Space-dependent kinetics simulation of a gas-cooled fluidized bed nuclear reactor

• Published in: Nuclear engineering and design Vol. 219; no. 3; pp. 225 - 245
• Main Authors: Pain, C.C., Gomes, J.L.M.A., Eaton, M.D., de Oliveira, C.R.E., Umpleby, A.P., Goddard, A.J.H., van Dam, H., van der Hagen, T.H.J.J., Lathouwers, D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.02.2003; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Controled nuclear fusion plants; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; Fluidized bed reactor; Nuclear fusion reactor; Three dimensional model; Helium; Gas cooled reactor; Modeling; Nuclear reactor
• ISSN: 0029-5493; 1872-759X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0029-5493(02)00215-7

In this paper we present numerical simulations of a conceptual helium-cooled fluidized bed thermal nuclear reactor. The simulations are performed using the coupled neutronics/multi-phase computational fluid dynamics code finite element transient criticality which is capable of modelling all the relevant non-linear feedback mechanisms. The conceptual reactor consists of an axi-symmetric bed surrounded by graphite moderator inside which 0.1 cm diameter TRISO-coated nuclear fuel particles are fluidized. Detailed spatial/temporal neutron flux and temperature profiles have been obtained providing valuable insight into the power distribution and fluid dynamics of this complex system. The numerical simulations show that the unique mixing ability of the fluidized bed gives rise, as expected, to uniform temperature and particle distribution. This uniformity enhances the heat transfer and therefore the power produced by the reactor.