Generation of localized reactor point kinetics parameters using coupled neutronic and thermal fluid models for pebble-bed reactor transient analysis

Journal Article · 31 August 2022 · Annals of Nuclear Energy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anucene.2022.109143 · OSTI ID:1898426

Stewart, Ryan  ^[1]; Balestra, Paolo ^[1]; Reger, David ^[2]; Merzari, Elia ^[2]

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1. Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
2. Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA (United States)

The systems analysis of anticipated operating occurrences and design basis accidents for pebble-bed reactor systems requires knowledge of neutron point kinetics equations (PKE) parameters. Typically, the generation of PKE parameters is performed in a global manner using standalone neutronics calculations, without the inclusion of thermal fluid distributions. We utilize Griffin and Pronghorn for generating global and local PKE parameters which includes the use of thermal fluid distributions to account for localized effects. This work establishes a methodology for calculating PKE parameters for a pebble bed reactor with a coupled neutronics/thermal fluids analysis. PKE parameters generated on a global and local basis are compared against a diffusion solve for a typical load-following transient. Locally-generated neutron kinetic parameters are able to reduce the maximum error in the transient power level from 5% to below 1.5%; along with this, bulk temperature errors were reduced from 12 K to 4 K.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC07-05ID14517
• OSTI ID: 1898426
• Report Number(s): INL/JOU-21-64893-Rev000
• Journal Information: Annals of Nuclear Energy, Journal Name: Annals of Nuclear Energy Journal Issue: C Vol. 174; ISSN 0306-4549
• Publisher: ElsevierCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English