The probabilistic relevance of no-load operation in German pressurized water reactors as seen by the operators

Probabilistic safety assessments of German nuclear power plants are concent rated on power operation. For some plants abroad, partly large contribution s to the PSA result were found to be due to no-load operation. The authors explain the no-load regime in German PWR, describe relevant design features of the plants, and assess German and foreign operating experience in the n o-load regime, it is seen that extensive precautions have been taken, and o perating experience indicates but a slight probabilistic relevance of no-lo ad operation. The authors arrive at the conclusion that the results of fore ign studies cannot be extrapolated to German PWR, and that there is no urge nt need to run probabilistic analyses for plant outage conditions.