A system analysis tool with a 2D gas turbine modeling for the load transients of HTGRS

This paper presents the operational performance and transient response of a high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) with an emphasis on the gas turbine through a two-dimensional approach. For its operational and transient simulation we use a GAMMA-T in which the system code, GAMMA, is coupled with the two-dimensional turbomachinery model. We also implement several models into the GAMMA-T: the reactor kinetics model, the bypass valve model, and the models of the core, the heat exchangers, the gas turbine, and the piping. The estimations of compressor and turbine performances are based on a two-dimensional axisymmetric throughflow method that is capable of predicting both the transient and steady-state behavior of the power conversion system (PCS). To demonstrate the code capability, we investigated the two representative transients of GTHTR300, which is a 600 MW direct cycle helium cooled reactor consisting of a prismatic block type core, a horizontal single-shaft configuration of turbomachinery, a recuperator, and a precooler: a loss of heat rejection transient corresponding to the failure of the precooler water supply, and a 30% load reduction transient from nominal operation with bypass control. The simulation results demonstrated the controllability and operational stability for the plant.     

Multi-physics steady-state analysis of OECD/NEA modular high temperature gas-cooled reactor MHTGR-350

This paper presents the application results of MCS/GAMMA+ to multi-physics analysis of OECD/NEA modular high temperature gas-cooled reactor (MHTGR) benchmark Phase I Exercise 3. It is a part of international R&D efforts lead by the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) US project to improve the neutron-physics and thermal-fluid simulation of (high temperature gas-cooled reactors) HTGRs, one of the next generations of safer nuclear reactors. Accurate and validated analysis tools are indeed a crucial requirement for safety analysis and licensing of nuclear reactors. To guide this effort, a numerical benchmark on the MHTGR was created by the NGNP project and formally approved in 2012 for international participation by the OECD/NEA. The benchmark defines a common set of exercises and the comparison of solutions obtained with different analysis tools is expected to improve the understanding of simulation methods for HTGRs. The coupled neutronics/thermal-fluid solution presented in this paper was obtained with the neutron transport Monte Carlo code MCS developed by Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology and the thermal-fluid code GAMMA+ developed by Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute. The purpose of this paper is to present the GAMMA+/MCS coupled system, the calculation methodology, and the obtained solutions.     

A thermal-fluid assessment of a cooled-vessel concept for a VHTR

Flow distribution and thermal analyses of a conceptual design of a cooled vessel for a very high temperature reactor (VHTR), which has a forced vessel cooling with an internal coolant path through a permanent side reflector, have been performed. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code was employed to investigate flow distributions at inlet and upper plenums of the proposed cooled-vessel concept. Thermal-fluid analyses of the cooled vessel during a normal operation were carried out by using the CFD code with the boundary conditions provided by the GAMMA system analysis code. The transient analyses during postulated accidents were conducted by the GAMMA code itself. According to the results, the flow deviation at the riser holes due to a change of the inlet flow path to the core inlet is about ±20% which results in about a 3-7% core flow deviation from the average value depending on the upper plenum height. The pressure drops in the inlet and upper plenums are estimated to be from 13 to 25 kPa with a change of the upper plenum height. A cooling flow of more than 4 kg/s is sufficient to maintain the RPV temperature within the required limit during a normal operation. Transient analysis reveals that the reactor vessel is exposed to a temperature above its limit of 371 °C but this duration is shorter than the allowable time for a creep region with a sufficient safety margin. The results suggest that the cooled-vessel concept considered in this paper has the potential to be used for a VHTR but further and more detailed studies are required to realize the proposed concept.     

超临界水冷堆双排燃料组件子通道分析

研究基于Cobra-IV程序,开发了适用于超临界水冷堆燃料组件分析的子通道程序.针对超临界水冷堆慢谱双排组件,进行了稳态计算,获取了相关组件热工水力参数.在此基础上,针对单一通道进行了瞬态计算,分析了燃料棒线功率变化和冷却剂流量变化条件下,超临界水冷堆燃料组件的流动和传热的动态响应,为超临界水冷堆组件的优化设计提供了参考.     

