Thermal Hydraulics: Solving a PWR Problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a problem related to thermal hydraulics in a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). Participants are exploring the calculations needed to determine the location of maximum heat generation and the maximum heat generation rate per unit volume in a specific fuel rod configuration.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • A participant presents a problem involving a PWR with specific parameters, including thermal power, number of fuel assemblies, and dimensions of fuel rods.
  • Another participant requests clarification on the axial and radial power shapes assumed for the core to proceed with the calculations.
  • A participant shares the equation relevant to the problem but does not specify it in detail.
  • Questions arise regarding the locations of maximum values for a cosine function and a Bessel's function, indicating a need for understanding their behavior in the context of the reactor core.
  • Some participants suggest that the maximum values occur at the center of the core or halfway up along the central axis.
  • There is a discussion about the lattice configuration for an assembly with 204 fuel rods and the number of guide/thimble tubes, indicating a focus on the structural arrangement within the reactor core.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the location of maximum heat generation occurring at the center of the core or halfway up along the central axis. However, the discussion regarding the specific equations and assumptions remains unresolved, with multiple viewpoints on the necessary parameters and configurations.

Contextual Notes

There are missing assumptions regarding the axial and radial power shapes, and the specific equation provided is not detailed in the discussion. The implications of the lattice configuration and the number of guide/thimble tubes are also not fully explored.

soha
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Hi guys,

I'm a starter in Nuclear thermal hydraulics course, and I'm having a hard time in solving this problem:1. Consider a PWR operating at the thermal power of 1893MW. It contains 193 fuel assemblies, each consisting of 204 UO2 fuel rods 1cm in diameter. Using the equation

http://file:///C:\Users\Koki\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image002.png With 200MeV and 180MeV deposited and recoverable energies per fission respectively, and extrapolated radius of 170.2cm and extrapolated height of 365.76cm. Determine the location of the rod with maximum heat generation then calculate the maximum heat generation rate per unit volume in that rod.

can anyone help??
 
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One needs to provide an equation. What axial and radial power shapes does one assume for the core?
 
This is the given eqn
 

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OK, so where do the maximum values occur for a cosine ( cos (x) ) and Jo ( Jo(r/R) ) Bessel's function?
 
when r and z = 0
 
soha said:
when r and z = 0
Which is where in the core?
 
Astronuc said:
Which is where in the core?
The center of the core
 
soha said:
The center of the core
Correct, or half-way up from the bottom of the core along the central axis.

One should able to apply the equation with z and r = 0 to find the local power.

What is the lattice for an assembly with 204 fuel rods? How many guide/thimble tubes? Assume one central tube for instrumentation.
 

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