Generation IV Reactors

                 Generation IV reactors are the new designs being researched by an international organization called GIF (Generation IV International Forum). There are six designs that are being looked at, and these are being planned to be built and ready to produce power no later than 2030. The six reactors are:

 

· Gas Cooled Fast Reactor (GFR)

· Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR)

· Supercritical Water cooled Reactor (SCWR)

· Sodium Cooled Fast Reactor (SFR)

· Lead Cooled Fast Reactor (LFR)

· Molten Salt Reactor (MSR)

 

        All six of these reactors are revolutionary in their safety systems, their waste management abilities, as well as their efficiency. The gas, lead and sodium cooled reactors all have a unique ability to recycle much of the harmful reactor waste that is produced by many other reactors. These types of reactors can use depleted Uranium from other plants as fuel. They can also use many parts of the nuclear waste produced by these plants as fuel, reducing the amount of waste needed to be thrown away. A design of the Gas Cooled Fast Reactor is shown below.

        These reactors also have a unique safety system that does not require human control incase of a mass coolant leak or other accidents that could cause serious damage to the plant. These systems are so called ‘passive’ systems, that use the forces of physics and nature to their advantage. For instance, in each of these reactors, incase of a mass coolant leak, there are large reserves of coolant stores in containers above the reactor. If the temperature reaches a dangerous level, the coolant will automatically be released, and flood the reactor. There are also numerous other safety features that use advanced technology to their advantage, through sensors and multiple fall back systems.

        With the minimal amount of waste produced in these reactors, as well as the high efficiency and lack of a need for enriched Uranium, it makes these an excellent option in the future for nuclear power. They each have their own unique advantages, and are all reliable and safe forms of power.

Citations

1. http://nuclear.inl.gov/gen4/gfr.shtml

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