Effects of radial core power profile on core thermo-hydraulic behavior during reflood phase in PWR-LOCAs.

Abstract

An investigation of the effects of the radial core power profile on the thermo-hydraulic behavior during the reflood phase in a PWR-LOCA has been conducted with the Slab Core Test Facility (SCTF). Since the power in an actual PWR is lower in the peripheral bundles than in the central bundles, the so called chimney effects due to radial core power profile are expected to improve the cooling of the higher power bundles. The SCTF simulates a full radius slab section of a PWR and therefore the effects of radial core power profile can be investigated. The revealed results of four forced-feed reflood tests in the SCTF are; (1) even with different radial core power profiles, flat distribution of the collapsed water level in the core are obtained for each test; (2) in the highest power bundle under the same total core power, steeper radial power profile gives higher heat transfer coefficient; and (3) redistribution of flow or cross flow between bundles is considered to be a major reason for the results described above.