Contained within these walls is the AKR-2 Training Power Reactor. It stands as Germany’s most modern training reactor. The Ausbildungskernreaktor AKR-2 first achieved criticality on March 22, 2005, at 7:30 PM.
The AKR-2 primarily serves teaching and training purposes. But it also plays a role in research. It supports national and international projects. Students in technical and science fields benefit from the advanced training. Future medical physics experts also gain from it.
Before the AKR-2, there was the AKR-1. It operated successfully from July 1978 to March 2004. The Free State of Saxony funded the conversion.
The Ausbildungskernreaktor AKR-2 is a zero-power reactor. It uses a homogenous solid-state moderator. Its cylindrical core has a diameter of 250mm. The critical height is 275mm. The core comprises disk-shaped nuclear fuel elements. These elements mix uranium dioxide and polyethylene. The uranium is enriched to less than 20% U-235. In total, the core contains 794 grams of U-235.
The reactor’s maximum continuous power is two watts. Three cadmium control rods manage the facility. To ensure a safe start, a neutron source sits inside. This Am-Be source has a strength of 2.2\u00b7106 s-1. Graphite surrounds the core. This acts as a neutron reflector. Heavy concrete encases the reactor. The 75cm thick concrete protects against radiation.
For experiments, the AKR-2 has channels. A central channel is part of the core. Five additional experimental channels also exist. At two watts, the neutron flux density is 2.5\u00b7107cm-2 s-1. Two channels tangentially meet the core. They have a diameter of 75 mm. They sit inside the graphite reflector.
The design ensures safety. If a supercritical condition occurs, the AKR-2 prevents further operation. It also prevents power increases. This protects users, the environment, and the reactor. Excess reactivity remains below 0.3%. A multi-barrier system prevents fission product release.
The Technische Universität Dresden operates the AKR-2. It resides within the Institut für Energietechnik. The facility is on George-Bähr-Straße 3b.
The AKR-2 also aids research. AREVA and Vattenfall have used it to study boiling water reactors. Current projects study neutron flux in pressurized water reactors. They also focus on reducing computing time in reactor safety simulations. The Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology commissions these projects.
The AKR-2 Training Power Reactor stands as a symbol of innovation. It embodies learning and safety in nuclear technology.