一种稳定性增强及高精度数值方法在RELAP5中的实现与评价

在计算稳定性的改进方面,修正RELAP5程序中的虚拟质量力(Virtual mass force)形式,同时添加了新的界面压力项(Interface pressure);在计算精度的改进方面,采用具有总变差减小(Total variation diminish,TVD)特点的高精度通量限制器(Flux limiter)方法取代RELAP5程序原本的一阶迎风方法来离散质量和能量守恒方程中的对流项。在模拟水平管道内空泡份额微扰随时间发展的数值实验中,相比改进前的RELAP5,改进后的RELAP5计算得到的微扰幅度并未增长;在模拟液相沉降的数值实验中,改进前的RELAP5程序计算得到了不真实的空泡份额分布,而改进后的RELAP5在不同的网格数量下能够得到收敛的稳定解。对Ransom水龙头数值实验和Marviken CFT 15大破口喷放实验的计算表明,改进后的具有二阶TVD格式的RELAP5程序能够得到更接近实验数据的计算结果。     

Development of a new bubbly-slug interfacial friction model for RELAP5

The development of a new bubbly-slug interfacial friction model for the Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) safety code RELAP5 is described. The model is based on a set of best-estimate void fraction correlations which cover the full range of geometries and flow conditions encountered in PWR safety analysis. By exploiting the relationship between void fraction and interfacial friction that exists for steady, fully developed flow conditions, the correlations are converted into effective interfacial friction coefficients that can be applied in the code for transient as well as steady-state conditions. Assessments against separate effects tests indicate that the new model is more accurate than the existing model in many situations, particularly rod bundle geometries, and should never be significantly less accurate. The model has been implemented in a local version of RELAP5/MOD2 and in a pre-release version of RELAP5/MOD3 at Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL).     

秦山核电厂主蒸汽管道破裂事故的RELAP5／MOD2分析

通过使用RELAP5/MOD2程序对秦山核电厂主蒸汽管道破裂事故的计算,对该程序的临界流模型和传热模型进行分析,并与其它大型热工水力分析程序的计算结果及实验结果进行比较。在计算过程中,对RELAP5/MOD2程序汽水分离器模型的使用进行修正,使之符合核电厂安全评审计算的要求。     

Sweepout model implementation in RELAP5/MOD3.3 to improve RCS coolant inventory calculation during a LBLOCA

According to the experiments of the Upper Plenum Test Facility (UPTF) and advanced power reactor 1400 MW_e (APR1400), the sweepout in the downcomer has been identified to play an important role in depleting the core coolant inventory during a Large-Break Loss-of-Coolant Accident (LBLOCA). In order to identify the sweepout mechanism and to estimate the amount of coolant discharged by sweepout, the separate-effect test was carried out in the plate type test apparatus, which was scaled down to 1/5 of the size of the APR1400 downcomer. In addition, the sweepout model was developed by correlating the experimental data on the critical void height and the discharge flow rate at the break to the values of analytically derived non-dimensional parameters. This model was implemented in RELAP5/MOD3.3 to improve its calculation of coolant inventory loss during a LBLOCA. To validate the modified RELAP5/MOD3.3 by implementing the sweepout model, the sweepout separate-effect test was simulated by both the original and the modified RELAP5/MOD3.3. The original one predicted the different discharge flow rates according to the node size of the donor volume, and these flow rates were larger than those of the experiment. On the other hand, the modified one calculated the discharge flow rate and the critical void height much more similar to those of the experiment than the original model did. In the future, the improved RELAP5/MOD3.3 adopted in an integrated analysis system will support a more realistic thermal hydraulic analysis.     

Assessment of RELAP5/MOD3.2.2γ against flooding database in horizontal-to-inclined pipes

A total of 356 experimental data for the onset of flooding are compiled for the data bank and used for the assessment of RELAP5/MOD3.2.2γ predictions of counter-current flow limitation (CCFL) in horizontal-to-inclined pipes simulating a PWR hot leg. RELAP5 calculations show that higher gas flow rates are required to initiate the flooding compared with the experimental data if the L/D is as low as that of the hot legs of typical PWRs. Based on the present data bank, the new CCFL correlation is derived, which shows the L/D effect. The present correlation agrees well with the database within the prediction error, 8.7% and it is implemented into the RELAP5 and validated against the data bank. The predictions of the flooding limit by the modified version lie well on the applied CCFL curve if the L/D is lower than 22, which is the case of the hot legs of typical PWRs.     

