Alternative concept for a Fast Energy Amplifier accelerator driven reactor

Abstract

Recently Rubbia et alii introduced a conceptual design of a Fast Energy Amplifier (FEA) as an advanced innovative reactor, which, besides being breeder and waste bumer, generates energy. The FEA utilizes a neutron spallation source induced by a proton beam of a three-stage cyclotron accelerator to induce fission in a subcritical core imbibed in a molten lead coolant. This paper introduces some qualitative changes in the Rubbia's concept. The novel element of our concept is the introduction of more than one point of spallation (at least two), in order to make the neutron distribution more uniform and reduce the requirements (current, and energy) of the accelerator. Also, the subcritical core that in Rubbia's concept is a hexagonal array of fuel pins imbibed in molten lead is replaced in our concept by a solid lead calandria with the fuel elements in channels cooled by Helium. This concept will allow fuel refueling and shuming on line, which we believe will be more efficient in waste incineration, since a fuel element can circulate in different reactor positions before discharge.