Selection of disposal method for nuclear spent fuel: a plan for the application of the systems engineering process

Abstract

Over the past decade, U.S. has been trying to identify a new means to provide the nuclear power industry with a method to permanently dispose of nuclear spent fuel. Most of the existing technologies such as storage pools and concrete vaults do not adequately meet the criteria for permanent storage. Many of these technologies, which will be introduced and reviewed for this project, have been used by the nuclear industry for many years. However, to date, no technology has been selected for permanent use.

This project will focus on reviewing six different disposal alternatives available for applying the systems engineering process. Each alternative will be analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively, with an in-depth review of a new technology known as the Multi Purpose Canister (MPC), which is still under development.

More specifically, this project will layout the basis for applying the systems engineering process in the future. The scope of this project is: Introduction to the build-up of nuclear spent fuel, Define the problem, Define the criteria established by DOE and NRC in selecting a disposal technology, Provide the basic guidelines for the application of systems engineering process using the MPC as the prototype, Lastly, demonstrate the power of systems thinking and how this process, when applied to the development of any system, can save valuable resources, both in immediate future as well as long-term.