Stability analysis on flow parameters in coolant temperature control system of lead-cooled fast reactor

Abstract

Lead-cooled Fast Reactor (LFR), one of the promising nuclear energy technologies for future advanced system, is well foreseen in meeting the goals of Generation IV fission reactor. In LFR, Coolant Temperature Control System (CTCS) is one of the critical parts, and the influence of coolant flow parameters on the stability analysis is worth investigating and studying. In this paper, we use the CLEAR-S, an integrated multifunctional non-nuclear test facility, as reference and the stability analysis of CTCS, concerned to coolant flow rate has been completed based on simplified coolant thermal circulation model. Location of eigenvalues and calculation results of real stability radius, both qualitatively and quantitatively reflect the influence of coolant flow rate on stability respectively. The analysis results show that the feed-water flow rate in steady state is a critical parameter for CLEAR-S, because larger feed-water flow rate can improve stability apparently. However, LBE coolant flow rate has little impact on system stability. The results of this work will provide an effective reference for design and operation of LFR.