GNF Fuel and Channel Performance: 2016 Update

摘要

GNF2 is an advanced 10x10 BWR fuel design that was initially introduced in reload quantities in 2008 It has now replaced GE14 as the fuel design with the largest number of bundles in the operating fleet. Utilities are reaping the benefits of improved nuclear and thermal performance as well as high reliability. Transition to GNF2 fuel in the fleet is nearly complete with only three plants continuing to receive GE14 fuel in 2016. GNF2 reload bundles are now being discharged, and inspections have been completed on GNF2 bundles operated to over 61 GWd/MT and over 7 5 years For both GE14 and GNF2, 2015 was a challenging year in terms of fuel reliability, with an increase in debris-related failures. The failures are concentrated in pumped-forward drain plants (that have long showed increased susceptibility to debris issues), plants with histories of recurrent debris failures, and in some cases in plants that had component failures or unusual or extensive maintenance or modifications There have been no failures from causes other than debris. In GNF2, there are no failures due to manufacturing, PCI-type, dryout, or any form related to crud or corrosion. Operating experience in 2015 (and over the past decade) is discussed in terms of Failed Fuel Management, or operation with fuel failures in the core, and channel - control blade interference