The Reactor Core Neutronic model for the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor

This paper describes the technical aspects of the Reactor Core Neutronic model for the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR). Included is a model design review with preliminary simulation results and model constraints. The PBMR Demonstration Power Plant is a First of a Kind Engineering plant which will be used for the production and generation of electricity in South Africa.The theory and solution techniques used for modelling and simulating the neutronic core are also described. The neutronic model is discussed, as well as the model capabilities and model requirements. The model formulation for the PBMR plant is also derived from GSE's nuclear (neutronic) simulation model known as REMARK© (Real Time Multigroup Advanced Reactor Kinetics). The derived neutronic model for PBMR is aptly called the PBMR-REMARK© Reactor Core Neutronic model. Preliminary results of the Reactor Core Neutronic model simulations are included and discussed in the paper.