Assessment of Axial Power Peaking Factors in GHARR-1 LEU Core: A Decadal Simulation Analysis

This study aims to thoroughly investigate the axial power peaking factors (PPF) within the low-enriched uranium (LEU) core of the Ghana Research Reactor-1 (GHARR-1). This study uses advanced simulation tools, like the MCNPX code for analysing neutron behavior and the PARET/ANL code for understanding power variations, to get a clearer picture of the reactor’s performance. The analysis covers the initial six years of GHARR-1’s operation and includes projections for its whole 60-year lifespan. We closely observed the patterns of both the highest and average PPFs at 21 axial nodes, with measurements taken every ten years. The findings of this study reveal important patterns in power distribution within the core, which are essential for improving the safety regulations and fuel management techniques of the reactor. We provide a meticulous approach, extensive data, and an analysis of the findings, highlighting the significance of continuous monitoring and analysis for proactive management of nuclear reactors. The findings of this study not only enhance our comprehension of nuclear reactor safety but also carry significant ramifications for sustainable energy progress in Ghana and the wider global context. Nuclear engineering is essential in tackling global concerns, such as the demand for clean and dependable energy sources. Research on optimising nuclear reactors, particularly in terms of safety and efficiency, is crucial for the ongoing advancement and acceptance of nuclear energy.

Prospects of Technological Improvement of Nuclear and Environmental Safety of World Energy

Today, the most urgent problem of the existing and future nuclear power industry is to ensure the nuclear and environmental safety of the operation of nuclear power reactor units (NPPs) and nuclear power plants (NPPs). It is solved thanks to the application of deeply echeloned protection and an anti-accident complex of methods and means for effective control of the operation of active reactor zones (AZR). However, the danger of existing NPPs in the world from time to time manifests itself in the form of severe post-project accidents and catastrophes with the release into the environment of a significant amount of radioactive materials dangerous for all living things. The results of the analysis show that the unconditional fulfillment of the main requirements of nuclear environmental safety and biocompatibility is possible only in the so-called wave nuclear reactor of the G-V generation, which, unlike reactors of the previous generations III, II+ and IV, does not require supercritical loading of the core with nuclear fuel. In the active zone of this reactor, nuclear-physical processes governed by physical law are implemented, which exclude the operator’s participation in regulating the reactivity of the reactor’s active zone, which makes it the reactor with the highest level of nuclear and environmental safety today, which is based on the principles of so-called internal safety, free from the human factor. The possibility of burning nuclear fuel based on U238 and Th232 in it expands the reserves of energetic nuclear fuel almost to inexhaustibility. The technology of nuclear reactors of the G5 generation through the secondary use of spent irradiated nuclear fuel (SNF) for the production of energy and energy raw materials with simultaneous burning of it to an environmentally safe state is able to quickly reduce the available stocks and further production of dangerous SNF, guarantee the nuclear and environmental safety of NPPs with reactors G5 and to technologically make nuclear post-project accidents and disasters impossible at the level of physical law with the complete elimination of the human factor.

Safety and effective developing nuclear power to realize green and low-carbon development

This paper analyzes the role of nuclear power of China's energy structure and industry system. Comparing with other renewable energy the nuclear power chain has very low greenhouse gas emission, so it will play more important role in China's low-carbon economy. The paper also discussed the necessity of nuclear power development to achieve emission reduction, energy structure adjustment, nuclear power safety,environmental protection, enhancement of nuclear power technology, nuclear waste treatment, and disposal, as well as nuclear power plant decommissioning. Based on the safety record and situation of the existing power plants in China, the current status of the development of world nuclear power technology, and the features of the independently designed advanced power plants in China, this paper aims to demonstrate the safety of nuclear power. A nuclear power plant will not cause harm either to the environment and nor to the public according to the real data of radioactivity release, which are obtained from an operational nuclear plant. The development of nuclear power technology can enhance the safety of nuclear power. Further, this paper discusses issues related to the nuclear fuel cycle, the treatment, and disposal strategies of nuclear waste, and the decommissioning of a nuclear power plant, all of which are issues of public concern.

