Determining the minimum required cooling time of profiled assemblies at the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant taking into account the load schedule

Abstract

Determining the minimum required cooling time of profiled assemblies at the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, taking into account the load schedule, is an analytical process to establish the shortest required period during which profiled assemblies used in the nuclear power plant energy process must remain in active use. This process considers factors related to changes in the electrical load on the station during different periods. Within the scope of this definition, an analysis of the technical characteristics of profiled assemblies is conducted as well as their impact on the overall performance of the nuclear power plant. Key considerations in the cooling time include operational safety, compliance with regulatory requirements, and efficient distribution of energy resources in accordance with the load schedule. The goal of this process is to ensure optimal and safe operation of profiled assemblies, adapted to changes in the electrical grid and aligned with the load schedule, thereby contributing to the more efficient functioning of the nuclear power plant. This study aims to substantiate the minimum required cooling time for profiled nuclear assemblies characterized by an average uranium enrichment of 3.82% and an average burnup of 45.7 Megawatt-days per kilogram of uranium (MWD/kgU). Calculations are performed using the ORIGEN-ARP program, part of the SCALE software package designed for the analysis and modeling of radioactive and nuclear processes. The study considers parameters such as the composition of nuclear assemblies, fuel burnup, modeling using the ORIGEN-ARP program, and safety analysis. The results obtained aim to make a significant contribution to enhancing the efficiency and safety of nuclear energy installations