Performance and Safety Analysis of a Generic Small Modular Reactor

Performance and Safety Analysis of a Generic Small Modular Reactor PDF Author: Evans Damenortey Kitcher
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 93

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Book Description
The high and ever growing demand for electricity coupled with environmental concerns and a worldwide desire to shed petroleum dependence, all point to a shift to utilization of renewable sources of energy. The under developed nature of truly renewable energy sources such as, wind and solar, along with their limitations on the areas of applicability and the energy output calls for a renaissance in nuclear energy. In this second nuclear era, deliberately small reactors are poised to play a major role with a number of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) currently under development in the U.S. In this work, an SMR model of the Integral Pressurized Water Reactor (IPWR) type is created, analyzed and optimized to meet the publically available performance criteria of the mPower SMR from B&W. The Monte Carlo codes MCNP5/MCNPX are used to model the core. Fuel enrichment, core inventory, core size are all variables optimized to meet the set goals of core lifetime and fuel utilization (burnup). Vital core behavior characteristics such as delayed neutron fraction and reactivity coefficients are calculated and shown to be typical of larger PWR systems, which is necessary to ensure the inherent safety and to achieve rapid deployment of the reactor by leveraging the vast body of operational experience amassed with the larger commercial PWRs. Inherent safety of the model is analyzed with the results of an analytical single channel analysis showing promising behavior in terms of axial and radial fuel element temperature distributions, the critical heat flux, and the departure from nucleate boiling ratio. The new fleet of proposed SMRs is intended to have increased proliferation resistance (PR) compared to the existing fleet of operating commercial PWRs. To quantify this PR gain, a PR analysis is performed using the Proliferation Resistance Analysis and Evaluation Tool for Observed Risk (PRAETOR) code developed by the Nuclear Science and Security Policy Institute at Texas A&M University. The PRAETOR code uses multi-attribute utility analysis to combine 63 factors affecting the PR value of a facility into a single metric which is easily comparable. The analysis compared hypothetical spent fuel storage facilities for the SMR model spent fuel assembly and one for spent fuel from a Westinghouse AP1000. The results showed that from a fuel material standpoint, the SMR and AP1000 had effectively the same PR value. Unable to analyze security systems and methods employed at specific nuclear power plant sites, it is premature to conclude that the SMR plants will not indeed show increased PR as intended. The electronic version of this dissertation is accessible from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/148135

Performance and Safety Analysis of a Generic Small Modular Reactor

Performance and Safety Analysis of a Generic Small Modular Reactor PDF Author: Evans Damenortey Kitcher
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 93

Get Book Here

Book Description
The high and ever growing demand for electricity coupled with environmental concerns and a worldwide desire to shed petroleum dependence, all point to a shift to utilization of renewable sources of energy. The under developed nature of truly renewable energy sources such as, wind and solar, along with their limitations on the areas of applicability and the energy output calls for a renaissance in nuclear energy. In this second nuclear era, deliberately small reactors are poised to play a major role with a number of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) currently under development in the U.S. In this work, an SMR model of the Integral Pressurized Water Reactor (IPWR) type is created, analyzed and optimized to meet the publically available performance criteria of the mPower SMR from B&W. The Monte Carlo codes MCNP5/MCNPX are used to model the core. Fuel enrichment, core inventory, core size are all variables optimized to meet the set goals of core lifetime and fuel utilization (burnup). Vital core behavior characteristics such as delayed neutron fraction and reactivity coefficients are calculated and shown to be typical of larger PWR systems, which is necessary to ensure the inherent safety and to achieve rapid deployment of the reactor by leveraging the vast body of operational experience amassed with the larger commercial PWRs. Inherent safety of the model is analyzed with the results of an analytical single channel analysis showing promising behavior in terms of axial and radial fuel element temperature distributions, the critical heat flux, and the departure from nucleate boiling ratio. The new fleet of proposed SMRs is intended to have increased proliferation resistance (PR) compared to the existing fleet of operating commercial PWRs. To quantify this PR gain, a PR analysis is performed using the Proliferation Resistance Analysis and Evaluation Tool for Observed Risk (PRAETOR) code developed by the Nuclear Science and Security Policy Institute at Texas A&M University. The PRAETOR code uses multi-attribute utility analysis to combine 63 factors affecting the PR value of a facility into a single metric which is easily comparable. The analysis compared hypothetical spent fuel storage facilities for the SMR model spent fuel assembly and one for spent fuel from a Westinghouse AP1000. The results showed that from a fuel material standpoint, the SMR and AP1000 had effectively the same PR value. Unable to analyze security systems and methods employed at specific nuclear power plant sites, it is premature to conclude that the SMR plants will not indeed show increased PR as intended. The electronic version of this dissertation is accessible from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/148135