Aseismic safety analysis of a prestressed concrete containment vessel for CPR1000 nuclear power plant

Abstract： The containment vessel of a nuclear power plant is the last barrier to prevent nuclear reactor radiation. Aseismic safety analysis is the key to appropriate containment vessel design. A prestressed concrete containment vessel （PCCV） model with a semi-infinite elastic foundation and practical arrangement of tendons has been established to analyze the aseismic ability of the CPR1000 PCCV structure under seismic loads and internal pressure. A method to model the prestressing tendon and its interaction with concrete was proposed and the axial force of the prestressing tendons showed that the simulation was reasonable and accurate. The numerical results show that for the concrete structure, the location of the cylinder wall bottom around the equipment hatch and near the ring beam are critical locations with large principal stress. The concrete cracks occurred at the bottom of the PCCV cylinder wall under the peak earthquake motion of 0.50 g, however the PCCV was still basically in an elastic state. Furthermore, the concrete cracks occurred around the equipment hatch under the design internal pressure of 0.4MPa, but the steel liner was still in the elastic stage and its leak-proof function soundness was verified. The results provide the basis for analysis and design of containment vessels.

Development of SA-533 Type B CL. 1+SA-240 Type 304L roll-bonded clad steel plate for safety injection tank of CAP1400 nuclear power plant

Aiming to meet the demand of the country＇ s nuclear demonstration project on the CAP1400 nuclear power plant, Baosteel uses the roll-bonding technology and develops the SA-533 Type B CL. 1 ＋ SA-240 Type 304L high-strength and high-toughness clad steel plate with a shear strength of over 310 MPa for the nuclear power plant＇ s safety injection tank. The properties of the quenched and tempered and the simulated post-weld heat treatment states are systematically studied herein through a comprehensive inspection and evaluation of the composition,microstructure,and properties of the clad steel plate. The results show that the bonding interface has high shear strength and that the base metal has high strength and good toughness at low temperatures. Hence, the performance fully meets the technical requirements of the CAP1400 nuclear power plant＇ s safety injection tank in the country＇ s nuclear demonstration project. The roll-bonded clad steel plate can be used to manufacture the safety injection tank of the CAP1400 nuclear power plant.

Nuclear power development and radiationsafety control in China

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基于RISMC方法的非能动核电厂小破口事故风险重要序列分析

文章以典型非能动核电厂小破口失水事故为研究对象,基于风险指引的安全裕度特性分析方法(Risk-Informed Safety Margin Characterization,RISMC),耦合确定论和概率论方法对事故发展进程进行研究,选取特定风险重要序列进行精细化建模分析,对重要系统进行离散分支(如自动卸压系统),对重要不确定性参数进行抽样处理(如自动卸压系统阀门阻力、内置换料水箱阀门阻力)。修改原概率安全分析模型中较为保守的成功准则概念,建立改进的离散事件树,以系统成功列数为依据建立故障树。针对特定序列进行不确定性参数的抽样并且对每一组工况进行全厂事故仿真模拟。从而,得到每个序列发生的频率以及在该特定条件下的条件失效概率,最终得到基于RISMC方法的堆芯损伤频率值。分析主要针对自动卸压系统配置和敏感性进行,运用基于RISMC方法CARS软件的分析计算,发现各序列的CDF值均有一定程度的减小。文章基于RISMC的案例分析验证了该方法在非能动电厂安全分析中的可行性,也证明该方法能够去掉一些过保守性,更加现实地对事故风险进行评估,有利于更准确地认识核电厂的安全裕量。

Upgrade to Nuclear Power Plant Krsko Internal Flooding Probabilistic Safety Analysis

