NRI Řež solution of Exercise 3 of VVER-1000 Coolant Transient Benchmark – Phase 1 with coupled codes DYN3D–ATHLET

The paper presents a solution of VVER-1000 Coolant Transient Benchmark – Phase 1 (V1000CT-1) of Exercise 3 performed with the coupled reactor dynamic code DYN3D and system code ATHLET at NRI Řež. The first part of the paper contains brief characteristics of VVER-1000 NPP input deck and describes also the applied reactor core model. The second part introduces the steady-state results and important time dependencies, compared with experimental values. The calculation results show that such type of transient can be realistically described by the coupled codes DYN3D–ATHLET.     

Analyses of the V1000CT-1 benchmark with the DYN3D/ATHLET and DYN3D/RELAP coupled code systems including a coolant mixing model validated against CFD calculations

Plant-measured data provided within the specification of the OECD/NEA VVER-1000 coolant transient benchmark (V1000CT) were used to validate the DYN3D/RELAP5 and DYN3D/ATHLET coupled code systems. Phase 1 of the benchmark (V1000CT-1) refers to the MCP (main coolant pump) switching on experiment conducted in the frame of the plant-commissioning activities at the Kozloduy NPP Unit 6 in Bulgaria. The experiment was started at the beginning of cycle (BOC) with average core expose of 30.7 effective full power days (EFPD), when the reactor power was at 27.5% of the nominal level and three out of four MCPs were operating. The transient is characterized by a rapid increase in the primary coolant flow through the core and, as a consequence, a decrease of the space-dependent core inlet temperature. Both DYN3D/RELAP5 and DYN3D/ATHLET analyses were based on the same reactor model, including identical MCP characteristics, boundary conditions, benchmark-specified nuclear data library and nearly identical nodalization schemes. For an adequate modelling of the redistribution of the coolant flow in the reactor pressure vessel during the transient a simplified mixing model for the DYN3D/ATHLET code was developed and validated against a computational fluid dynamics calculation.

The results of both coupled code calculations are in good agreement with the available experimental data. The discrepancies between experimental data and the results of both coupled code calculations do not exceed the accuracy of the measurement data. This concerns the initial steady-state data as well as the time histories during the transient. In addition to the validation of the coupled code systems against measured data, a code-to-code comparison between simulation results has been performed to evaluate relevant thermal hydraulic models of the system codes RELAP5 and ATHLET and to explain differences between the calculation results.     

Calculation of the VVER-1000 coolant transient benchmark using the coupled code systems DYN3D/RELAP5 and DYN3D/ATHLET

Plant-measured data provided by the OECD/NEA VVER-1000 coolant transient benchmark programme were used to validate the DYN3D/RELAP5 and DYN3D/ATHLET coupled code systems. Phase 1 of the benchmark (V1000CT-1) refers to an experiment that was conducted during the commissioning of the Kozloduy NPP Unit 6 in Bulgaria. In this experiment, the fourth main coolant pump was switched on whilst the remaining three were running normal operating conditions. The experiment was conducted at 27.5% of the nominal level of the reactor power. The transient is characterized by a rapid increase in the primary coolant flow through the core, and as a consequence, a decrease of the space-dependent core inlet temperature. The control rods were kept in their original positions during the entire transient. The coupled simulations performed on both DYN3D/RELAP5 and DYN3D/ATHLET were based on the same reactor model, including identical main coolant pump characteristics, boundary conditions, benchmark-specified nuclear data library and nearly identical nodalization schemes. In addition to validation of the coupled code systems against measured data, a code-to-code comparison between simulation results has also been performed to evaluate the respective thermal hydraulic models of the system codes RELAP5 and ATHLET.     

ATHLET程序的钠冷快堆应用扩展及其验证

系统分析程序是对钠冷快堆的冷却剂回路系统进行全局模拟、瞬态及事故安全分析的重要工具。本工作对德国核设施与反应堆安全机构（GRS）开发的轻水堆最佳估算系统程序ATHLET进行修改,增加了钠的物性公式和传热关系式,将其适用范围扩展到钠冷快堆。为验证修改过的ATHLET程序,对法国凤凰（Phenix）反应堆系统建模,并对其自然对流实验进行模拟,将计算结果与实验数据进行比较。结果显示,ATHLET程序的钠冷快堆应用扩展具有良好的适用性。     

International activities for the analysis of the TMI-2 accident with special consideration of ATHLET calculations

Several OECD countries still have great interest to analyze the TMI-2 accident. Thermal hydraulic best estimate codes and severe accident codes are used to calculate the TMI-2 analysis exercise defined by a CSNI task group. Fourteen organizations in nine OECD countries are participating in the exercise. Four thermal hydraulic best estimate codes and six severe accident codes are used. The Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) is using the thermal hydraulic code ATHLET developed in the GRS to calculate the TMI-2 analysis exercise. Lessons learned are concentrated on the assessment of ATHLET, show advantages of the two phase thermal hydraulic model used, and identify areas for further development. Results from ATHLET calculations are compared with results from other OECD-codes.     

