3D-2D coupling multi-dimension simulation for the heat pipe micro-reactor by MOOSE&SAM

Abstract

In recent years, micro-reactor concepts have attracted increasing attention in the nuclear industry due to the market demand for flexible, reliable, and sustainable power and heat on-site for industrial or federal installations or remote communities. To help demonstrate and validate these innovative reactor concepts, the Micro-reactor AGile Non-nuclear Experimental Test-bed (MAGNET) is being constructed at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) with an initial focus on the thermal and structural performance of heat pipe cooled micro-reactors. At this time, the preliminary design parameters of the MAGNET facility have been specified. In this work, a simulation using the System Analysis Module (SAM) code is performed for the prototypical 37-heat-pipes test article to predict its experimental facility performance and associated uncertainties. We first carry out a benchmark demonstration of our modeling method with an example provided by Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). Then, we predict the thermal performance of the MAGNET facility under steady-state operation. Moreover, several sensitivity parameters are analyzed to investigate their impact on facility thermal performance. This MAGNET experiment simulation provides valuable information for researchers to validate the facility's initial design and steady-state operation.