Integrated Approach to Fluoride High Temperature Reactor (Fhr) Technology Development

Abstract

Fluoride (-salt-cooled) High-temperature Reactors (FHRs) are generally considered inherently safer, more proliferation-resistant and less long-lived waste than conventional light water reactors. However, several challenges remain before this class of reactors can be deployed, mostly related to its technology readiness. Through a U.S. Department of Energy funded project, a team of researchers, from universities, national laboratory, and industry as well as international partners have been collaborating to address several of the key related technology gaps, namely, tritium management; liquid salt coolant impurity removal and redox and corrosion control; advanced instrumentation; qualification of structural alloys; novel heat exchangers; and, verification and validation (V&V) of neutronics and thermal hydraulics tools in support of licensing. It is expected that the outcomes will reduce technical uncertainties and facilitate commercialization, with a broader impact of supporting development of other advanced reactors. This paper summarizes the results of the selected activities achieved so far.