The development of a model for predicting the stability boundaries of natural circulation process

Abstract

The concept of safety for facilities comprising nuclear power plants implies in large the use of passive systems. One of the main passive systems in a nuclear power plant is a system for cooling the reactor core with its action based on gravitational forces. In this regard, the importance of such a physical process as natural circulation is increasing with the development of nuclear power facilities. However, this system has not only advantages but some drawbacks as well. These are the emergence of instability in the two-phase coolant flow, pulsations of thermohydraulic parameters, possible circulation reversal and stagnation. This paper deals with the study of a generalized model of the natural circulation stability. The said model is designed to simplify the design engineering of power equipment. This model will also enable the operating personnel to predict the operating limits of the equipment and remain within the coolant stability bounds. This paper presents a model for predicting the stability boundaries of natural circulation process.