A Design and Optimization Methodology for Liquid Metal Fast Reactors

A liquid metal fast reactor (LMFR) design and optimization methodology (DOM) has been developed. The effectively explores a search space by initially sampling the space, excluding invalid samples prior to performing expensive multiphysics analysis, then local searches of space. are evaluated using capabilities LUPINE LMFR simulation suite. Two studies have performed demonstrate DOM. First, Westinghouse long-life core lead (WLFR) is optimized. This 950 MW th fueled with uranium nitride (UN) fuel which natural nitrogen isotopic abundance. objective reduction levelized cycle cost (LFCC) while complying constraints. Considering challenges associated in fuel, second study was competitive 15N-enriched UN-fueled LFR. Based on this design, 15N enrichment process necessary achieve LFCC calculated.