Fresh fuel storage

Fresh fuel storage

The current uncertainty in the fresh fuel market inevitably leads to concerns about energy security and the subsequent efforts of nuclear power plant operators to increase their fresh fuel stocks. ŠKODA JS offers solutions by installing additional racks, or even replacing existing original racks with new ones with a compact configuration, all within the original design solution of the fresh fuel storage room. ŠKODA JS also has extensive experience in designing high-density racks for spent fuel storage.

The solution can be adapted to customer requirements (capacity, choice of material, floor load capacity). The design of the fresh fuel rack is offered in both configurations – hexagonal (VVER type) and square (PWR, BWR type). By choosing the right material and the related design solution, it is possible to adjust the spacing of the fuel assemblies, i.e. the storage density, according to customer requirements. The design is verified by comprehensive calculations (neutronics, strength – statics/seismicity), which are performed internally at ŠKODA JS.

The offered solution can be implemented in several phases

Other advantages of the solution

  • The project is compatible with the fuel management solution and installation conditions
  • Complete verification of the calculation
  • Turnkey implementation from design to installation at the NPP, including assessment of the building structure
  • Complete project documentation for approval

References

In 2023, tworack sections were installed in the Dukovany NPP fresh fuel storage. Two storage sections were located in each storage room. Each section has a capacity of 60 cells for fuel assemblies.

According to the operator’s needs, another section would be added. As another option to increase the capacity of the stored fuel assemblies, this project also includes replacing the two existing original sections in each room with new sections with increased capacity.