2. Reactor design

2.1 Core and fuel assemblies

Compared with Gundremmingen B & C, in a vessel of the same height, the active core height of KERENA™ has been reduced from 3.71 to 3.00 m. The core is thus positioned lower in the vessel. In addition, the steam feedwater and steam outlet nozzles have been moved upwards, providing a significantly larger body of water above the core for the control of accident situations.

A larger fuel assembly with 12x12 positions (ATRIUM 12x12-16Q), derived from the industrially proven AREVA NP ATRIUM 10x10-9Q fuel assembly, was selected. A large fuel assembly is more attractive for a core with a reduced active height,...