Title: In-core power prediction and effects of average core temperature on miniature neutron source reactor's core performance

Authors: M.S. Anas; Y.A. Ahmed; Nasiru Rabiu; S.A. Agbo; Bala Balarabe

Addresses: College of Agriculture and Animal Science Mando, Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria ' Centre for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria ' Physics Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria ' Physics Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria ' Physics Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract: The results of the measurement obtained revealed that the coolant temperature difference is approximately uniform over the period of operation with an average value of 12.1°C for experiments performed at half power and 19.5°C for operation at full power. The average core temperature of the reactor was found to have mean values of 19.8°C and 44.3°C at half and full power levels respectively. The average value for the predicted power of the reactor at half and full flux was found to be 14.9 kW and 31.30 kW respectively. The variation of the inlet temperature (T_in) and coolant temperature (ΔT) with the reactor power was also investigated and the results show that the thermo-hydraulic parameters dictate the power level but have no significant influence on power excursion, coolant boiling and radiation exposure of personnel.

Keywords: NIRR-1; Nigeria Research Reactor; MNSR; miniature neutron source reactors; thermo-hydraulic parameters; in-core power prediction; average core temperature; core performance; coolant temperature; inlet temperature; power level; power excursion; coolant boiling; radiation exposure; nuclear energy; nuclear power.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2015.075482

International Journal of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology, 2015 Vol.9 No.4, pp.279 - 292

Received: 18 Jun 2015
Accepted: 11 Oct 2015
Published online: 24 Mar 2016 *

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