Date of Award

Spring 2012

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Applied Science (MASc)

Department

Engineering Physics and Nuclear Engineering

Supervisor

D. R. Novog

Language

English

Abstract

In the next few decades, the nuclear industry worldwide is expected to launch a set of reactors with advanced reactor designs. Generation-IV (GEN-IV) reactors are to display superior safety by incorporating additional passive safety concepts as well as improving accident management and minimization of consequences. Canada is in the early stages of conceiving its GEN-IV reactor design – the Supercritical Water Reactor (SCWR). The proposed design is based on the existing CANDU configurations and is expected to offer significant advances in thermal efficiency, fuel cycle sustainability, and relative cost of energy. Of particular interest is the reactor's ability to use inherent or passive safety concepts which will translate to the reactor being walk-away safe in an accident.

Steam generators in CANDU remove decay heat by thermosyphoning in a loss of Class-IV power accident. This natural circulation process was a passive feature in GEN-II and GEN-III CANDUs. The SCWR's direct thermodynamic cycle implies steam generators are no longer incorporated into the design. This thesis examines how the SCWR compensates for the removal of a passive safety system element and the difference to the overall safety of the reactor following accidents. These results will be compared to the traditional CANDU's response in accidents to demonstrate the added value of this new reactor in maintaining the goal of no widespread core damage. Comparisons were also made between the SCWR and similar GEN-IV reactors in terms of design and response to various initiating events.

Probabilistic Risk Analysis is used in this thesis to assess the SCWR design options. Although the SCWR is in the pre-conceptual design phase, the results of such risk assessment studies could affect the design, operation, and licensing of this new reactor. Future studies can build on this work to conduct more detailed analyses to characterise the SCWR's safety and reliability.

McMaster University Library


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