Development of an RPV cooling system for HTGRs

Takamatsu, Kuniyoshi

Kakushinteki Reikyaku Gijutsu; Mekanizumu Kara Soshi, Shisutemu Kaihatsu Made, p.179 - 183, 2024/01

The HTGR has excellent safety, and even in the event of an accident where the reactor coolant is lost, the decay heat and residual heat in the core can be dissipated from the outer surface of the RPV, so the fuel temperature never exceeds the limit value, and the core stabilizes. On the other hand, regarding the cooling system that transports the heat emitted from the RPV to the final heat sink, an active cooling system using forced circulation of water by a pump, etc., and a passive cooling system using natural circulation of the atmosphere have been proposed. However, there is a problem that the cooling performance is affected by the operation of dynamic equipment and weather conditions. This paper presents an overview of a new cooling system concept using radiative cooling, which has been proposed to solve the above problem, and introduces the results of analysis and experiments aimed at confirming the feasibility of this concept.

Study on the basic core analysis of the new STACY

Gunji, Satoshi; Yoshikawa, Tomoki; Araki, Shohei; Izawa, Kazuhiko; Suyama, Kenya

Proceedings of 12th International Conference on Nuclear Criticality Safety (ICNC2023) (Internet), 8 Pages, 2023/10

Since the compositions and properties of the fuel debris are uncertain, critical experiments are required to validate calculation codes and nuclear data used for the safety evaluation. For this purpose, JAEA has been modifying a critical assembly called "STACY". The first criticality of the new STACY is scheduled for spring 2024. This paper reports the consideration results of the core configurations of the new STACY at the first criticality. We prepared two sets of gird plates with different neutron moderation conditions (their intervals are 1.50 cm and 1.27 cm). However, there is a limitation on the number of available UO fuel rods. In addition, we would like to set the critical water heights for the first criticality at around 95 cm. This is to avoid the reactive effect of the aluminum alloy middle grid plates (Approx. 98 cm high). The core configurations for the first criticality satisfying these conditions were constructed by computational analysis. A square core configuration with the 1.50 cm grid plate that is close to the optimum moderation condition needs 261 fuel rods to reach criticality. As to the 1.27 cm grid plate, we considered two core configurations with 1.80 cm intervals by using a checkerboard arrangement. One of them has two regions core configuration with 1.27 and 1.80 cm intervals, and the other has only 1.80 cm intervals. They need 341 and 201 fuel rods for the criticality, respectively. This paper shows these three core configurations and their calculation models.

Inter-codes and nuclear data comparison under collaboration works between IRSN and JAEA

Gunji, Satoshi; Araki, Shohei; Watanabe, Tomoaki; Fernex, F.*; Leclaire, N.*; Bardelay, A.*; Suyama, Kenya

Proceedings of 12th International Conference on Nuclear Criticality Safety (ICNC2023) (Internet), 9 Pages, 2023/10

Institut de radioprotection et de sret nuclaire (IRSN) and Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) have a long-standing partnership in the field of criticality safety. In this collaboration, IRSN and JAEA are planning a joint experiment using the new STACY critical assembly, modified by JAEA. In order to compare the codes (MVP3, MORET6, etc.) and nuclear data (JENDL and JEFF) used by both institutes in the planning of the STACY experiment, benchmark calculations of the Apparatus B and TCA, which are critical assemblies once owned by both institutes, benchmarks from the ICSBEP handbook and the computational model of the new STACY were performed. Including the new STACY calculation model, the calculations include several different neutron moderation conditions and critical water heights. There were slight systematic differences in the calculation results, which may have originated from the processing and/or format of the nuclear data libraries. However, it was found that the calculated results, including the new codes and the new nuclear data, are in good agreement with the experimental values. Therefore, there are no issues to use them for the design of experiments for the new STACY. Furthermore, the impact of the new TSL data included in JENDL-5 on the effective multiplication factor was investigated. Experimental validation for them will be completed by critical experiments of the new STACY by both institutes.

