加速器驱动次临界系统——先进核燃料循环的选择

Accelerator driven sub-critical systems——a promising solution for cycling nuclear fuel

加速器驱动次临界系统(Accelerator Driven Sub-critical System,ADS)是利用加速器产生的高能强流质子束轰击重核时产生的外源中子,来驱动次临界堆芯中裂变材料发生的持续的链式反应,使得长寿命放射性核素最终变为非放射性的或短寿命的核素,并维持反应堆运行,因而具有该系统所固有的安全性。ADS的中子能谱硬,通量大,能量分布宽,嬗变长寿命核素能力强,可大幅降低核废料的放射性危害,实现核废料的最少化,被国际公认为是核废料处理最有前景的技术途径。文章介绍了ADS研究的国家需求,概述了ADS技术原理及挑战,同时介绍了中国科学院战略性先导科技专项(A类)"未来先进核裂变能——ADS嬗变系统"这一研究课题实施进展情况,并对未来发展进行了展望。

An accelerator driven sub-critical system （ADS） that utilizes spallation neutrons as an external neutron source to drive the sub-critical blanket system has inherent safety features. It is universally regarded as the most promising approach for the disposal of the long-lived nuclear wastes because of its hard and wide neutron spectra, and large flux. In addition to its ability to re- duce significantly the lifetime and volume of nuclear waste, it also has the potential for nuclear fu- el breeding and nuclear power generation, which could improve the utilization efficiency of nucle- ar fuel resource. In this paper we describe the basis principles, challenges and current status of ADS research worldwide. A brief review of the progress of China＇s ADS research program is then presented, followed by an overview of the outlook for future developments.