OPOS-1000: Advancing the efficiency of VVER-1000 spent nuclear fuel cask loading

Abstract

This study delves into the optimization of dual-purpose casks utilized for storing and transporting spent nuclear fuel from VVER-1000 reactors. Central to this investigation is the assessment of radiation dose rates surrounding the casks, facilitated by the novel OPOS-1000 calculation tool, which incorporates adjoint flux techniques for enhanced precision. This tool enables the strategic placement of hotter fuel assemblies at the core, surrounded by cooler ones, effectively minimizing radiation exposure through a carefully designed zoning strategy. Detailed analyses conducted with OPOS-1000 offer insights into the optimal configuration of fuel assemblies to reduce radiation levels, presenting a significant advancement in spent fuel cask loading efficiency. This research's findings have the potential to streamline the loading process and influence the certification of new fuel types for existing casks, marking a pivotal step forward in spent nuclear fuel management.