Optimization of Power Distribution to Achieve Outlet Gas-Coolant Temperature of 950°C for HTTR

Abstract

This report presents the optimization result with respect to the spatial power distribution of the High Temperature engineering Test Reactor (HTTR) core to achieve a high outlet coolant gas temperature of 950°C. At first, the power distribution optimization procedure was developed to achieve a high outlet coolant gas temperature while maintaining the fuel temperature as low as possible. Secondarily, the optimization procedure thus developed was applied for the power distribution design of the HTTR core. The maximum nominal fuel temperature was reduced about 300°C through the optimization and was 1,321 oc. By the power distribution optimization, the maximum fuel temperature was maintained less than the fuel temperature design limit of 1,600°C, even accounting for the temperature increase at the hot spot and the anticipated operational occurrences.