Full-scale modelling of the MNSR reactor to simulate normal operation, transients and reactivity insertion accidents under natural circulation conditions using the thermal hydraulic code ATHLET

A full-scale ATHLET system model for the Syrian miniature neutron source reactor (MNSR) has been developed. The model represents all reactor components of primary and secondary loops with the corresponding neutronics and thermal hydraulic characteristics. Under the MNSR operation conditions of natural circulation, normal operation, step reactivity transients and reactivity insertion accidents have been simulated. The analyses indicate the capability of ATHLET to simulate MNSR dynamic and thermal hydraulic behaviour and particularly to calculate the core coolant velocity of prevailing natural circulation in presence of the strong negative reactivity feed back of coolant temperature. The predicted time distribution of reactor power, core inlet and outlet coolant temperature follow closely the measured data for the quasi steady and transient states. However, sensitivity analyses indicate the influence of pressure form loss coefficients at core inlet and outlet on the results. The analysis of reactivity accidents represented by the insertion of large reactivity, demonstrates the high inherent safety features of MNSR. Even in case of insertion of total available cold excess reactivity without scram, the high negative reactivity feedback of moderator temperature limits power excursion and avoids consequently the escalation of clad temperature to the level of onset of sub-cooled void formation. The calculated peak power in this case agrees well with the data reported in the safety analysis report. The ATHLET code had not previously been assessed under these conditions. The results of this comprehensive analysis ensure the ability of the code to test some conceptual design modifications of MNSR's cooling system aiming the improvement of core cooling conditions to increase the maximum continuous reactor operation time allowing more effective use of MNSR for irradiation purposes.     

ATHLET-SC程序的开发及适用性分析

由于超临界水堆（SCWR）在系统简化、降低成本和提高热效率上的优势,SCWR的研究在全球范围内得到广泛关注。在众多有关超临界水堆的研发工作中,开发适用于SCWR的系统分析程序是进行SCWR系统设计和安全评估的关键技术难题之一。本工作基于最佳估算系统分析程序ATHLET2.1A,增加了超临界热物性参数,开发出适用于SCWR的系统分析程序ATHLET-SC,将现有的ATHLET程序扩展到超临界压力状态。为评估修改后的程序的适用性,建立了混合能谱超临界水堆堆芯模型,并对该模型进行了功率瞬态计算。此外,对1个简化的超临界水冷却回路进行了稳定性分析。计算结果表明：修改过的ATHLET程序（ATHLET-SC）对SCWR系统的模拟具有良好的适用性。     

Analysis of a selected two-phase flow phenomenon in VVER reactors with horizontal steam generators

Since 1984 the thermal-hydraulic code ATHLET has been also applied for the analyses of LOCA and transients in VVER plants. The specific design of these plants especially of the steam generator design requires a specific modeling of the phenomena which may occur under LOCA and transient conditions in these plants. Differences in design compared to the design of western reactors have been briefly listed. Specific phenomena occuring under small leak accidents are shortly described. The consideration of the simulation of the boiler-condensor mode illustrates the modelling requirements for a code which may be applied to the prediction of such a thermalhydraulic behaviour. Facing the lack of experimental data, the reliability of the simulation has been discussed by means of plausibility studies based on the momentum balance for steam and water.     

SCWR-FQT回路的冷却剂流量丧失事故研究

超临界水冷堆燃料验证实验（SCWR-FQT）将对1个小型燃料组件在超临界水环境下进行堆内性能测试。为了对该实验回路进行系统设计和安全分析,应用修改过的ATHLET程序建立实验回路计算模型,对两种造成燃料组件实验段冷却剂流量部分或全部丧失的设计基准事故进行模拟分析,即由于装载实验段的压力管内部的导向管破裂导致流经实验段的冷却剂旁通和主冷却剂泵卡轴事故。计算结果显示：实验段冷却剂旁通事故中,燃料包壳温度在事故初期出现约920 ℃的峰值;而主泵卡轴事故中,燃料包壳温度未明显升高。计算结果表明,现有的安全系统设计能保证在事故情况下维持燃料组件实验段的有效冷却。     

ATWS analysis for PWR using the coupled code system DYN3D/ATHLET

The ATWS transient “Loss of main feed water supply” in a generic four-loop PWR at the nominal power of 3750 MW was analyzed using the coupled code system DYN3D/ATHLET. A variation of the MOX-fuel-assembly portion in the core has an effect on the reactivity coefficients of the fuel temperature and the moderator density. These two parameters mainly influence the behaviour of the coolant pressure, which is safety-relevant. It has been demonstrated that the pressure maximum decreases with an increasing portion of MOX. For all core loadings considered, both primary-circuit mechanical integrity and sufficient core cooling are guaranteed.     

