The feasibility study of the Sub-criticalization of the Holos small modular reactor driven by an electron accelerator

Abstract

have attracted the attention of many researchers. The present study proposes the sub-criticalization of a small portable reactor to increase its safety. The operation of the Holos mobile power generator is examined at the subcritical level to produce cost-effective power. The UO2-fueled Holos subcritical core is modelled by the MCNPX2.6 code. The external photoneutron source was considered with a 100 MeV, 1 mA electron accelerator. The Holos simulated core is discussed in the subcritical level to evaluate the neutronic performance and safety parameters. Power distributions were compared inside the Holos simulated core in critical and subcritical levels. The carried-out calculations show that in addition to the subcritical level operation, negative reactivity coefficient in the Holos subcritical core ensures the core inherent safety. Results show that the neutron and photon flux magnitudes within the Holos core in the subcritical level are greater than the critical state.