Comparative assessment of coupled RELAP5/PARCS and DYN3D/RELAP5 codes against the Kozloduy-6 pump trip test

The modeling of complex transients in Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) remains a challenging topic for Best Estimate (BE) three-dimensional coupled code computational tools. Nowadays, this technique is extensively used since it allows decreasing conservatism in the calculation models by performing more realistic simulations based on a more precise consideration of multidimensional effects under complex transients in NPPs. This paper represents a contribution to the assessment and validation of coupled code technique through the Kolzoduy VVER-1000 pump trip test. The coupled REALP5/3.3-PARCS/2.6 and DYN3D/3-RELAP5/3.3 code systems are used in simulations. The obtained results are assessed against experimental data and also through the code-to-code comparison.

The DYN3D/RELAP5 computational model of VVER-1000 has been developed and adjusted for simulations with the parallel running scheme (PVM) of RELAP5/PARCS. Also, the macroscopic cross-section library used in the DYN3D/RELAP5 calculations has been adapted to meet the input requirements of PARCS. Prior to the test simulations, the RELAP5/PARCS model of the plant has been assessed in the standalone PARCS and RELAP5 test calculations.
A reasonably good agreement between the experimental data and the calculated results is obtained. For the initial state, the observed discrepancies are mainly due to the absence of ADF correction and the evaluation of the Doppler feedback effect. During the transient, the deviations are mainly due to the combined effect of the measurement uncertainty in the control rod axial position and the estimation of the Doppler effect.