Integral loop test and assessment of modified RELAP5/MOD3.3 for RCS coolant inventory during a LBLOCA

This study investigates experimentally and analytically the thermal hydraulic phenomena during the transition from design basis accident (DBA) to beyond-DBA, particularly, the depletion of core coolant inventory. To investigate the overall thermal hydraulic behavior after safety injection (SI) failure during a large-break loss-of-coolant accident (LBLOCA) in a cold leg, an integral loop test was performed at the Seoul National University Integral Test Facility (SNUF), which was scaled down to 1/6.4 in length and 1/178 in area from the advanced power reactor 1400 MWe (APR1400) according to the three-level scaling method. The plant condition at 200.0 s as the base case and those at 625.0 and 1950.0 s as test cases after the initiation of LBLOCA were applied as initial conditions in the experiments, respectively. The experimental results showed that the sweepout increased the coolant flow discharged to the break depending on the steam flow rate in intact cold legs and the initial downcomer coolant level and expedited the depletion of the core coolant inventory.In the meantime, since RELAP5/MOD3.3 uses the average properties of donor volume as those of its connected junction, this scheme causes the mass and the energy flux in a junction to be calculated incorrectly if significant phase separation occurs in the donor volume such as in the downcomer during the LBLOCA. The sweepout model was developed and implemented in RELAP5/MOD3.3 to improve its calculation of coolant inventory during the LBLOCA. To assess the applicability of the modified RELAP5/MOD3.3 to the actual system, the experiments in SNUF were simulated by both the original and the modified RELAP5/MOD3.3. The original one predicted the discharge flow rate at the break larger than that of the experiment. On the other hand, the modified one calculated the discharge flow rate more similar to that of the experiment than the original one did. As a result, the modified RELAP5/MOD3.3 reduced the coolant flow discharged to the break to delay the initiation time of heater heat-up after SI failure during LBLOCA in a cold leg. This improved RELAP5/MOD3.3 will support a more realistic thermal hydraulic analysis in an integrated analysis system.     

Study of startup transients and power ramping of natural circulation boiling systems

Numerical models of a natural circulation test facility and its prototype have been developed with RELAP5/MOD3.4 code and verified for their grid independence by nodal sensitivity studies. The model of the test facility has been validated for its steady state as well as transient predictions with the help of experimental observations. The transient predictions and parametric trends obtained by the numerical model of the prototype have been compared with those of the numerical model of the test facility. Thus, the ability of RELAP5 code to predict the transients during startup of a natural circulation boiling water reactor is verified. A powering procedure for the test facility has been conceptualized with the help of its RELAP5 model and demonstrated experimentally. Based on this, a similar powering procedure for the prototype has been proposed and simulated numerically with its RELAP5 model.     

Development and validation of a transition boiling model for RELAP5/MOD3 reflood simulation

The current version of the RELAP5/MOD3.1 code significantly underpredicts the transition boiling heat transfer during reflooding of hot fuel rods. In order to extend the code’s range of application for LOCA and degraded core analyses, a new transition boiling model has been developed, assessed and implemented. The model is based entirely on local state variables calculated by the code (wall and fluid temperatures, pressure, void fraction, mass flux and static quality) and does not rely on other history parameters, such as quench position or CHF and minimum film boiling temperatures. A number of separate-effect and bundle experiments are analyzed with the modified version of the code, and the predictions are compared with the ones obtained by the current version and with available experimental data. In all cases, the predictions of the improved model better fit the measured data. The shape of the new temperature curves is more physically and conceptually sound than the one calculated by the current version of the code.     

RELAP5 assessment with LOBI small-break LOCA test results

Well-defined predictions of the thermodynamic behaviour of PWRs during small-break LOCA transients, rely on the proper application of large system codes. Important phenomena can only be predicted reliably by the use of system codes which have been thoroughly assessed and validated against data from separate effects tests and integral experiments. Recent experience in the application of RELAP5/MOD1 to the LOBI-MOD2 small-break tests including break sizes of 1% and 2% in the cold leg pipe are described. Measured and predicted key parameters are compared and existing code deficiencies are analysed. The comparison includes predicted data using the original INEL version of RELAP5/MOD1, Cycle 19 and a modified version of this code which included various model improvements as implemented at the JRC-Ispra in order to increase the reliability of the code and to reduce the excessive running time.     

