ADSreaktoreihin

ADSreaktoreihin refers to Accelerator Driven Systems (ADS) reactors. These are a type of nuclear reactor that utilize a particle accelerator to drive a subcritical nuclear core. Unlike traditional critical reactors that sustain a chain reaction on their own, ADS reactors rely on an external neutron source generated by the accelerator. This external neutron flux initiates and maintains the fission process in the subcritical core.

The primary goal of ADS technology is to enhance nuclear safety and manage nuclear waste. By operating in a subcritical state, ADS reactors are inherently more stable and less prone to runaway reactions. If the accelerator beam is shut off, the fission process immediately stops, making them intrinsically safer. Furthermore, ADS are designed to transmute long-lived radioactive waste, such as minor actinides, into shorter-lived or stable isotopes. This process could significantly reduce the volume and hazard of nuclear waste that needs long-term storage.

The accelerator typically injects protons into a spallation target, producing a significant number of neutrons. These neutrons then bombard the subcritical fuel core, causing fission. The design involves careful integration of the accelerator, the target, and the subcritical core. While ADS technology holds promise for advanced nuclear energy and waste management, it is still in various stages of research and development, with several pilot projects and conceptual designs being explored globally.