Current status of accident tolerant fuel (ATF) development, 1; Overview of ATF development conducted under the technology development project for improving nuclear safety

Yamashita, Shinichiro

Nihon Genshiryoku Gakkai-Shi ATOMO, 65(4), p.233 - 237, 2023/04

https://doi.org/10.3327/jaesjb.65.4_233

In the wake of the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) of TEPCO due to the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, interest in the early implementation of accident tolerant fuel (ATF) not only for many existing NPPs but also for future NPPs, which is expected to dramatically improve the safety of light water reactors, has increased globally, and research and development is currently underway in many countries around the world. In this article, an overview of domestic ATF technology development that has been carried out with the support of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry since 2015, will be introduced.

Inherent core safety performance of small sodium-cooled fast reactor with oxide fuel

Takano, Kazuya; Oki, Shigeo; Doda, Norihiro; Chikazawa, Yoshitaka; Maeda, Seiichiro

Proceedings of 2023 International Congress on Advanced in Nuclear Power Plants (ICAPP 2023) (Internet), 7 Pages, 2023/04

The MOX fueled SMR-SFRs with lower linear heat rating of 100 W/cm and 50 W/cm, whereas the linear heat rating at rated power is around 400 W/cm in general, were designed to decrease the fuel temperature during its rated power state in order to pursue the inherent core safety for MOX fueled SMR-SFRs. The transient analyses for Anticipated Transient Without Scram (ATWS) events represented by an Unprotected Loss of Flow (ULOF) accident on the lower linear heat rating cores were performed considering their inherent feedback reactivity. Through the transient analysis, the inherent core safety performances for the lower linear heat rating cores were discussed based on the evaluated maximum coolant temperature and Cumulative Damage Fraction (CDF) as criteria to maintain the core and fuel integrity. The feasible design window for MOX fueled SMR-SFRs with the inherent core safety focusing on the linear heat rating was identified based on the transient analysis results.

Development of plant lifecycle optimization method, ARKADIA for advanced reactors

Uchibori, Akihiro; Sogabe, Joji; Okano, Yasushi; Takata, Takashi*; Doda, Norihiro; Tanaka, Masaaki; Enuma, Yasuhiro; Wakai, Takashi; Asayama, Tai; Ohshima, Hiroyuki

Proceedings of Technical Meeting on State-of-the-art Thermal Hydraulics of Fast Reactors (Internet), 10 Pages, 2022/09

The ARKAIDA has been developed to realize automatic optimization of plant design from safety evaluation for the advanced reactors represented by a sodium-cooled fast reactor. ARKADIA-Design offers functions to support design optimization both in normal operating conditions and design basis events. The multi-level simulation approach by the coupled analysis such as neutronics, core deformation, core thermal hydraulics was developed as one of the main technologies of the ARKADIA-Design. On the other hand, ARKAIDA-Safety aims for safety evaluation considering severe accidents. As a key technology, the numerical methods for in- and ex-vessel coupled phenomena during severe accidents in sodium-cooled fast reactors were tested through a hypothetical severe accident event.

Construction of a design model for an electromagnet power supply with safety and reliability in the accelerator

Ono, Ayato; Takayanagi, Tomohiro; Ueno, Tomoaki*; Horino, Koki*; Yamamoto, Kazami; Kinsho, Michikazu

JAEA-Technology 2020-023, 40 Pages, 2021/02

JAEA-Technology-2020-023.pdf:2.98MB

The 3 GeV rapid cycling synchrotron of Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC) uses a large number of electromagnet power supplies in order to generate a high-intensity beam of 1 MW. These devices have been specially developed to meet the required specifications of the proton beams. Ten years have passed since the 3 GeV synchrotron had started operation, and we need to replace and update of the components due to failures caused by the aging deterioration. Since the J-PARC is used by many users, it is quite important to recover as soon as possible when a trouble occurs. However, we often spend lots of time to investigate the status and cause of the problem, then it results in the delay of recovery work. One of the major reasons is due to the differences in the manufacturers of sensors and monitors. Therefore, we have to create a manual for each power supply and prepare some exclusive tools. However, troubles rarely occur in the same state and situation, so we have to rely on the experience and knowledge. Even for power supplies with different purposes and specifications, some components, such as sensors, can be shared in many cases. In addition, if the concept of the interlock system, for monitoring the status of the power supply and detecting malfunctions, is shared between the different power supplies, the method and response for failure investigation can be standardized. By using a device with good maintainability, the accelerator operation will be more stable and reliable. In this report, we introduce the necessity of sharing the design concept and common parts. We also explain the basic design model for safety and reliability, using an example of manufacturing an electromagnet power supply for the 3 GeV synchrotron.