蒸汽发生器实验回路倒流特性仿真分析

针对立式倒U型管蒸汽发生器传热管内出现的倒流现象,基于RELAP5/MOD3.3程序,采用新的控制体划分方案对蒸汽发生器实验段进行建模,模拟实验回路中发生的倒流现象。通过与实验数据进行对比分析,验证建模方案的正确性。在此基础上,分析倒流现象对蒸汽发生器实验段流动传热的影响。结果表明:倒流现象发生在较短管内,对于单个U型管,倒流管的流量高于正流管。倒流发生后,系统进入相对稳定状态,但蒸汽发生器实验段的换热功率和进出口腔室负压降绝对值显著降低。     

Evaluation of analytically scaled models of a pressurized water reactor using the RELAP5/MOD3 computer code

This paper performs analytical evaluations for the potential distortions caused by the scaled models using RELAP5/MOD3 computer codes. By use of scaling analysis, two scaled models with the same volumetric ratio are constructed for the Korean next generation reactor (KNGR), which is an advanced light water reactor. The scaling methodology adopted in this paper preserves the two-phase natural circulation similarities between prototype and scaled models. One scaled model is at full height with reduced flow area. The other model is at reduced height with reduced flow area. By using appropriate scale factors the RELAP5/MOD3 input models are developed. Then, the transient responses of the two ideal scaled models are simulated for small break loss of coolant accidents (SBLOCAs) by using the RELAP5/MOD3 computer code. The transient responses of the two scaled models are compared with those of the prototype. The results indicate that qualitative and quantitative similarities are well preserved for both models during SBLOCA with different break sizes.     

LOFT Experiment LP-02-6 Analysis by RELAP5/MOD2 Code with Improved Minimum Film Boiling Temperature

Groeneveld-Stewart's minimum film boiling temperature correlation was incorporated into the RELAP5/MOD2 code in order to explicitly define the minimum film boiling temperature. The transition boiling curve in the code was also modified. The Loss-of-Fluid Test (LOFT) experiment, Experiment LP-02-06 which was a cold-leg double-ended break LOCA experiment with minimum emergency core coolant injection, was analyzed with the modified RELAP5/MOD2 code. The modified RELAP5/MOD2 code well calculated system transients including the rod surface temperature transient. The temporary rewetting of rods in the early phase of blowdown, which had not been predicted by the original RELAP5/MOD2 and other codes, was predicted by the modified RELAP5/MOD2 code.     

Experimental and numerical investigations on the reverse flow phenomena in UTSGs

Aiming at the reverse flow phenomena in the inverted U-tube steam generators (UTSGs), the experimental and numerical simulations are performed. A new method is developed to model the flow and heat transfer in the steam generator based on the system analysis code RELAP5/MOD3.3. The reverse flow phenomenon observed experimentally is simulated well by the new method. The experimental and numerical results show that the reverse flow occurs in the adjacent shorter U-tubes. For single U-tube, the mass flow rate of reverse flow is generally greater than that of normal flow U-tube. When the reverse flow occurs, the negative pressure drop between the inlet and outlet plenums and the heat transfer of the UTSG reduce significantly. The numerical simulations also show that the reverse flow occurs more easily in UTSGs with the bigger tube length ratio.     

Thermal hydraulic analysis of the IPR-R1 TRIGA research reactor using a RELAP5 model

The RELAP5 code is widely used for thermal hydraulic studies of commercial nuclear power plants. Current investigations and code adaptations have demonstrated that the RELAP5 code can be also applied for thermal hydraulic analysis of nuclear research reactors with good predictions. Therefore, as a contribution to the assessment of RELAP5/MOD3.3 for research reactors analysis, this work presents steady-state and transient calculation results performed using a RELAP5 model to simulate the IPR-R1 TRIGA research reactor at 50 kilowatts (kW) of power operation. The reactor is located in the Nuclear Technology Development Center (CDTN), Brazil. It is a 250 kW, light water moderated and cooled, graphite-reflected, open pool type research reactor. The development and the assessment of a RELAP5 model for the IPR-R1 TRIGA are presented. Experimental data were considered in the process of the RELAP5 model validation. The RELAP5 results were also compared with calculated data from the STHIRP-1 (Research Reactors Thermal Hydraulic Simulation) code. The results obtained have shown that the RELAP5 model for the IPR-R1 TRIGA reproduces the actual steady-state reactor behavior in good agreement with the available data.     

两流体模型在环形窄缝内的应用研究

采用EPRI最新开发的Chexal-Harrison相壁相间摩擦模型和简化的相壁相间传热模型,构造了适用于环形窄缝内沸腾传热和流动的两流体模型,并编制了热工水力计算程序——THYME程序.与实验数据比较,分析了环形窄缝套管在不同负荷下Relap5/Mod3.2程序和本文程序的计算结果.计算结果表明,Relap5/Mod3.2低估了环形蒸发管的蒸汽温度,本文计算结果与实验数据较为一致.     

