Simulation of PWR Load Follow Operation Using VERA-CS

摘要

The work performed under the Test Stand agreement between UIUC and CASL is described in this paper. The Test Stand was performed in conjunction with an industry partner to investigate PWR load follow operation. Scaled models and tests were performed to gain experience with the VERA-CS code suite and test code's ability to model load follow maneuvers in PWR-type reactor. This project resulted in the development of a full quarter-core symmetric model simulating the operation of PWR 1 cycles 17-21 and the load follow power history during cycle 21. The MPACT/CTF model successfully simulated the depletion of the five selected cycles and was able to capture a period of load follow power history'. The modeling strategy demonstrated the capability of the "jump-in" method of shuffling in pre-burned (approximate) assemblies from cycle 15 and 16 into the initial depletion model of cycle 17. eventually obtaining a core model with accurate power history and isotopic composition for cycle 21. This strategy reduced the overall computational burden by starting from a later cycle rather than the reactor BOL. and the results indicate that this strategy was successful.