Assessment of Emergency Core Cooling Systems Effectiveness for Light Water Nuclear Power Reactors,

摘要

The effectiveness of Emergency Core Cooling Systems (ECCS) for light water nuclear power reactors was the subject of hearings conducted by the AEC from 1971through 1973. An independent review and assessment of the technical issues associated with ECCS effectiveness identified the critical parameters influencing ECCS performance. Some of the parameters cited by the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safety as being of unproved conservatism reviewed here are:the initial stored fuel energy;fuel rod gas gap conductance;fluid flow rates through broken pipes;metal-water reaction energy release;and fuel rod embrittlement. Alternative responses to resolution of the ECCS problem are analyzed. Recommendations are made for improvements in criteria conservatism,and several new and/or accelerated research programs are recommended. (Portions of this document are not fully legible.)