Bandung Triga 2000 Reactor Power Analysis as a Function of the Number of Fuel Elements and the Power Peaking Factor

Abstract

The reactivity value of the Bandung TRIGA 2000 reactor core has decreased over time, so the power generated by the reactor is also getting smaller, despite the control rod position is fully withdrawn. Therefore, it is necessary to reshuffle and refuel the fuel element to increase the excess reactivity by considering the safety parameters, such as axial and radial power peaking factors, DNBR, dTsat, and temperature on the cladding and in the center of the fuel element. The analyzed reactor safety parameters are the number of fuel elements, which varied at 105, 110, and 115 elements, as well as power peaking factor, which varied at 1.55, 1.65, 1.75, 1.85, and 1.95. The calculations were done using MCNP and COOLOD-N2 programs. If DNBR ≈ 1.3 is determined as the safety limit for the operation of the Bandung TRIGA 2000 reactor, at PPF 1.95 (105, 110, and 115 fuel elements), it can be considered to operate the reactor at the power of 600-700 kW. However, at PPF of 1.75 (105, 110, and 115 fuel elements), the reactor can be operated at the power of 700-800 kW, and at PPF of 1.55 (105, 110, and 115 fuel elements), the reactor can be considered for operation at the power of 800-900 kW. The results of these calculations can be used for consideration in determining the operating limits of the Bandung TRIGA 2000 reactor.Keywords: TRIGA 2000, fuel element, power peaking factor, DNBR, boiling