Inter-comparison of transboundary atmospheric dispersion calculations: A summary of outputs from the ASEAN NPSR benchmark exercise
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Silva, K. (a), Krisanungkura, P. (b), Khunsrimek, N. (c), Vechgama, W. (d), Hao, T. (e), Krishnan, V. (e), Long, P. (f), Charnock, T. (g), Rassame, S. (d), Kiat, T. (h), Yeow, C. (e), Than, H. (f), Quang, N. (f), Hien, P. (f)
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(a) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Research Team, National Energy Technology Center, National Science and Technology Development Center 114 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
(b) Office of Atoms for Peace, 16 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
(c) Department of Nuclear Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Patumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
(d) Nuclear Research and Development Division, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization) 16 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
(e) Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, 1 CREATE Way #04-01 CREATE Tower, 138602, Singapore
(f) Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute, 59 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Viet Nam
(g) Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Didcot, OX11 0RQ, United Kingdom
(h) DSO National Laboratories, 12 Science Park Dr, 118225, Singapore
Previous nuclear power plant (NPP) severe accidents have raised great concern in Southeast Asia on the issue of transboundary atmospheric dispersion of an accidental release from an external NPP. This study presents the inter-comparison of atmospheric dispersion calculations performed by different calculation codes employing Lagrangian particle model or Gaussian puff model with Southeast Asia weather data during the northeast monsoon period. The test case is a hypothetical accident in Fangchenggang NPP with a hypothetical source term. Radionuclide concentration and radiation dose distribution maps along with specified values at specific locations are compared to demonstrate the similarities and differences of each calculation code. All calculation codes can generally capture the dispersion pathway, though only those employing Lagrangian particle model can record microscale changes in wind direction. Analysis of predicted exposure extent and lead time shows that radioactive plume contributing to the radiation dose of several μSv/day can reach one or more ASEAN countries within the 24-h timeframe. This information can be used to design appropriate risk communication strategy to dispel unnecessary public anxiety or to plan for more extensive radiation monitoring capability. For this purpose, Gaussian puff model can be used to provide initial information which can be later confirmed by Lagrangian particle model.
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Silva, K., Krisanungkura, P., Khunsrimek, N., Vechgama, W., Hao, T., Krishnan, V., Long, P., Charnock, T., Rassame, S., Kiat, T., Yeow, C., Than, H., Quang, N., Hien, P. Inter-comparison of transboundary atmospheric dispersion calculations: A summary of outputs from the ASEAN NPSR benchmark exercise. Progress in Nuclear Energy, Volume 135, 2021, 103718, ISSN 0149-1970, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2021.103718.
