Transient Analyses of Passive Residual Heat Removal System of 10MW Molten Salt Reactor Experiment

Abstract

In order to improve the inherent safety of the Molten Salt Reactor (MSR), a concept of passive residual heat removal system (PRHRS) for the 10MW Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) was put forward. Its transient characteristics were investigated by developing a model of it using C++ code. The effects of environmental temperature, finned tube number and chimney height on the PRHRS were analyzed. The results show that the PRHRS can remove the decay heat timely. Three natural circulations are established in the PRHRS when it begins to operate. With the decay heat power reducing, the PRHRS can automatically adjust its heat removal ability. It needs not any external power for the PRHRS to operate, which enhances the inherent safety and reliability of the reactor, especially under the condition that power plants lose power.