Thermalhydraulic Analysis of Spent Fuel Baskets

Abstract

This paper presents results from a thermalydraulic modelling and analysis of the cooling water surrounding spent fuel baskets in the spent fuel bays. The spent fuel basket is a design option to provide more self-shielding features for spent fuel storage. Two CFD models containing the spent fuel baskets are presented using 3D finite volume elements. The first model is for spent fuel baskets in stacks to simulate them in storage bay. The second model is for the 'tilter' which is a part of the spent fuel handling equipment in the reception bay. The CFD software Ansys-CFX was used to calculate heat transfer from the spent fuels to the cooling water. The analysis results of test cases demonstrate that these models can be used for detailed design assist for spent fuel handling systems and operations.