Safety evaluation of small-break LOCA with various locations and sizes for SMART adopting fully passive safety system using MARS code

• DOI: 10.1016/j.nucengdes.2014.06.030
• Publication Date: 2014-07-19T21:31:55Z
• Authors: Ji-Han Chun; Bub-Dong Chung; Guy-Hyung Lee; Kyoo-Hwan Bae; Young-In Kim; Young-Jong Chung; Keung-Koo Kim
• Keywords: 13. Climate action; 0211 other engineering and technologies; 02 engineering and technology; 7. Clean energy

Abstract A safety evaluation of SMART adopting a fully passive safety system was performed for a small-break loss of coolant accident (SBLOCA) with various break locations and sizes using the MARS code. It is necessary for SMART, adopting a fully passive safety system composed of passive safety injection system (PSIS), automatic depressurization system (ADS), and passive residual heat removal system (PRHRS), to satisfy the passive safety performance requirements, i.e., the capability to maintain safe shutdown conditions for a minimum of 72 h without AC power supply or operator action in the case of a design basis accident. A number of SBLOCAs of different locations and sizes were analyzed using the MARS code. The results of the break spectrum analyses showed that the collapsed liquid level inside the core support barrel is maintained high enough above the top of the core owing to the sufficient passive safety injection flow from the core makeup tank (CMT) and safety injection tank (SIT). Therefore, the core is not uncovered for 72 h after the break without AC power supply or operator action, resulting in a continuous decrease of fuel cladding temperature throughout the transient.