Preliminary design of hybrid energy reactor and integral neutron experiments

► We propose a uranium alloy fuel and water coolant hybrid energy reactor blanket. ► Using two-dimensional cylinder model we show the character of the hybrid reactor. ► The ratio of fuel volume to water volume 1.5:1 has better M and TBR results. ► We design integral neutron experiments to verify the credibility of physical design. We propose a preliminary design for a fusion–fission hybrid energy reactor (FFHER), based on current fusion science and technology (with some extrapolations forward from ITER) and well-developed fission technology. We list design rules and put forward a primary concept blanket, with uranium alloy as fuel and water as coolant. The uranium fuel can be natural uranium, LWR spent fuel, or depleted uranium. The FFHER design can increase the utilization rate of uranium in a comparatively simple way to sustain the development of nuclear energy. We study the interaction between the fusion neutron and the uranium fuel with the aim of to achieving greater energy multiplication and tritium sustainability. We also review other concept hybrid reactor designs. We design integral neutron experiments in order to verify the credibility of our proposed physical design. The combination of this program of research with the related thermal hydraulic design, alloy fuel manufacture, and nuclear fuel cycle programs provides the science and technology foundation for the future development of the FFHER concept in China.