Safety Analysis of a Compact Integral Small Light Water Reactor

Safety Analysis of a Compact Integral Small Light Water Reactor PDF Author: Zhiyuan Cheng (S.M.)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 112

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Book Description
Small modular reactors (SMRs) hold great promise in meeting a diverse market while reducing the risk of delays during nuclear construction compared to large gigawatt-sized reactors. However, due to lack of economy of scale, their capital cost needs to be reduced. Increasing the compactness or power density of the nuclear island is one way to reduce capital cost. This work first assesses the transient analysis of a compact integral small light water reactor to examine its safety performance. Subsequently, a parametric optimization study with the goal of increasing its power density (i.e. improve its market competitiveness) while maintaining safety is performed. A model of the reactor is established using RELAP5/3.3gl, with reference to the features of Nuward SMR. Nuward is a compact 170 MWe Pressurized Water Reactor, whose key features include the use of Compact Steam Generators and a large water tank in which the containment submerges for passive heat removal. A transient analysis of the reference reactor after Loss of Flow Accident, Station Blackout, and Loss of Coolant Accident is carried out. Following all three accidents, the integrity of the fuel and the reactor is maintained. The passive cooling system is estimated to provide 12 - 13 days of grace period. The parametric optimization study indicates that the size of the tank can be reduced to half and still maintain sufficient margin to both short-term and long-term safety goals after all three transients with an estimated grace period of 7 - 8 days. In addition, the configuration of the passive safety system can be rearranged to reduce the size of the containment to 76% of the reference design without affecting its safety performance. By increasing the coolant enthalpy change, which also results in a higher thermal efficiency, the electrical output of the reference design can be enhanced by 44% without major design changes. If the number of pumps in the vessel are increased by 2, the electrical output can be enhanced by 102% while satisfying all safety criteria. The uprated power that satisfies a 72-hour grace period requires a tank size that is 32.5% of the reference design. Such compact and simplified nuclear steam supply system can partially address the lack of economy of scale for the reference SMR and improve its market competitiveness.

Risk-Informing Small Modular Reactor Safety Analysis

Risk-Informing Small Modular Reactor Safety Analysis PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 13

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Book Description


Handbook of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors

Handbook of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors PDF Author: Daniel T. Ingersoll
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing
ISBN: 0128239174
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 648

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Book Description
Handbook of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors, Second Edition is a fully updated comprehensive reference on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which reflects the latest research and technological advances in the field from the last five years. Editors Daniel T. Ingersoll and Mario D. Carelli, along with their team of expert contributors, combine their wealth of collective experience to update this comprehensive handbook that provides the reader with all required knowledge on SMRs, expanding on the rapidly growing interest and development of SMRs around the globe. This book begins with an introduction to SMRs for power generation, an overview of international developments, and an analysis of Integral Pressurized Water Reactors as a popular class of SMRs. The second part of the book is dedicated to SMR technologies, including physics, components, I&C, human-system interfaces and safety aspects. Part three discusses the implementation of SMRs, covering economic factors, construction methods, hybrid energy systems and licensing considerations. The fourth part of the book provides an in-depth analysis of SMR R&D and deployment of SMRs within eight countries, including the United States, Republic of Korea, Russia, China, Argentina, and Japan. This edition includes brand new content on the United Kingdom and Canada, where interests in SMRs have increased considerably since the first edition was published. The final part of the book adds a new analysis of the global SMR market and concludes with a perspective on SMR benefits to developing economies. This authoritative and practical handbook benefits engineers, designers, operators, and regulators working in nuclear energy, as well as academics and graduate students researching nuclear reactor technologies. Presents the latest research on SMR technologies and global developments Includes new case study chapters on the United Kingdom and Canada and a chapter on global SMR markets Discusses new technologies such as floating SMRs and molten salt SMRs

