An integrated assessment method of real-time source term for high temperature gas-cooled reactor

Abstract

To address high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTR) nuclear power plant (NPP) safety analysis and emergency response, this paper proposes an integrated source term assessment (ISTA) method, guided by the principles of reality, rapidity and rationality. The fundamental concept of ISTA is to establish a connection between the theoretical model of source term (ST) calculation and actual conditions of HTR NPPs. According to the ISTA method, STs can be evaluated by mapping key parameters through monitoring variables during any abnormal operational conditions or accident conditions, resulting in a more realistic representation. Furthermore, the output of STs in various typical spaces within an HTR NPP further expands the application scope beyond the development of nuclear emergency protection strategies. In addition, a corresponding tool (ISTAT) for engineering application is developed and the case is given to verify the feasibility. This research highlights the technological advancement affecting radiological release scenarios and avoiding unnecessary conservatism, which also can give reference for other advanced reactor NPPs.