The influence of direct energy deposition on BWR stability

Direct energy deposition into the coolant of a BWR via high-energy γs and neutrons is always neglected in reduced-order BWR dynamics models. The correctness of such a simple approach is investigated by comparing reactor stability predictions of the March–Leuba–Cacuci–Pérez reduced-order model, with a model where direct heating has been included. It is shown that neglecting direct energy deposition leads to a strong underestimation of the stability of the reactor.