Used Fuel Management System Architecture Evaluation, Fiscal Year 2012
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| FY12 System Architecture Evaluation (10312012 final).pdf (23.1 MB) | 23.1 MB |
In the 1990s the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) completed a number of system analyses investigating consolidated interim storage as a part of the waste management solution. These analyses are “dated” and do not reflect the present situation regarding at-reactor used nuclear fuel (UNF) management, alternatives for away from reactor management of used nuclear fuel, and alternatives for the ultimate disposal of UNF. The Blue Ribbon Commission for America’s Nuclear Future and the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board have also pointed out the need for such analyses.
The Used Fuel Management System Architecture Evaluation effort provides the DOE and others with information regarding the various alternatives for managing UNF generated by the current fleet of light water reactors operating in the U.S. The objectives are to:
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Provide quantitative information with respect to a broad range of UNF management alternatives and considerations
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Develop an integrated approach to evaluating storage, transportation, and disposal options, with emphasis on flexibility
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Evaluate impacts of storage choices on UNF storage, handling, and disposal options
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Identify alternative strategies and evaluate with respect to cost and flexibility
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Consider a broad range of factors including repository emplacement capability, thermal constraints, repackaging needs, storage and transportation alternatives, and impacts on utility operations.
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<p>In Fiscal Year 2012 system-level analyses of the overall interface between at-reactor, consolidated storage, and ultimate disposition along with the development of supporting logistic simulation tools were initiated. The objective of the Fiscal Year 2012 effort was two-fold: 1) develop methodologies, approaches, and tools (capability development), and 2) evaluate select UNF disposition scenarios (capability demonstration). The scenarios chosen for evaluation and the assumptions, inputs, and boundary conditions selected allowed for an initial set of analyses to gain insight regarding integrated system dynamics and an understanding of trends. This initial set of analyses also points to where additional system architecture analyses should focus. </p>
