Dynamic nuclear fuel testing at HANARO: Simulation and validation of test method
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The establishment of a facility capable of conducting tests in a neutron-irradiated environment is crucial for the development of nuclear fuels. The recent requirement to develop advanced fuels such as accident-tolerant fuels, fuels for small modular reactor, and fuels with increased enrichment has intensified. As the performance during load-following operations and abnormal conditions holds significant importance, it is necessary to observe the dynamic behavior of fuels throughout the development process. In this study, we propose a method for performing dynamic tests at HANARO. The evaluation at the OR4 irradiation hole confirmed that it provides a sufficiently high thermal neutron flux, effectively adjusting the fission power of the test fuel under various test conditions. To adjust the fission power density, the test fuel rods are repositioned axially during the test. To verify the performance of the proposed testing method, a mock-up test device was designed and fabricated. Conducting a hydraulic test of the device under normal operating conditions, using a single-channel test loop, yielded a successful outcome without any operational issues. In conclusion, this study demonstrate the feasibility of suggested test method for verifying the dynamic performance of advanced nuclear fuels in a neutron-irradiated environment.
Abstract
The establishment of a facility capable of conducting tests in a neutron-irradiated environment is crucial for the development of nuclear fuels. The recent requirement to develop advanced fuels such as accident-tolerant fuels, fuels for small modular reactor, and fuels with increased enrichment has intensified. As the performance during load-following operations and abnormal conditions holds significant importance, it is necessary to observe the dynamic behavior of fuels throughout the development process. In this study, we propose a method for performing dynamic tests at HANARO. The evaluation at the OR4 irradiation hole confirmed that it provides a sufficiently high thermal neutron flux, effectively adjusting the fission power of the test fuel under various test conditions. To adjust the fission power density, the test fuel rods are repositioned axially during the test. To verify the performance of the proposed testing method, a mock-up test device was designed and fabricated. Conducting a hydraulic test of the device under normal operating conditions, using a single-channel test loop, yielded a successful outcome without any operational issues. In conclusion, this study demonstrate the feasibility of suggested test method for verifying the dynamic performance of advanced nuclear fuels in a neutron-irradiated environment.