초록
The measurements of the moderator temperature coefficient (MTC) are performed to demonstrate that the calculational model produces results that are consistent with the measurements. Since negative MTC is also a technical specification value that may limit the cycle length, it is important to measure it as accurately as possible. In this report, preferred choice of test method depending on the time in cycle, best power indication and temperature definition in MTC calculation were determined based on the MTC test results taken during initial startup testing and at 2/3 cycle burnup in the Yonggwang nuclear power plant. The results show that the ratio and rodded methods provided good agreement with the predictions during initial startup testing. However, near end-of-cycle the depletion method gives better results, and so is suggested to be used in the MTC measurements at 2/3 cycle burnup. The use of primary Delta T power as a power indicator in the MTC calculations is highly advisable since it responds with good consistent results very quickly to changes unlike secondary calorimetric power. For the appropriate temperature definitions used in the MTC calculations, it is considered that the arithmetic average temperature measured simply by inlet and outlet thermocouples is preferred. Although volumetric average temperature provides better results, the improvement is not sufficient to compensate for the simplicity of calculations by arithmetic average temperature.