The Reduction of Radiological Consequences of design basis and extension Accidents: re-assessment of calculations and main outcomes of the R2CA project
Résumé
The 4-year H2020 R2CA (Reduction of Radiological Consequences of design basis and extension Accidents) project was intended to propose guidelines to harmonize the safety analysis methods through the development of generic methodologies for best estimate evaluations of the radiological consequences (RC). It was dedicated to Design Basis Accidents (DBA) and accidents in the Design Extension Condition domain without significant fuel melting (DEC-A). The project addresses a broad scope of LWR designs (BWR, EPR, PWR, VVER) from Gen II, III and III+ focusing on bounding scenarios of Loss Of Coolant Accidents (LOCA) and Steam Generator Tube Rupture (SGTR) transients. The work performed within the project intends to reduce some of the conservatisms currently used in safety studies and/or licensing calculations, which are necessary to help a better quantification and consideration of the potential changes to come in the operation conditions (e.g. increase of fuel burn-up, usage of ATF). In doing so, some potential higher risks exhibited by knowledge improvements (e.g. clad embrittlement through secondary hydriding, increased fission product releases from high-burn-up or MOx fuels, etc.) were also highlighted. Finally, it was beneficial to the development of innovative measures or tools to prevent these accidents (i.e. algorithms, AI based tools, etc.) as well as to strengthen their management. This article summarizes the main outcomes of the R2CA project presenting the most relevant improvements in simulation tools and calculation methodologies therein. LOCA and SGTR calculation results in DBA and DEC-A domains are discussed. In addition, some insights are given on tools/methods that could be further used to increase the NPP safety based on exploratory innovative work performed within the project. Finally, in conclusion, preliminary guidelines are given for a better estimation of the RC of the considered scenarios.
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