TRACE modeling and its verification using Maanshan PWR start-up tests

This study consists of two steps. The first step is the establishment of TRACE (TRAC/RELAP Advanced Computational Engine) models for important components, such as pressurizers, steam generators, feedwater control system and steam dump control system and others, in Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant using SNAP (Symbolic Nuclear Analysis Program)/TRACE. These component models were tested and compared with Maanshan startup test data to verify their accuracy. Key parameters were identified to refine the models further. The next step was the incorporation of the above component models into the Maanshan whole-plant TRACE model. TRACE transient analyses of scenarios such as load reduction and turbine trip were performed and their results were compared with the corresponding plant data from Maanshan startup tests. Analysis results indicate that the Maanshan TRACE plant model predicts not only the behaviors of important plant parameters consistently with the plant data, but also their associated numerical values with respectable accuracy.