Analysis of the OECD/NEA ROSA Project experiment simulating a PWR small break LOCA with high-power natural circulation

OECD/NEA ROSA Project experiment with the large scale test facility (LSTF) in JAEA was conducted simulating a PWR 1% cold leg small break LOCA with an assumption of high-power natural circulation due to failure of scram and total failure of high pressure injection system. The core power curve for the LSTF experiment was obtained by PWR LOCA analysis using JAEA-developed coupled three-dimensional kinetics and thermal-hydraulics code SKETCH-INS/TRAC-PF1 with detailed core model. A post-test analysis was performed against the obtained data by using JAEA-modified RELAP5/MOD3.2.1.2 code to validate the code predictability. The JAEA-modified RELAP5/MOD3.2.1.2 code was used by incorporating a break model that employs maximum bounding flow theory with a discharge coefficient of 0.61 for two-phase break flow. In the experiment, flow in hot legs became supercritical during two-phase natural circulation, causing the hot leg liquid level to be quite low. Liquid accumulation in steam generator U-tube upflow-side took place during reflux condensation mode due to high vapor velocity. The RELAP5 code predicted reasonably well the overall thermal-hydraulic phenomena observed in the experiment. The code, however, overpredicted the break flow rate especially during two-phase flow discharge period probably because of the failure in the correct simulation of the cold leg liquid level due to late decrease in the primary loop flow rate.     

Critical heat flux prediction in vertical bottom-closed rod bundles

This paper presents the analysis of experimental data and calculational relationships for heat the transfer crisis in LWR rod bundle with closed bottom. A new relationship for critical heat flux prediction in the rod bundle with closed bottom based on the improved drift model is described. The comparison of critical heat flux values given by different correlations (including Groeneveld's algorithm used in RELAP5/MOD3.1 Code) and those obtained from the tests in the wide range of regime and geometric parameters is presented.     

The development and validation of a thermal hydraulic code in rolling motion

An advanced thermal hydraulic code is established on the basis of RELAP5/MOD3.3 code for the investigation of the thermal hydraulic behavior of nuclear power systems. The RELAP5 code is modified by adding a module calculating the effect of rolling motion and introducing new flow and heat transfer models. The experimental data are used to validate the theoretical models and calculation results. It is shown that the advanced flow and heat transfer models could correctly predict the frictional resistance and heat transfer coefficients in rolling motion. The thermal hydraulic code is used to simulate the operation of a natural circulation system in rolling motion. The calculation results are in good agreement with experimental data. The relative discrepancies between calculation results and experimental data are less than 5%.     

RELAP5/MOD3.3程序对非能动核电厂小破口失水事故的适用性研究

AP1000核电厂采用非能动堆芯冷却系统来缓解小破口失水事故(SBLOCA),缓解事故的理念是流动冷却。RELAP5/MOD3.3程序适用于传统核电厂SBLOCA研究,对于非能动电厂SBLOCA研究的适用性需重新研究与评估。本工作基于非能动电厂小破口失水事故的分析,结合RELAP5/MOD3.3的结构与模型,对其进行评估和改进。为验证改进后的RELAP5/MOD3.3的适用性,以AP1000小破口失水事故的验证试验台架APEX-1000为模拟对象,分析模拟DBA-02、NRC-05事故工况。分析结果表明,改进后的RELAP5/MOD3.3的计算结果与试验数据符合较好。     

非能动余热排出系统数学模型研究与运行特性分析

利用某型核动力装置非能动余热排出系统1:10原理性试验的8个稳态工况、6个启动工况的试验数据,验证RELAP5/MOD3.2程序对本类型非能动余热排出系统的适用性。结果表明:垂直管内蒸汽凝结换热系数对两相流自然循环的流动与传热影响大;RELAP5/MOD3.2程序过低估算了垂直管内蒸汽流速对蒸汽凝结换热系数的影响,计算结果与试验结果偏差大。对RELAP5/MOD3.2程序垂直管内的蒸汽凝结换热模型进行修正,修正后的计算结果与试验值基本吻合;采用RELAP5程序对垂直管内两相流自然循环传热进行计算,须选择热前沿跟踪模型。对非能动余热排出系统的稳态与瞬态运行特性进行分析,理论计算与试验结果均表明:稳态工况下,系统可以实现稳定的两相流自然循环,系统排热能力受蒸汽发生器水位的影响大,冷却水入口温度与系统压力的影响相对较小;系统的启动特性良好,可快速地建立环路的自然循环,带走反应堆的衰变热。