A Study on sodium-concrete reaction in presence of internal heating

Kawaguchi, Munemichi; Miyahara, Shinya*; Uno, Masayoshi*

Journal of Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science, 6(2), p.021305_1 - 021305_9, 2020/04

https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4045898

Sodium-concrete reaction (SCR) is one of the important phenomena during severe accidents in sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFRs) owing to the generation of large sources of hydrogen and aerosols in the containment vessel. In this study, SCR experiments with an internal heater were performed to investigate the chemical reaction beneath the internal heater (800C), which was used to simulate the obstacle and heating effect on SCR. Furthermore, the effects of the internal heater on the self-termination mechanism were discussed. The internal heater on the concrete hindered the transport of Na into the concrete. Therefore, Na could start to react with the concrete at the periphery of the internal heater, and the concrete ablation depth at the periphery was larger than under the internal heater. The high Na pool temperature of 800C increased largely the Na aerosol release rate, which was explained by Na evaporation and hydrogen bubbling, and formed the porous reaction product layer, whose porosity was 0.54-0.59 from the mass balance of Si and image analyzing EPMA mapping. They had good agreement with each other. The porous reaction products decreased the amount of Na transport into the reaction front. The Na concentration around the reaction front became about 30wt.% despite the position of the internal heater. It was found that the Na concentration condition was one of the dominant parameters for the self-termination of SCR, even in the presence of the internal heater.

Comparative methodology between actual RCCS and downscaled heat-removal test facility

Takamatsu, Kuniyoshi; Matsumoto, Tatsuya*; Liu, W.*; Morita, Koji*

Annals of Nuclear Energy, 133, p.830 - 836, 2019/11

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anucene.2019.07.025

A RCCS having passive safety features through radiation and natural convection was proposed. The RCCS design consists of two continuous closed regions: an ex-reactor pressure vessel region and a cooling region with a heat-transfer surface to ambient air. The RCCS uses a novel shape to remove efficiently the heat released from the RPV through as much radiation as possible. Employing air as the working fluid and ambient air as the ultimate heat sink, the RCCS design can strongly reduce the possibility of losing the working fluid and the heat sink for decay-heat-removal. Moreover, the authors started experiment research with using a scaled-down heat-removal test facility. Therefore, this study propose a comparative methodology between an actual RCCS and a scaled-down heat-removal test facility.

Decision-making process on selection of management policy for high-level radioactive waste; As an example of Switzerland and United Kingdom

Osawa, Hideaki; Hirose, Yukio*; Onuma, Susumu*; Otomo, Shoji*

Shakai Anzengaku Kenkyu, 9, p.145 - 160, 2019/03

https://www.kansai-u.ac.jp/Fc_ss/center/study/bulletin_009.html

We compared decision-making process on selection of management policy for high-level radioactive waste between Switzerland and UK by document review. The decision-making was performed extraction of options, establishment of comparative criteria, assessment and selection of options in turn. As comparative criteria, safety and intergenerational fairness etc. were considered to be important. The position of 'Deal with it now by waste disposal' emphasizing the responsibility of the present generation had a trade-off relation with that of 'Leave it until later by long-term storage' emphasizing the rights of future generations. The sense of values, recusing HLW repository as so-called troublesome facility against future and present generation, appeared to be mitigated through the consideration of trade-off relation described above. As a result, both countries have chosen waste disposal considering reversibility of decisions and retrievability of radioactive waste.