Evaluation of End-of-Cycle Moderator Temperature Coefficient Measurements for Davis-Besse Unit 1

For most pressurized water reactors, moderator temperature coefficients (MTCs) must be measured at end-of-cycle conditions at power to verify that Technical Specification limits on negative MTC will not be violated. Three techniques for performing these measurements are evaluated, and the relative strengths and weaknesses of each method are discussed. Considering overall accuracy and time required to perform the test, a best method is selected, and its accuracy is compared with previous measurements performed at Davis-Besse Unit 1, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of this technique. In addition, the necessity of attempting to perform this measurement at power at end-of-life conditions is discussed.