Improvement of the operating margin in pressurized wáter reactor (PWR), thourgh the validation of TRACE Reflooding Models using experimental data and evaluation of the uncertainties of numerical codes

Abstract

Energy is considered an important factor for the economic development and also for prosperity. The progress and the welfare of a society have always relied on supply of energy in convenient form. This has caused positive developments to advance technology for energy utilization but also a conflict over limited resources. The global energy consumption is increasing rapidly, electricity in particular. The world energy demand will be between 50% and 55% higher in 2030 compared to that of 2005. The biggest increases will come in developing countries. Coal is currently the energy source which experiences the most rapid increase, and is estimated to be so for many decades. Electricity produced from coal power plants is estimated to double production between 2005 and 2030. Nuclear power plays an important role in the global energy situation and it will continue playing in times to come. Nowadays, nuclear power is already a significant contributor, with a share of 16%. The projections estimate an increase of nuclear power by around 25% by 2030