INVESTIGATION OF RDE THERMAL PARAMETERS CHANGES IN RESPONSE TO LONG-TERM STATION BLACK OUT

Abstract

Due to long-term station black out (SBO) of the RDE (Experimental Power Reactor), the residual heat from the core will be removed to a residual heat removal system (RHRS). The objective of this study is to know the transient characteristic of RDE thermal parameters in response to the loss of residual heat removing ability for long-term. To achieve this objective, an analysis model of reactor thermal parameters changes during SBO, using Matlab program to simulate heat transfer equations of conduction, convection and radiation has been performed. Using this program, the changes of RDE thermal parameters until 800 hours after reactor trip have been analyzed. It is concluded that, in long-term SBO condition, the reactor is still safe with the maximum core temperature of 1140°C, which is still far under the safety limit of 1600°C as stated in the design criteria. More attentions are needed to be taken with the increasing of concrete temperature up to 600°C when the water storage is empty. Therefore, the availability of water in the RHRS shall absolutely be maintained.