Application of the Technology Neutral Framework to Sodium-­Cooled Fast Reactors

Abstract

Sodium cooled fast reactors (SFRs) are considered as a novel example to exercise the Technology Neutral Framework (TNF) proposed in NUREG-1860. One reason for considering SFRs is that they have historically had a licensing problem due to postulated core disruptive accidents. Two SFR designs are considered, and both meet the goals of the TNF that LWRs typically would not. Considering these goals have been met, a method for improving economics is proposed where systems of low risk-importance are identified as candidates for removal, simplification, or removal from safety grade. Seismic risk dominates these designs and is found to be a limiting factor when applying the TNF.