Evaluation of system codes for analyzing naturally circulating gas loop

Steady-state natural circulation data obtained in a 7 m-tall experimental loop with carbon dioxide and nitrogen are presented in this paper. The loop was originally designed to encompass operating range of a prototype gas-cooled fast reactor passive decay heat removal system, but the results and conclusions are applicable to any natural circulation loop operating in regimes having buoyancy and acceleration parameters within the ranges validated in this loop. Natural circulation steady-state data are compared to numerical predictions by two system analysis codes: GAMMA and RELAP5-3D. GAMMA is a computational tool for predicting various transients which can potentially occur in a gas-cooled reactor. The code has a capability of analyzing multi-dimensional multi-component mixtures and includes models for friction, heat transfer, chemical reaction, and multi-component molecular diffusion. Natural circulation data with two gases show that the loop operates in the deteriorated turbulent heat transfer (DTHT) regime which exhibits substantially reduced heat transfer coefficients compared to the forced turbulent flow. The GAMMA code with an original heat transfer package predicted conservative results in terms of peak wall temperature. However, the estimated peak location did not successfully match the data. Even though GAMMA's original heat transfer package included mixed-convection regime, which is a part of the DTHT regime, the results showed that the original heat transfer package could not reproduce the data with sufficient accuracy. After implementing a recently developed correlation and corresponding heat transfer regime map into GAMMA to cover the whole range of the DTHT regime, we obtained better agreement with the data. RELAP5-3D results are discussed in parallel.     

Development of a thermal-hydraulic subchannel analysis code for motion conditions

Since the conventional subchannel analysis codes are designed for the land-based reactor core, a thermal-hydraulic subchannel analysis code was developed to evaluate thermal-hydraulic characteristics of the reactor core under motion conditions. The verification of the code was performed with experimental data and commercial codes. The ISPRA 16-rod tests were used to evaluate the steady-state prediction performance of the code, and the simulation results agree well with the test data. COBRA-EN code was applied to check the transient prediction performance of the code, and there is a good agreement between the predictions with both codes. An additional forces model for motion conditions was proposed in the code, and CFX-14.0 code was applied to verify the model. The results show that the code can be used in the thermal-hydraulic analysis of the reactor core under motion conditions. To illustrate the capabilities of the code, a fuel bundle under a complex motion condition was simulated, and the results are reasonable.     

Post-test analysis of helium circulator trip without scram at 3 MW power level on the HTR-10

Safety demonstration tests were conducted on the 10 MW High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor-Test Module (HTR-10) to verify the inherent safety characteristics of modular High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs) as well as to obtain the transient data of reactor core and primary cooling system for validation of HTGR safety analysis models and codes. As one of these safety demonstration tests, a simulated anticipated transient without scram (ATWS) test called loss of forced cooling by tripping the helium circulator without reactor scram was carried out at 3 MW power level on October 15, 2003. This paper simulates and analyzes the power transient and the thermal response of the reactor during the test by using the THERMIX code. The analytical results are compared with the test data for validation of the code.Owing to the negative temperature coefficient of reactivity, the reactor undergoes a self-shut down after the stop of the helium circulator; the subsequent phenomena such as the recriticality and power oscillations are also studied. During the test a natural circulation loop of helium is established in the core and the other coolant channels and its consequent thermal response such as the temperature redistribution is investigated. In addition, temperatures of the measuring points in the reactor internals are calculated and compared with the measured values. Satisfactory agreements obtained from the comparison demonstrate the basic applicability and reasonability of the THERMIX code for simulating and analyzing the helium circulator trip ATWS test. With respect to the safety features of the HTR-10, it is of most importance that the maximum fuel center temperature during the test is always lower than 1600 °C which is the limited value for the HTGR.     

