Model development for plant Vogtle utilizing ALPHA/PHOENIX-P/ANC methodology

The Westinghouse advanced in-core fuel management system (ALPHA/PHOENIX-P/ANC) has been utilized to generate models and predict start-up physics test parameters for the Vogtle units. The initial cores for each unit had an out-in loading pattern and used standard burnable absorbers. In cycle 2 of each unit, low-leakage loading patterns and wet annular burnable absorbers (WABAs) were implemented. Plans call for VANTAGE-5 fuel and integral fuel burnable absorbers (IFBAs) to be implemented in Vogtle 1 cycle 4 and Vogtle 2 cycle 3. Start-up results are discussed for the cycles for which start-up results and final models are now available. Southern Company Services (SCS) is using the Westinghouse code system because the methodology was licensed by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and because of the user support supplied by Westinghouse. The Vogtle ALPHA/PHOENIX-P/ANC models were developed by SCS with Westinghouse oversight as part of a technology transfer agreement