Neutronics benchmark calculations of the NuScale-like SMR core using SCALE/KENO-VI

Abstract

A neutronics benchmark for a NuScale-like core has been proposed under the Euratom McSAFER project using Monte Carlo solutions from Serpent 2 (v2.2) and the nuclear data library ENDF/B-VII.1. The benchmark aims to facilitate code-to-code comparisons in neutronics calculations for light-water cooled small modular reactors (LW-SMRs), driven by growing global interest in their deployment due to advanced technology, licensing progress, and commercial viability. This highlights the need for high-fidelity analyses to assess the design, safety, and operational features of these reactors. This study focuses on performing neutronics benchmarking calculations of the proposed NuScale-like core using SCALE/KENO-VI, evaluating k-eff, control rod worths, and power distributions with ENDF/B-VII.1 continuous energy (CE) and 252-group libraries. The impact of ENDF/B-VII.0, VII.1, and VIII.0 libraries on neutronics results was also assessed using Serpent 2 (v2.1.31). Results show that SCALE/KENO-VI with ENDF/B-VII.1 CE and 252-group libraries aligns well with the reference, with discrepancies within 44 pcm for reactivity prediction and generally less than 2 % for power distribution, except for the all-rods-in scenario using the 252-group library, which shows a reactivity deviation of 139 pcm. In addition, Serpent 2 with ENDF/B-VIII.0 produced notable differences in the k-eff values compared to ENDF/B-VII.0 and VII.1. Consequently, this work provides valuable and significant neutronics reference data for the proposed NuScale-like core model. Moreover, the NuScale-like core model developed here using SCALE/KENO-VI can serve as a basis for future neutronics and core performance analyses for NuScale-like reactors and other similar LW-SMR designs.