RELAP5铅铋快堆模型拓展及验证

为研究铅铋快堆瞬态热工水力特性,对RELAP5程序进行二次开发,添加铅铋合金（LBE）物性模型和液态金属流动换热模型,并与NACIE-UP和CIRCE-ICE台架的实验结果进行对比。计算结果表明：NACIE-UP台架稳态流量和温度相对误差在2%以内,瞬态相对误差不超过5%,与其他系统程序CATHARE、ATHLET、RELAP5-3D、RELAP5/MOD3.3(modified)相比,本文程序的相对偏差不超过10%;CIRCE-ICE台架稳态流量和温度相对误差在2%以内,瞬态相对误差不超过10%。本文程序满足反应堆系统热工水力分析程序精度要求,可作为铅铋快堆安全分析的有效工具。     

Post-test calculation and uncertainty analysis of the experiment QUENCH-07 with the system code ATHLET-CD

In the frame of developmental assessment and code validation, a post-test calculation of the test QUENCH-07 was performed with ATHLET-CD. The system code ATHLET-CD is being developed for best-estimate simulation of accidents with core degradation and for evaluation of accident management procedures. It applies the detailed models of the thermal-hydraulic code ATHLET in an efficient coupling with dedicated models for core degradation and fission products behaviour. The first step of the work was the simulation of the test QUENCH-07 applying the modelling options recommended in the code User's Manual (reference calculation). The global results of this calculation showed a good agreement with the measured data. This calculation was complemented by a sensitivity analysis in order to investigate the influence of a combined variation of code input parameters on the simulation of the main phenomena observed experimentally. Results of this sensitivity analysis indicate that the main experimental measurements lay within the uncertainty range of the corresponding calculated values. Among the main contributors to the uncertainty of code results are the heat transfer coefficient due to forced convection to superheated steam–argon mixture, the thermal conductivity of the shroud isolation and the external heater rod resistance. Uncertainties on modelling of B₄C oxidation do not affect significantly the total calculated hydrogen release rates.     

超临界水冷堆燃料性能验证实验回路的冷却剂丧失事故分析

超临界水冷堆燃料性能验证实验（SCWR-FQT）将对1个小型燃料组件在超临界水环境下进行堆内性能测试。本工作应用修改过的ATHLET程序对包含该燃料组件的超临界水冷实验回路进行建模,并对其冷却剂管道破口导致的失水事故进行分析计算。计算结果表明,现有安全系统设计基本能保证在这些事故情况下维持燃料棒实验段的有效冷却。结果显示,修改过的ATHLET程序对超临界水冷系统的模拟具有良好的适用性。     

Advanced treatment of zircaloy cladding high-temperature oxidation in severe accident code calculations: PART II. Best-fitted parabolic correlations

Pressurized water vessel-type reactor (VVER) safety has become a very important issue, in particular for countries in Central and Eastern Europe. For thermal-hydraulic analyses the western codes like RELAP5, CATHARE and ATHLET were used.The purpose of the study was to quantitatively assess the RELAP5 capability to predict the main circulation pump (MCP) trip at nearly full power transient in Mochovce VVER 440/213 nuclear power plant (NPP). The transient parameters were recorded during the start up test program implementation. For accuracy quantification the improved fast Fourier transform based method (FFTBM) was used. The RELAP5/MOD3.2.2 computer code was used for calculation. The results showed very good agreement between calculated and plant measured data. The results also confirmed some previous studies that the simpler is the transient the higher code accuracy is generally achieved.     

