Neutronics and Thermohydraulics Coupling Analysis on Novel Organic Cooled Reactor Based on Single-Channel Model

Abstract

A conceptual design for a 100 MW(th) organic cooled reactor is proposed with the application of organic fluid HB-40 as a coolant. In order to obtain the axial and radial power distribution, a physical model for the proposed core is developed using the Monte Carlo particle transport code MCNP. Moreover, a single-channel model is developed using multi-physics simulation software COMSOL to calculate the temperature distribution of the fuel elements and corresponding coolant channels. A neutronics-thermohydraulics coupling calculation method is established to couple the MCNP code and COMSOL software by means of mesh mapping and data transfer. Through coupling calculation, the high fidelity power and temperature distribution can be obtained. The key thermohydraulics parameters of the hottest channel in the core are investigated, and the changes after coupling calculation are analyzed. The proposed core design and coupling method can be used as a reference for further optimization of organic cooled reactors.