The Energy Carrier of the Future: A New Era of Molten Salt Reactors in Nuclear Energy

Öz

Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) have emerged as one of the most promising Generation IV reactor technologies due to their inherent safety, high thermal efficiency, and compatibility with thorium-based fuel cycles. Unlike conventional light-water reactors (LWRs), MSRs operate using a liquid mixture of fluoride or chloride salts that simultaneously serves as both fuel and coolant, enabling direct heat transfer, improved neutron economy, and stable temperature control. This study employs an integrated methodology combining thermodynamic modeling, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Monte Carlo neutronic analysis to evaluate the performance, safety behavior, and material compatibility of candidate molten salt systems such as FLiBe and LiF–ThF₄. Quantitative assessments indicate that 1 kg of Th-232 can theoretically yield approximately 19.8 MWh of thermal energy, depending on conversion efficiency and reactor spectrum characteristics. The research further examines the regional feasibility of MSR deployment in Turkey and Azerbaijan by assessing thorium resources, institutional readiness, and national decarbonization goals. The findings highlight the strategic potential of MSRs to support long-term energy resilience, climate commitments, and domestic fuel independence in both countries.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Molten Salt Reactors
• Thorium Cycle
• CFD Analysis
• Neutronics
• Energy Transition
• Turkey
• Azerbaijan.

Geleceğin Enerji Taşıyıcısı: Nükleer Enerjide Erimiş Tuz Reaktörlerinde Yeni Bir Dönem

Öz

Erimiş Tuz Reaktörleri (MSR'ler), doğasında var olan güvenlik, yüksek termal verimlilik ve toryum bazlı yakıt çevrimleriyle uyumlulukları nedeniyle en umut vadeden Dördüncü Nesil reaktör teknolojilerinden biri olarak ortaya çıkmıştır. Geleneksel hafif su reaktörlerinin (LWR'ler) aksine, MSR'ler aynı anda hem yakıt hem de soğutucu görevi gören florür veya klorür tuzlarının sıvı bir karışımını kullanarak çalışır; bu da doğrudan ısı transferi, iyileştirilmiş nötron ekonomisi ve kararlı sıcaklık kontrolü sağlar. Bu çalışma, FLiBe ve LiF–ThF₄ gibi aday erimiş tuz sistemlerinin performansını, güvenlik davranışını ve malzeme uyumluluğunu değerlendirmek için termodinamik modelleme, Hesaplamalı Akışkanlar Dinamiği (CFD) ve Monte Carlo nötronik analizini birleştiren entegre bir metodoloji kullanmaktadır. Nicel değerlendirmeler, 1 kg Th-232'nin, dönüşüm verimliliğine ve reaktör spektrum özelliklerine bağlı olarak teorik olarak yaklaşık 19,8 MWh termal enerji üretebileceğini göstermektedir. Araştırma, toryum kaynaklarını, kurumsal hazırlığı ve ulusal karbonsuzlaştırma hedeflerini değerlendirerek, Türkiye ve Azerbaycan'da MSR (Merkezi Rezervuar) uygulamalarının bölgesel fizibilitesini daha ayrıntılı olarak inceliyor. Bulgular, her iki ülkede de uzun vadeli enerji direncini, iklim taahhütlerini ve yerel yakıt bağımsızlığını destekleme konusunda MSR'lerin stratejik potansiyelini vurguluyor.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Erimiş Tuz Reaktörleri
• Toryum Çevrimi
• CFD Analizi
• Nötronik
• Enerji Dönüşümü
• Türkiye
• Azerbaycan.

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