Structure mechanics and thermal-hydraulic behaviour of a PWR coolant loop with a postulated crack like leakage

Thermal hydraulic calculations, using ATHLET, have been used to evaluate pressures and temperatures in primary and secondary circuits, following a postulated leak in the surge line. These were, then, used as input for the structural mechanics calculations with ADINA. The main results of the analyses may be summarised as follows; global deformations are significantly reduced by the drop in pressure and decrease in temperature (e.g. the vertical displacement of the surge line in the region of the crack is reduced by 50%); the leakage area at the end of the transient is about 30% lower compared with the value at the beginning; the leak rate is slightly increased at the end of the transient in comparison with the initial rate; the consideration of the crack surface pressure is important, as it leads to a significant increase in crack load and leakage area by about 50 and 35%, respectively.     

Assessment of the Prony's method for BWR stability analysis

It is known that Boiling Water Reactors are susceptible to present power oscillations in regions of high power and low coolant flow, in the power-flow operational map. It is possible to fall in one of such instability regions during reactor startup, since both power and coolant flow are being increased but not proportionally. One other possibility for falling into those areas is the occurrence of a trip of recirculation pumps. Stability monitoring in such cases can be difficult, because the amount or quality of power signal data required for calculation of the stability key parameters may not be enough to provide reliable results in an adequate time range. In this work, the Prony's Method is presented as one complementary alternative to determine the degree of stability of a BWR, through time series data. This analysis method can provide information about decay ratio and oscillation frequency from power signals obtained during transient events. However, so far not many applications in Boiling Water Reactors operation have been reported and supported to establish the scope of using such analysis for actual transient events. This work presents first a comparison of decay ratio and frequency oscillation results obtained by Prony's method and those results obtained by the participants of the Forsmark 1 & 2 Boiling Water Reactor Stability Benchmark using diverse techniques. Then, a comparison of decay ratio and frequency oscillation results is performed for four real BWR transient event data, using Prony's method and two other techniques based on an autoregressive modeling. The four different transient signals correspond to BWR conditions from quasi-steady to power oscillations. Power signals from such transients present a challenge for stability analysis, either because of the low number of data points or need of much iteration, and thus reducing their capability for real time analysis. The results show that Prony's method can be a complementary reliable tool in determining BWR's stability degree.     

小型自然循环铅冷快堆无保护最热组件局部堵流瞬态分析

铅冷快堆内液态重金属的腐蚀作用严重制约铅冷快堆技术发展。基于程序ATHLET建立100?MW小型模块化自然循环铅冷快堆SNCLFR-100一回路主冷却系统模型，对无保护最热组件局部堵流事故开展瞬态热工安全分析。结果显示，当阻塞率β达到0.6时，最热组件内冷却剂流量将降为额定流量的50%左右，而最热棒包壳最高温度将达到650℃。当β达到0.9时，最热组件内冷却剂流量将降为额定流量的12.6%左右，包壳最高温度将超过包壳材料熔点1400℃，此时最热组件内将出现包壳熔化现象。      

Investigating the ESBWR stability with experimental and numerical tools: A comparative study

In this work, the stability of the Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (ESBWR) has been studied by using a Freon-134a based experimental facility (GENESIS) and two system codes, being ATHLET 2.0a and (to a lesser extent) TRACG. During setting up the GENESIS facility and the numerical calculations, a great effort has been made to approximate the ESBWR system as accurate as possible.In general, it was found that a sufficient margin to instability exists regarding the ESBWRs nominal point. In addition, a comparison was made between the numerical and experimental results for both the thermal-hydraulic system and the reactor system. Deviations were found between the numerical and experimental results, in spite of the close similarity between the GENESIS facility and the definition of the ESBWR system in the system code. This result shows that predictions regarding real nuclear reactors, based on modeled systems, should be taken with care.     

Influence of visual feedback on human task performance in ITER remote handling

In ITER, maintenance operations will be largely performed by remote handling (RH). Before ITER can be put into operation, safety regulations and licensing authorities require proof of maintainability for critical components. Part of the proof will come from using standard components and procedures. Additional verification and validation is based on simulation and hardware tests in 1:1 scale mockups.The Master Slave manipulator system (MS2) Benchmark Product was designed to implement a reference set of maintenance tasks representative for ITER remote handling. Experiments were performed with two versions of the Benchmark Product. In both experiments, the quality of visual feedback varied by exchanging direct view with indirect view (using video cameras) in order to measure and analyze its impact on human task performance.The first experiment showed that both experienced and novice RH operators perform a simple task significantly better with direct visual feedback than with camera feedback. A more complex task showed a large variation in results and could not be completed by many novice operators. Experienced operators commented on both the mechanical design and visual feedback. In a second experiment, a more elaborate task was tested on an improved Benchmark product. Again, the task was performed significantly faster with direct visual feedback than with camera feedback. In post-test interviews, operators indicated that they regarded the lack of 3D perception as the primary factor hindering their performance.