基于MOOSE平台的高阶全隐式核反应堆一回路系统分析

基于多物理场耦合平台MOOSE开发了模块化系统安全分析程序ZEBRA,并采用高阶全隐式离散格式建立了核反应堆一回路系统模型,对核反应堆系统中子扩散、二维固体导热和一维流体进行耦合计算。针对单管流动传热问题,对ZEBRA程序进行了耦合验证,对比了稳态工况下一阶、二阶空间离散格式和瞬态工况下Implicit-Euler、Crank-Nicolson、BDF2 这3种时间离散格式的求解精度,并对压水堆回路系统稳态和降功率瞬态工况进行了模拟分析。结果表明,高阶空间离散格式具有较高的求解精度,BDF2时间离散格式与理论解符合最好;压水堆回路系统温度、速度、压力分布合理,稳态、瞬态计算结果与RELAP5程序计算结果符合良好。      

Two-phase flow degradation on Fukushima-Daiichi Unit 2 RCIC turbine performance

After the Fukushima accident, several investigation reports, including experiments and simulations have been done for each of the affected units to completely understand the accident progression and use their results to improve the knowledge of severe accident management and the severe codes performance. In Unit 2, the major uncertainties are related with the reactor core isolation cooling (RCIC) system performance during the accident progression especially focused in the RCIC turbine, which is assumed to work in two-phase flow. The main objective of this study is to analyze the RCIC turbine performance under two-phase flow scenarios under the assumption that the power produced by the turbine is lower than expected due to the liquid phase in the flow. A degradation coefficient quantifying the turbine power reduction is developed as a function of the flow quality by using the sonic speed reduction at critical flow conditions principle obtained by applying the non-homogeneous equilibrium model (NHEM). The degradation coefficient was applied to RELAP/ScdapSIM severe accident code showing a drastic reduction of the turbine-generated power during two-phase flow and obtaining a RCIC system behavior closer to the Tokyo electric power company (TEPCO) investigation report conclusions.     

Evaluation of LWR fuel rod behavior under operational transient conditions

To evaluate the effects of fission gas flow and diffusion in the fuel-cladding gap on fuel rod thermal and mechanical behaviors in light water reactor (LWR) fuel rods under operational transient conditions, computer sub-programs which can calculate the gas flow and diffusion have been developed and integrated into the LWR fuel rod performance code BEAF. This integrated code also calculates transient temperature distribution in the fuel-pellet and cladding.The integrated code was applied to an analysis of Inter Ramp Project data, which showed that by taking into account the gas flow and diffusion effects, the calculated cladding damage indices predicted for the failed rods in the ramp test were consistent with iodine-SCC (Stress Corrosion Cracking) failure conditions which were obtained from out-of-reactor pressurized tube experiments with irradiated Zircaloy claddings. This consistency was not seen if the gas flow and diffusion effects were neglected. Evaluation were also made for the BWR 8 × 8 RJ fuel rod temperatures under power ramp conditions.     

FRED fuel behaviour code: Main models and analysis of Halden IFA-503.2 tests

The FRED fuel rod code is being developed for thermal and mechanical simulation of fast breeder reactor (FBR) and light-water reactor (LWR) fuel behaviour under base-irradiation and accident conditions. The current version of the code calculates temperature distribution in fuel rods, stress-strain condition of cladding, fuel deformation, fuel-cladding gap conductance, and fuel rod inner pressure. The code was previously evaluated in the frame of two OECD mixed plutonium-uranium oxide (MOX) fuel performance benchmarks and then integrated into PSI's FAST code system to provide the fuel rod temperatures necessary for the neutron kinetics and thermal-hydraulic modules in transient calculations. This paper briefly overviews basic models and material property database of the FRED code used to assess the fuel behaviour under steady-state conditions. In addition, the code was used to simulate the IFA-503.2 tests, performed at the Halden reactor for two PWR and twelve VVER fuel samples under base-irradiation conditions. This paper presents the results of this simulation for two cases using a code-to-data comparison of fuel centreline temperatures, internal gas pressures, and fuel elongations. This comparison has demonstrated that the code adequately describes the important physical mechanisms of the uranium oxide (UOX) fuel rod thermal performance under steady-state conditions. Future activity should be concentrated on improving the model and extending the validation range, especially to the MOX fuel steady-state and transient behaviour.     

