In the heart of South Korea, at Kyung Hee University, a groundbreaking study led by Jiyoung Kim, a researcher in the Department of Nuclear Engineering, is paving the way for safer and more efficient tritium production. Tritium, a rare isotope of hydrogen, is the lifeblood of nuclear fusion reactors, powering the future of clean, abundant energy. However, its dual-use potential—both for peaceful energy production and nuclear weapons—makes it a critical focus for international safeguards.
Kim’s research, published in Nuclear Engineering and Technology, delves into the safeguarding of conceptual tritium production facilities. The study uses the MCNP6.2 code to analyze the tritium production capacity of pressurized water reactors, focusing on tritium-producing burnable absorber rods (TPBARs). “We designed and simulated a 17 X17 nuclear fuel assembly with various loading configurations of TPBARs as a function of burnup,” Kim explains. This meticulous approach allowed the team to develop a formula for analyzing total tritium production as a function of burnup and lithium-6 enrichment, with an impressive error margin of less than 6.46%.
The implications of this research are vast, particularly for the energy sector. As nuclear fusion technology inches closer to commercial viability, the demand for tritium will surge. Kim’s work provides a robust framework for ensuring that tritium production facilities can be effectively safeguarded, a crucial step in gaining international approval and support. “The σMUF of TEF was calculated to be within 4–22 g of the equivalent-SQ (1–10 g),” Kim notes, highlighting the practical applications of their findings. This means that the number of TPBARs that can be processed per cycle in a tritium extraction facility (TEF) can range from 4 to 228, depending on the equivalent-significant quantity (SQ) value.
The study’s findings are not just academic; they have real-world commercial impacts. For energy companies investing in nuclear fusion, Kim’s research offers a roadmap for designing and operating tritium production facilities that meet stringent international safeguards. This could accelerate the deployment of fusion reactors, bringing us one step closer to a future powered by clean, limitless energy.
As the global energy landscape evolves, research like Kim’s will be instrumental in shaping policy and technology. By addressing the safeguarding challenges of tritium production, Kim and her team are not only advancing nuclear science but also fostering a more secure and sustainable energy future. The study, published in the English-language journal Nuclear Engineering and Technology, underscores the importance of international collaboration and rigorous scientific inquiry in tackling the complex challenges of nuclear energy.