The original internal flooding probabilistic safety analysis （PSA） study of Krsko Nuclear Power Plant （two-loop Pressurized Water Reactor （PWR） plant of Westinghouse design） was performed in mid nineties and limited to reactor core damage risk （Level 1 PSA）. In 2003, it was, together with other safety and hazard analyses, subject to the Periodic Safety Review （PSR）. In the PSR, it was stated that methodological PSA approaches and guidelines have evoluted during the past decade and several observations were provided, concerning the area screening process, residual risk and treatment of plant damage states and risk from radioactivity releases （i.e., Level 2 PSA）. In order to address the PSR observations, upgrade ofKrsko NPP internal flooding PSA was undertaken. The area screening process was revisited in order to cover the areas without automatic reactor trip equipment. The model was extended to Level 2. Residual risk was estimated at both Level 1 and Level 2, in terms of core damage frequency （CDF） and large early release frequency （LERF）, respectively.

Development of nuclear power plant real-time engineering simulator

A nuclear power plant real-time engineering simulator was developed based on general-purpose ther- mal-hydraulic system simulation code RELAP5. It mainly consists of three parts:improved thermal-hydraulic system simulation code RELAP5,control and protection system and human-machine interface. A normal transient of CHASHMA nuclear power plant turbine step load change from 100% to 90% of full power,was simulated by the en- gineering simulator as an application example. This paper presents structure and main features of the engineering simulator,and application results are shown and discussed.

Automatic Modeling of Fault Tree for NuIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics,Clear Power Safety I&C Configuration

The automatic modeling of fault tree for nuclear power safety I&C configuration is designed to meet the requirements of reducing the workload and improving the traceability during the nuclear power safety I&C system reliability assessment work. To complete the fault tree automatic modeling, the Visio Automation software technology is used to analyze the topology of the nuclear power safety I&C system hardware device and software function. The good result in practical implementations shows that the nuclear power safety I&C system fault tree modeling work is successfully simplified.

Towards an Ethical and Ecological Approach to Electricity Generation: A Comparative Analysis of Coal and Nuclear Power in the USA

According to the US Energy Information Administration, about 4118 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) electricity was generated at large-scale generation facilities in 2019. About 63% of this was from fossil fuels, e.g., coal, natural gas, petroleum, and other gases. Environmental exposure to particulates, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, arsenic, radioactive fly ash, and other pollutants are extremely detrimental to the human cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems. Such exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, stroke, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, respiratory infections, and other illnesses. In light of the challenges associated with renewables providing large quantities of base load power, as well as other factors, the benefits offered by nuclear power should be reexamined by policy makers to move the country towards a more ecological and ethical method of electric power production. This paper offers a concise analysis of many of the salient issues, comparing electricity generation from coal plants and light water nuclear reactors.

Ageing related events at nuclear power plants

This paper presents main results of a comprehensive study performed by the European Clearinghouse on Operating Experience Feedback of NPP with the support of IRSN (Institut de S?reté Nucléaire et de Radioprotection) and GRS (Gesellschaft für Anlagen und Reaktorsi-cherheit mbH). Physical ageing mechanisms of structure, systems and components that eventually lead to ageing related systems and components failures at nuclear power plants were the main focus of this study. The analysis of ageing related events involved operating experience reported by NPP operators in France, Germany, USA and to the IAEA/NEA International Reporting system, on operating experience for the past 20 years (i.e. 1990-2009). A list of ageing related events was populated. Each ageing related event contained in the list was analyzed and results of analysis were summarized for each commodity group for which the ageing degradation appeared to be a dominant contributor or direct cause. The most common degradation mechanisms/ageing effects for each specific component/commodity group, their risk significance and consequences to the plant performance are described. This paper provides insights into ageing related operating experience as well as recommendations to deal with the physical ageing of nuclear power plant SSC important to safety.