Validation of a transient thermal-fluid systems CFD model for a packed bed high temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactor

This paper provides an overview of the theoretical basis for a new thermal-fluid systems CFD simulation model for high temperature gas-cooled reactors, contained in the Flownex software code. Flownex provides for detailed steady-state and transient thermal-fluid simulations of the complete power plant, fully integrated with core neutronics and controller algorithms. The reactor model is founded on a fundamental approach for the conservation of mass, momentum and energy for the compressible fluid flowing through a fixed bed, as well as the heat transfer in the pebbles and core structures. The time-wise integration of the resulting differential equations is based on an implicit pressure correction algorithm. This allows for the use of rather large time steps making it very suitable for simulating the slow transients that can be expected to follow incidents like reactor shutdowns. The paper also compares the Flownex results for four transient tests with the measured results from the SANA test facility as well as to the results of simulations with the Thermix/DIREKT code that were done at the Research Centre, Jülich. The Flownex results compare well with the Thermix/DIREKT results for all the cases presented here. Good comparison was also obtained between the simulated and measured results, except at two points within the pebble bed near the inner wall. The fact that quick computer simulation times were obtained indicates that the new model indeed achieves a fine balance between accuracy and simplicity. However, the discrepancies obtained at the two points near the inner wall, together with the fact that additional uncertainty was introduced in the original SANA test set-up by not being able to control the temperature of the outer wall, highlight the need for additional systematic tests to be performed in order to better validate the new model.     

Verification of NETFLOW code using plant data of sodium cooled reactor and facility

The plant simulation code NETFLOW on PC applicable to the liquid-metal cooled reactors has been developed on the basis of the models developed for single-phase and two-phase light water flow systems. The functions of this code have been verified by individual tests for light water flow systems and a sodium flow system. In order to apply this code to a sodium cooled fast reactor, several extra functions were verified using the plant data obtained using 50 MW steam generators and the Monju fast breeder reactor. Finally, the turbine trip transient of the Monju was simulated and the result was compared with the measured plant data. Good agreements were obtained in these verifications. As a result of the present study, the code can be applied as an education tool for students.     

Assessment of a RELAP5 model for the IPR-R1 TRIGA research reactor

RELAP5 code was developed at the Idaho National Environmental and Engineering Laboratory and it is widely used for thermal hydraulic studies of commercial nuclear power plants and, currently, it has been also applied for thermal hydraulic analysis of nuclear research systems with good predictions. This work is a contribution to the assessment of RELAP5/3.3 code for research reactors analysis. It presents steady-state and transient calculation results performed using a RELAP5 model to simulate the IPR-R1 TRIGA research reactor conditions operating at 50 and 100 kW. The reactor is located at the Nuclear Technology Development Centre (CDTN), Brazil. The development and the assessment of a RELAP5 model for the IPR-R1 TRIGA are presented. Experimental data were considered in the process of code-to-data validation. The RELAP5 results were also compared with calculation performed using the STHIRP-1 (Research Reactors Thermal Hydraulic Simulation) code. The use of a cross flow model has been essential to improve results in the transient condition respect to preceding investigations.     

超临界快堆给水控制失效瞬态控制分析

超临界快堆是一次通过循环,瞬态安全特性不同于现有的轻水堆.以控制棒、汽轮机主进汽阀、反应堆冷却剂泵作为超临界快堆的控制方式,在给水控制系统失效瞬态事故工况下,研究该堆采用不同控制方式时,反应堆内压力、功率、冷却剂温度、冷却剂质量流量及包壳表面温度等参数随时间的变化情况.结果表明:采用汽轮机主进汽阀与控制棒联合控制时,反...     

