-hydraulics.
Prof. Yukitaka Kato:kato.y.ae[at]m.titech.ac.jp, 03-5734-2967
Associate Prof. Hiroshige Kikura:kikura.h.aa[at]m.titech.ac.jp, 03-5734-3058
Associate Prof. Masatoshi Kondo: kondo.m.ai[at]m.titech.ac.jp, 03-5734-3065
Associate Prof. Takuya Harada:t_harada[at]ne.titech.ac.jp, 03-5734-3292