Assessment of RELAP5 mod3.3 and CATHARE2 V1.5a Against a Full Scale Test of PERSEO Device

Abstract

PERSEO device was developed in the framework of a domestic research program on innovative safety systems, with the purpose to increase the reliability of passive Decay Heat Removal Systems implementing in-pool heat exchangers. The device was tested at SIET Thermal-hydraulic Research Centre by modifying the existing PANTHERS IC-PCC facility. Two types of tests were performed: integral tests and stability tests. The experimental data acquired in the test campaign allowed a validation of a RELAP5/mod 3.3 beta release and CATHARE2 V1.5a/Mod8.1 full scale model of the PERSEO device. The paper deals with the comparison between the two codes against an integral test considered representative from the point of view of the PERSEO functioning and it highlights capabilities and limits of the codes in simulating such kind of test.