Research on Neutronics Safety Parameters of the AP1000 Nuclear Reactor under Different Conditions

Xinyi Niu, Jianquan Liu (), Zenghao Dong, Jie Wei and Wenlong Zhou
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Xinyi Niu: College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 201306, China
Jianquan Liu: College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 201306, China
Zenghao Dong: College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 201306, China
Jie Wei: College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 201306, China
Wenlong Zhou: College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 201306, China

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-19

Abstract: Changes in temperature during reactor operation may cause changes in physical parameters, leading to core overheating and accidents. It is essential to analyze and assess the safety parameters of the core under different operating conditions. This paper investigates the effects of fuel temperature, moderator density, boron concentration, and control rod state on AP1000 safety parameters. The study uses RMC and NJOY to calculate the changes in reactivity factor, effective delayed neutron fraction, and neutron generation time of the AP1000 reactor under different operating conditions. The changes in reactivity coefficients, neutron fluxes, and relative power densities of AP1000 reactors are analyzed for normal and accidental operating conditions. The results indicated that the reactivity coefficient remained negative under accident conditions, which ensured the safe operation of the reactor. The delayed neutron fraction, neutron flux, and power density distributions are affected by fuel temperature, moderator density, and control rod position. The control rod worth was sufficient for the emergency shutdown of the reactor under accidental conditions. It is demonstrated that the operation of the AP1000 reactor under study conditions is safe and controllable.

Keywords: AP1000; Monte Carlo; safety parameters; accident conditions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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