Applying uncertainty and sensitivity on thermal hydraulic subchannel analysis for the multi-application small light water reactor

Abstract

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are a recent advancement in commercial nuclear reactor design with growing interest worldwide. New SMR concepts, such as the Multi-Application Small Light Water Reactor (MASLWR), must undergo a licensing processes established by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) prior to commercial operation. Given the lack of historical, full scale operating experience, a general uncertainty and sensitivity analysis methodology was developed to help aid SMR designs through this process. Uncertainty was quantified through the empirical cumulative distribution function (ECDF) created from a desired data set. Linear regression techniques were applied to measure sensitivity. This methodology was demonstrated through the thermal hydraulic steady-state subchannel analysis of the MASLWR concept using RELAP5-3D Version 4.0.3 and VIPRE-01 Mod 2.2.1. Twelve uncertain input parameters were selected. System response uncertainty in the minimum departure from nucleate boiling ratio (MDNBR), maximum fuel temperature, and maximum clad temperature was evaluated. These figures were shown to satisfy U.S. NRC regulatory requirements for steady state operation at the 95 percent probability and 95 percent confidence level under the evaluated conditions. Sensitivity studies showed input parameters affecting local power generation within the core had a large influence on MDNBR, maximum fuel temperature, and maximum clad temperature.