Application of the PSI cycle check-up methodology for full-core Monte Carlo simulations verified using pin power estimates and validated for hot zero power conditions

Monte Carlo (MC) based neutron transport codes provide high-fidelity numerical solutions to problems beyond the modelling capabilities of conventional core simulation methods. However, performing core-follow calculations with MC codes remains challenging due to the necessity of incorporating thermal-hydraulic feedback and generating evolved fuel composition for the cycle of interest by taking into account the entire irradiation history of loaded fuel assemblies over previous cycles. Nevertheless, at PSI, the neutronic version of a cycle check-up methodology (CHUP) is under development to address this challenge. This methodology involves extracting operating conditions and nuclide compositions from validated reference deterministic core-follow models (CASMO5/SIMULATE5/SNF), subsequently generating MC neutron transport models for selected operating points. This article presents the verification and validation performed for a hot zero power operating condition of a Swiss pressurised water reactor using the updated CHUP methodology, which automates information extraction from reference core models to minimise human intervention. The MC models were verified by assessing their deviation from criticality, consistently found to be supercritical within the [10,60] pcm range. Additionally, radial relative power distribution verification yield deviations in the [−5,4] % range compared to validated nodal results. Finally, additional validation was performed using start-up measurements from two successive cycles. Eight MC models were found to be subcritical, on average by 51 pcm, with a standard deviation of 25 pcm. • Enhancing PSI CHUP methodology focused on consistency with deterministic schemes. • Quantification of bias associated with introduced approximations. • Generation of full-core MC models at arbitrary reactor operating state-points. • Radial RPD verification yields deviations of [−5, 4]% vs. validated nodal results. • Validation vs. start-up measurements results in −51 ± 25 pcm deviations.