Development of a simulator program for the training reactor of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics

The only university in Hungary which offers education in nuclear engineering is the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), therefore the University has a unique role both in domestic nuclear research and education. Foreign students are also trained at BME-NTI (Institute of Nuclear Techniques), which proves the high standards of education it can provide. The greatest advantage the University has over others in the region is that it has its own operational nuclear training reactor. Measurements and experiments are regularly conducted at the reactor and in the related laboratories: a fraction of these are demonstrational experiments for the education of students, the others are conducted for industrial research purposes. This paper is dedicated to the creation of a computer program which simulates the operation of the training reactor of the BME. The Institute developed numerous computer programs for educational purposes, such as the program called ReMeg for analysis of power excursion of the training reactor and others to demonstrate the operation of the primary and secondary circuits at the VVER-440 type reactors at the Paks NPP. These programs were created in order to ensure the high quality of education for engineers and physicists who graduated in the past decades. However, as years passed, the changes in the operational systems of computers made difficult to use these programs. This is why it would be advantageous if these applications were updated to be able to meet with today's needs. The first step on this road is the simulator program for our training reactor, which builds on the bases of the mentioned ReMeg software. Several new features have been implemented such as the modelling of a Pu-Be neutron source used during the start of the reactor, reactor regulation by control rods, safety absorber rods, safety rod release signals and improved thermal-hydraulic models. The successful creation of the simulator was a huge step for all the other software as well, since the experience gained during the development of this program can also be used in the other projects in the future, which would help to ensure the high quality of nuclear education at our university for the new generation of professionals who will be needed in the planned new Paks II NPP.