Abstract
This paper presents a new method for calculating normalized reactor coolant flow based on the electric current, line frequency, and voltage to the reactor coolant pumps (RCPs). This method-based on the Law of Energy Conservation-uses the daily reactor coolant flow calibration to factor out core flow static error (for example, due to crud build-up in the reactor coolant flow path or steam generator tube plugging) during operation. If a low reactor coolant flow event occurs, the Reactor Coolant Flow Calculator offers important reactor protection. The Reactor Coolant Flow Calculator has the following benefits: 1. It can detect design basis events (DBEs) related to reactor coolant flow faster and more accurately than existing methods. 2. The voltage and current sensors can be located outside of the containment building (for example, at the power source) for easy access and maintenance. 3. Sensors are common commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) items, and hardware obsolescence will not be a problem.