A Series Dissertation on Tianwan Nuclear Power Station——Summary of Tianwan Nuclear Power Station Project

This is a summary in relation to the construction and operation of Tianwan Nuclear Power Station (the Project) at Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, the People’s Republic of China. The breakdown specialty topic shall been given in times to come. In this report, the author attempted to give some general description of the Project, including the Project site’s general layout and geographical conditions. A description of its exposure to the elements is also provided, supported by some data made available to us. The key component parts of the Project are described, namely, the nuclear island which includes the reactor, steam generator and so on; the conventional island and the balance of plant. Wherever possible, the improvements to the reactor design over the operating V320 are highlighted, which result in the V428 reactor model. The supplier and contractor for the major equipment such as the reactor and the turbine is the Russian company, namely Atomstroyexport (ASE). There are third country suppliers who provide other equipment. For instance, Siemens supplies the full digital I&C system and Framatome ANP supplies the emergency diesel generators; the metal-clad switchgear cabinet by ABB of Australia; the main steam isolation valve unit by CCI AG of Switzerland. All these foreign suppliers are well known globally. Their experience and quality of the equipment supplied by them are well recognized by the people in the respective fields. As for the civil work and erection work, the most experienced and trustworthy local contractors have been selected. These contractors have proven their competence in similar contract work before. For the testing of the equipment, stringent and proper procedures which meet international standards are adopted. Finally, the author wished on this report could provide the world a safety and advanced Nuclear Project building in China.

HPR1000： Advanced Pressurized Water Reactor with Active and Passive Safety

HPR1000 is an advanced nuclear power plant(NPP)with the significant feature of an active and passive safety design philosophy,developed by the China National Nuclear Corporation.On one hand,it is an evolutionary design based on proven technology of the existing pressurized water reactor NPP;on the other hand,it incorporates advanced design features including a 177-fuel-assembly core loaded with CF3 fuel assemblies,active and passive safety systems,comprehensive severe accident prevention and mitigation measures,enhanced protection against external events,and improved emergency response capability.Extensive verification experiments and tests have been performed for critical innovative improvements on passive systems,the reactor core,and the main equipment.The design of HPR1000fulfills the international utility requirements for advanced light water reactors and the latest nuclear safety requirements,and addresses the safety issues relevant to the Fukushima accident.Along with its outstanding safety and economy,HPR1000 provides an excellent and practicable solution for both domestic and international nuclear power markets.

Employing adaptive fuzzy computing for RCP intelligent control and fault diagnosis

Loss of coolant accident(LOCA),loss of fluid accident(LOFA),and loss of vacuum accident(LOVA)are the most severe accidents that can occur in nuclear power reactors(NPRs).These accidents occur when the reactor loses its cooling media,leading to uncontrolled chain reactions akin to a nuclear bomb.This article is focused on exploring methods to prevent such accidents and ensure that the reactor cooling system remains fully controlled.The reactor coolant pump(RCP)has a pivotal role in facilitating heat exchange between the primary cycle,which is connected to the reactor core,and the secondary cycle associated with the steam generator.Furthermore,the RCP is integral to preventing catastrophic events such as LOCA,LOFA,and LOVA accidents.In this study,we discuss the most critical aspects related to the RCP,specifically focusing on RCP control and RCP fault diagnosis.The AI-based adaptive fuzzy method is used to regulate the RCP’s speed and torque,whereas the neural fault diagnosis system(NFDS)is implemented for alarm signaling and fault diagnosis in nuclear reactors.To address the limitations of linguistic and statistical intelligence approaches,an integration of the statistical approach with fuzzy logic has been proposed.This integrated system leverages the strengths of both methods.Adaptive fuzzy control was applied to the VVER 1200 NPR-RCP induction motor,and the NFDS was implemented on the Kori-2 NPR-RCP.

