SERPENT/SUBCHANFLOW COUPLED CALCULATIONS FOR A VVER CORE AT HOT FULL POWER

An increasing interest on the development of highly accurate methodologies in reactor physics is nowadays observed, mainly stimulated by availability vast computational resources. As a result, an on-going wide range coupled calculation tools observed within diverse projects worldwide. Under this framework, McSAFE European Union project coordinated effort aimed to develop multiphysics based Monte Carlo neutron transport and subchannel thermal-hydraulics codes. These are be suitable for high-fidelity calculations both PWR VVER reactors, with final goal performing pin-by-pin at full core scope including burnup. Several intermediate steps analyzed in-depth before jumping into order provide insights identify resources requirements. part process, work presents results coupling using Serpent 2 code (developed VTT, Finland) SUBCHANFLOW (SCF, developed KIT, Germany) full-core model. For such purpose, recently refurbished master-slave scheme used High Performance Computing architecture. A benchmark VVER-1000 that provides experimental data considered, where first burnup step (i.e. fresh hot-full rated power state) calculated. purpose detailed pin-by-pin) Serpent-SCF model developed, simplified equilibrium xenon distribution fuel assembly). Comparisons main global reported presented briefly discussed, together raw estimation requirements brief demonstration inherent capabilities proposed approach. The here valuable pave way tackle goals project.