Study on the operation scheme of a pool-type lead-bismuth fast reactor

The small lead-bismuth fast reactor has become one of the main reactor types in the Generation IV reactor because of its high inherent safety and easy miniaturization. However, the complex operation environments and variable working conditions make traditional control logic inadequate for load-following requirements. Additionally, the lack of operational experience with lead-bismuth fast reactors complicates control system design. To accelerate the development of small lead-bismuth fast reactors and ensure their safe and economical operation, this paper establishes and verifies a pool-type lead-bismuth fast reactor model and analyzes its dynamic characteristics under different operation modes by using time-domain analysis methods. Nine different small pool-type lead-bismuth fast reactor operation schemes were designed, and the operation schemes were analyzed based on the coupling characteristics of the lead-bismuth fast reactor. The best operation schemes are obtained under both turbine-leading and reactor-leading operation modes. This paper offers guidance for designing operation schemes of lead-bismuth fast reactors.