Thermal-Hydraulic Analysis of Nuclear Reactors

Thermal-Hydraulic Analysis of Nuclear Reactors PDF Author: Bahman Zohuri
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319538292
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 845

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Book Description
This revised text covers the fundamentals of thermodynamics required to understand electrical power generation systems and the application of these principles to nuclear reactor power plant systems. The book begins with fundamental definitions of units and dimensions, thermodynamic variables and the Laws of Thermodynamics progressing to sections on specific applications of the Brayton and Rankine cycles for power generation and projected reactor systems design issues. It is not a traditional general thermodynamics text, per se, but a practical thermodynamics volume intended to explain the fundamentals and apply them to the challenges facing actual nuclear power plants systems, where thermal hydraulics comes to play. There have been significant new findings for intercooled systems since the previous edition published and they will be included in this volume. New technology plans for using a Nuclear Air-Brayton as a storage system for a low carbon grid are presented along with updated component sizes and performance criteria for Small Modular Reactors. Written in a lucid, straight-forward style while retaining scientific rigor, the content is accessible to upper division undergraduate students and aimed at practicing engineers in nuclear power facilities and engineering scientists and technicians in industry, academic research groups, and national laboratories. The book is also a valuable resource for students and faculty in various engineering programs concerned with nuclear reactors.

Guidebook to Light Water Reactor Safety Analysis

Guidebook to Light Water Reactor Safety Analysis PDF Author: P. B. Abramson
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN:
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 426

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Book Description
The Guidebook to Light Water Reactor Safety Analysis brings together government and expert researchers entrusted with maintaining the safety of reactors, preventing incidents, and for creating the guidelines for responding appropriately to emergency situations. It includes an overview presented by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. One of the most relevant compendiums of its time, it's a volume of both historical and scientific significance and well worth the consideration of those currently involved with maintaining reactor safety..

Safety Assessment of Research Reactors and Preparation of the Safety Analysis Report

Safety Assessment of Research Reactors and Preparation of the Safety Analysis Report PDF Author: International Atomic Energy Agency
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 124

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Book Description
Presents guidelines, approved by international consensus, for the preparation, review and assessment of the safety documentation (Safety Series No. 35-S1) and for the preparation of the Safety Analysis Report (SAR) (Safety Series No. 35-S2).

Safety of Nuclear Power Plants

Safety of Nuclear Power Plants PDF Author: International Atomic Energy Agency
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789201215109
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
On the basis of the principles included in the Fundamental Safety Principles, IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SF-1, this Safety Requirements publication establishes requirements applicable to the design of nuclear power plants. It covers the design phase and provides input for the safe operation of the power plant. It elaborates on the safety objective, safety principles and concepts that provide the basis for deriving the safety requirements that must be met for the design of a nuclear power plant. Contents: 1. Introduction; 2. Applying the safety principles and concepts; 3. Management of safety in design; 4. Principal technical requirements; 5. General plant design; 6. Design of specific plant systems.

Nuclear Reactor Core Safety Analysis

Nuclear Reactor Core Safety Analysis PDF Author: David Rex Graves
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Nuclear reactors
Languages : en
Pages : 94

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Book Description


Legal and Institutional Issues of Transportable Nuclear Power Plants

Legal and Institutional Issues of Transportable Nuclear Power Plants PDF Author: International Atomic Energy Agency
Publisher: International Atomic Energy Agency
ISBN: 9789201447104
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 95

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Book Description
A transportable nuclear power plant (TNPP) is a factory-manufactured, movable nuclear power plant, which when fuelled is capable of producing final energy products such as electricity and heat. Transportable nuclear power plants are not designed to operate during transportation. This publication highlights the potential benefits of TNPPs, describes the legal and institutional issues for their deployment in countries other than the country of origin, reveals challenges that might be faced in their deployment, and outlines pathways for resolution of the identified issues and challenges in the short and long terms. It is addressed to senior legal, regulatory and technical officers in Member States planning to embark on a nuclear power programme or to expand an existing one by considering the introduction of a TNPP.