Neutronic and thermal-hydraulic performance analysis of a novel thorium-based fuel in dual-cooled annular assemblies for SMR applications

A coupled neutronic and thermal-hydraulic assessment is performed for a dual-cooled annular fuel concept applied to light-water SMR conditions. A mixed thorium-based oxide, (Th-233U-235U)O2, is evaluated against conventional UO2 and solid-pin benchmarks while sweeping the inner moderator radius (0.05-0.43165 cm) at constant fuel volume. The thorium annular cases sustain an infinite multiplication factor (kinf) of 1.002-1.003 at EOC and achieve 3-batch discharge burnups of 166.3-173.5 GWd/t, compared with 142.4 GWd/t for solid UO2. Radial peaking remains low (maximum PPF ≈ 1.056, well below the 1.65 Westinghouse-types PWR design limit). All configurations exhibit negative FTC and MTC, with stronger negative feedback at larger inner radii. Thermal-hydraulic results show smooth coolant heating and robust DNBR margins (minimum ∼ 2.3) with negligible sensitivity to inner radius. These outcomes support the feasibility of thorium-based annular fuel for SMR deployment with improved fuel utilization and preserved safety margins. © The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2026.