Deep-sea fast reactors demanded for oceanography

Growing activities in the sea require the development of along-life power unit. The present study was carried out regarding a deep-sea fast reactor (DSFR) to meet this requirement. The DSFR consists of a liquid fast reactor (LMFR) system and a closed Brayton cycle (CBC) power generation system. A report exists regarding electric power requirement from oceanographers. The DSFR is expected to be used as a power source at an underwater station. A conceptual design study was performed on the DSFR of 40, 200 and 500 kWe for a sea-bottom power station at the depth of 1000 to 6000 m. The nonproliferation problem of nuclear fuel has become to be discussed more definitely step by step. In this report, the problem was also studied regarding the DSFR on the basis of the latest knowledge. When mixed oxide fuel of plutonium and uranium is used, the reactor might be considered to have the same capability for the nonproliferation problem as usual light water reactors. Naval reactors for fighting ships were studied to show that the total thermal power of the naval reactors is extremely large compared with that of the DSFR. Nuclear power is expected to be used in the ocean more and more frequently for peacetime industry.