Parity Simulation of a Pressurized Water Reactor System

Abstract

Transient analysis of nuclear plants is a complex problem requiring use of simulation tools. One of these tools, known as parity simulation, exploits the concept of electrical analogs of a physical system. Electrical analogs of the components of a nuclear plant are constructed and interconnected in a highly user-oriented facility known as a parity simulator. Parity simulation originated in electronic network analysis and spread to neutronic and fluid flow applications. This work focuses on the application of parity simulation to transient thermal hydraulic behavior of a pressurized water reactor loop under abnormal two-phase conditions. Development of a two-phase flow element is outlined. Governing equations are used to construct a pipe section model and its electrical analog. Required non-standard components must be specially designed. This element is used as a building block to model the reactor loop. Results are presented and compared with reference numerical solutions.