MEPhI Researchers Develop System to Predict Nuclear Reactor Overheating
The system could improve the economic efficiency of nuclear power plants.
Researchers at the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI have developed a method for early detection of a heat transfer crisis, a dangerous condition in which heat transfer from a fuel element to the coolant deteriorates sharply as vapor forms on the fuel element’s surface.
The new system is designed to predict the development of abnormal conditions before they occur. Unlike fuel element surface temperature, which is measured only in experimental fuel assemblies, coolant pressure and flow rate are continuously measured. Researchers are looking for correlations between these parameters and temperature to develop a diagnostic tool that can be used across a range of operating conditions.
The ultimate goal is to develop an integrated hardware and software system that would serve as an assistant to nuclear power plant operators. Artificial intelligence capabilities could also be incorporated over time.
Heat transfer crises are not currently occurring because nuclear power plants are operating at reduced power levels. The new tool could allow them to increase output. Even a power increase of just a few percentage points could generate substantial additional revenue, but achieving it requires reliable monitoring tools.