Analysis of the turbine deblading in an HTGR with the CATHARE code

The direct coupling of a Gas Cooled Reactor (GCR) with a closed gas-turbine cycle leads to a specific dynamic plant behaviour. This behaviour is described and illustrated through computer analyses performed at CEA with the computer code CATHARE. This analysis requires a 1D code able to simulate the whole reactor, including the core, the vessel, the piping and the components (turbine, compressors, heat exchangers).This paper is devoted to deblading accidents. The problems and solutions encountered in various types of gas-turbines are presented: aero engines, steam turbines (EDF-Porcheville steam turbine accident feedback) and finally the feedback from previous High Temperature Gas Reactor experiments (EVO helium loop, HHT project and other HTR projects) are displayed. From this literature survey, some recommendations are drawn for a future High Temperature Reactor. It is shown that for safety reasons in case of deblading, a horizontal shaft aligned with the reactor vessel is recommended for the turbomachinery.This paper presents simulations of different scenarii performed with CATHARE code:

(a) Turbine deblading with and without reactor trip. In these calculations, a pessimistic assumption has been made: all turbine blades break off.

(b) Total flow blockage. The flow area is entirely blocked by the turbine blades.

(c) Partial flow blockage. Previous conclusions consider the worst cases of deblading and total flow blockage. An intermediate case based on a partial deblading has also been performed.

CATHARE results illustrate that the loss of turbine blades is accompanied by abrupt changes in the Power Conversion System and reactor flow conditions: large axial pressure drop, reverse flow through the core and high rate de-pressurization.     

高温气冷堆氦气透平直接循环启动参数分析计算

开发了包括堆芯、蒸汽发生器、透平、压气机及换热器等模块在内的高温气冷堆氦气透平直接循环系统的稳态计算程序。对系统的启动过程进行了模拟分析,并对压气机的喘振问题进行了分析,考虑了换热能力、温度和压力的影响。结果表明：在变负荷过程中压气机有足够的安全裕度。     

Comparison of two models for a pebble bed modular reactor core coupled to a Brayton cycle

The pebble bed modular reactor (PBMR) plant is a promising concept for inherently safe nuclear power generation. This paper presents two dynamic models for the core of a high temperature reactor (HTR) power plant with a helium gas turbine. Both the PBMR and its power conversion unit (PCU) based on a three-shaft, closed cycle, recuperative, inter-cooled Brayton cycle have been modeled with the network simulation code Flownex.One model utilizes a core simulation already incorporated in the Flownex software package, and the other a core simulation based on multi-dimensional neutronics and thermal-hydraulics. The reactor core modeled in Flownex is a simplified model, based on a zero-dimensional point-kinetics approach, whereas the other model represents a state-of-the-art approach for the solution of the neutron diffusion equations coupled to a thermal-hydraulic part describing realistic fuel temperatures during fast transients. Both reactor models were integrated into a complete cycle, which includes a PCU modeled in Flownex.Flownex is a thermal-hydraulic network analysis code that can calculate both steady-state and transient flows. An interesting feature of the code is its ability to allow the integration of an external program into Flownex by means of a so called memory map file.The total plant models are compared with each other by calculating representative transient cases demonstrating that the coupling with external models works sufficiently. To demonstrate the features of the external program a hypothetical fast increase of reactivity was simulated.     

池式快堆系统瞬态分析软件开发

为实现快堆系统分析软件国产化,在已开发的适用于稳态计算的池式快堆系统分析软件SAC-CFR的基础上,进一步开发了系统各部件的瞬态模型、控制系统和保护系统模型、瞬态工况热工水力学的求解逻辑,完成瞬态计算功能的开发。通过对日本文殊快堆45%功率汽机跳闸工况进行建模分析,验证了SAC-CFR用于系统瞬态分析的有效性,为进一步开发非能动余热排出系统分析模型打下了基础。