Implementation of CO2 and PbLi as working fluids in RELAP5/MOD3.3 towards accident analysis of COOL blanket for CFETR

Abstract

The supercritical CO2 cOoled Lithium-Lead (COOL) blanket is an advanced blanket candidate for the Chinese Fusion Engineering Testing Reactor (CFETR). The COOL blanket has dual coolant. Supercritical CO2 (S-CO2) is used to cool the structural components, while lithium-lead (PbLi) is self-cooling in the breeding zones. To verify the reliability of the COOL blanket, it is essential to conduct the accident analysis. The system code RELAP5/MOD3.3 is developed with implementation of the two working fluids of the COOL blanket, namely PbLi and CO2. The outboard blanket segment of the COOL blanket is modeled using the modified RELAP5. The plasma pulse operation and fusion power excursion transient caused by Multifaceted Asymmetric Radiation From the Edge (MARFE) are simulated to study the thermal dynamic behavior of the COOL blanket. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis of Loss of Flow Accident (LOFA) is carried out. The results show that the outlet temperature of PbLi under steady-state operation meets its design requirements, and the temperature of the structural material does not exceed its temperature limit. The thermal hydraulic parameters have pulsed characteristics under plasma pulse operation. The MARFE event can cause sharp temperature rise of the First Wall (FW) but the material remains below its temperature limit. In case of LOFA of the CO2 system, it is suggested to restore CO2 mass flow rate in time to prevent the FW from overheating when the outlet temperature of PbLi is 973 K. The results of the preliminary accident analysis can provide the basis for the design and optimization of the blanket structure and system.