非安全级DCS控制柜I/O卡件供电及通信设计优化

由于分布式控制系统(DCS)卡件供电及通信方式配置不合理,存在单块输入/输出(I/O)卡件底座故障导致同一列下游卡件同时故障,进而导致机组非计划停堆或面临大瞬态的问题。创新性地对核电厂DCS控制柜I/O卡件供电及通信方式进行了研究。结合硬件属性,全面分析了当前设计下对后续机组安全、稳定运行产生的不利影响,并对同行核电厂不同DCS平台I/O卡件供电及通信设计开展调查。从可靠性和可维护性角度,针对性地提出优化方案,并成功对170台控制柜完成优化改造。该研究有效规避了机组商运后的大量技术改造和验证工作,提高了机组商运后运行的安全性、稳定性和经济性。

SVBR-100 Nuclear Technology as a Possible Option for Developing Countries

Many developing countries need ecologically clean power sources (PS). The nuclear power plants are such sources. However, a great number of the developing countries do not possess developed large capacity power systems. Moreover, currently in the developing countries, there are no highly skilled personnel to provide construction and reliable and safe operation of the nuclear plants, which are complex and potentially hazardous systems. In some countries, the level of terroristic threat is extremely high. For that reason, there are specific requirements to the nuclear PSs intended for use in the developing countries. In the presented report, the specific requirements which must be met by the NPT proposed for use in developing countries are formulated, basic statements of the SVBR-100 concept are presented, design and principal scheme of the reactor fa-ility are described, major characteristics of SVBR-100 are summarized.

核电厂安全级DCS缺省值设置策略研究

针对数字化仪控系统中无效信号的质量位随意蔓延使系统处于一种不确定状态的问题,结合核电厂运行工况和信号特性,对龙鳞平台故障诊断机制和信号质量位标识进行研究。考虑故障安全准则,系统性地提出缺省值设置原则。从信号执行功能和信号边界两个维度进行分析,确认缺省值的设置范围,并详细给出执行保护功能、报警功能、维护和试验功能信号的缺省值设置策略。同时,针对传统的缺省值验证方式无法全面、有效地进行缺省值验证的问题,提出一种利用全范围模拟机和虚拟数字化控制系统(DCS)进行缺省值验证的新方法。利用该方法可有效地对DCS内设置的缺省值进行系统性的验证。所提出的缺省值设置策略和验证方法可为后续核电厂安全级DCS的缺省值分析和设置提供全面的指导。

基于NASPIC的安全级DCS冗余IO设计

在核电站反应堆保护系统的某些特殊应用中,比如极为重要的控制信号、无扰维护、不可运行性限制等场景,需要考虑可靠、稳定、有效的冗余IO设计,在不显著增加设备数量和故障点的前提下提高系统的可靠性和可用性指标。基于NASPIC平台的软件和硬件特征,以某核电站反应堆保护系统数字化升级项目为例,提供一种稳定可靠的冗余IO设计方案,对类似应用需求场景具有适用性,对于华龙一号批量化建设具有一定的借鉴意义。

Safety of Future NPPs Must Not Be in Conflict with Economics

The conflict between safety and economics requirements is peculiar to the present nuclear power (NP). The main point of the conflict is that for traditional type reactors the increase of requirements to safety of nuclear power plants (NPP) worsens their economical characteristics. This is caused by large potential energy accumulated in reactor coolant. In the presented paper the opportunity and expediency of changeover to reactors with heavy liquid-metal coolants (HLMC) in future NP is grounded. First of all, this refers to lead-bismuth coolant (LBC) mastered in the process of operating nuclear submarines (NS) reactors. The reactor facilities (RFs) of that type cannot cause destruction of defense barriers and make possible deterministic elimination of severe accidents with catastrophic radioactivity release. So it will make possible to eliminate the highlighted conflict and reasons for existence of population’s radiophobia. Lead-bismuth fast reactor SVBR-100 with electric power of 100 MWe is the reactor facility of that type. The effect of accumulated in coolant potential energy on safety and economics is considered. Main specific features of SVBR-100 technology providing a high level of inherent self-protection and passive safety are presented.