CFD Modelling of Loss of Vacuum Accident (LOVA) for CFETR

Abstract

Chinese Fusion Engineering Testing Reactor (CFETR) is a tokamak-type machine and next device in the roadmap for the realization of fusion energy in China, which aims to bridge the gaps between the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and the demonstration reactor (DEMO) [1]. The accident sequence starting from loss of vacuum accident (LOVA) is an important issue concerning the performance of CFETR. During LOVA, air will leak into the vacuum vessel (VV) causing fast pressurization of VV. At the same time, the high speed airflow jet will result in migration and re-suspension of the large quantity of tungsten dust produced and deposited in the lower part of plasma chamber, causing possibilities of radioactive dust leakage into the workshop and environment. In order to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the accident sequence, firstly, the airflow characteristics of LOVA should be studied. In this article, a postulated rupture of different section area is assumed due to a failed component at the equatorial port level. The computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modelling of LOVA was conducted by ANSYS CFX. The results show that the break area has significant influences on the characteristics of the airflow. Two swirling airflows are formed in the upper and lower part of the torus. The airflow characteristics are quite different when the LOVA happens during maintenance or during normal operation. A reverse flow occurs when the LOVA happens during normal operation. Yet can not be observed when LOVA occurs during maintenance. The results are the basis to the further safety study of CFETR such as the re-suspension, migration and explosion of dust.