For the performance analysis of deep geological repository systems, numerical simulation with multi-physics is required, which specifically covers Thermal (T), Hydraulic (H), and Mechanical (M) behaviors in the disposal environment. Numerous simulation models have been developed so far, each of which varies in the approach and methodology for solving THM problems. Fully-coupled THM simulation codes such as ROCMAS, THAMES, and CODE_BRIGHT were mainly developed in the initial stage of DEvelopment of COupled models and their VALidation against EXperiments (DECOVALEX), with the advantage of thorough calculations consisting of correlated several variables on different physics. Due to the difficulty of solving the complex Jacobian Matrix and the following burden for the computational calculation, weakly-coupled THM models have been suggested in recent researches: TOUGH2-MP with FLAC3D, TOUGH2 with UDEC and OpenGeoSys with FLAC3D. This methodology of loose coupling allows the practical use of computational code optimized for each physics, thereby increasing the efficiency in simulation. However, these suggested models require two different numerical codes to calculate THM behaviors, which leads to several inherent issues: compatibility during maintenance, updating and dependency between two codes. In this study, therefore, the authors build a unified code for simulating THM behaviors in the deep geological repository. The concept involves the iterative sequential coupling between TH and M for calculation efficiency. As having developed the simulation code, High-level rAdiowaste Disposal Evaluation System (HADES), to describe TH behavior based on Multi-physics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) software, the authors make a milestone to develop and couple the MOOSE-based new code for M behavior as Sub-app, with the previous HADES set to be Main-app. New model for M behavior will be verified with the benchmark case of DECOVALEX-THMC Task D, comparing the mechanical simulation results: stress evolution over time, profiles of stress and vertical displacement. The existing simulation results from HADES will also be updated with the coupled calculations, with regard to temperature and saturation. Additionally, the effective stress evolution can be assessed in terms of repository’s stability with Spalling Strength and Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. This concept for new simulation model has its meaning in that it aims to demonstrate the specific methodology of loosely coupling multi-physics in unified simulation code and analyze THM complex interactions with considering mutual influence on various physics. It is expected that HADES can be renewed as an integral simulation model for deep geological repository systems by possessing the capacity for analyzing and assessing mechanical behavior.

Since 1992, various numerical codes, such as TOUGH-FLAC and ROCMAS, have been developed and validated to dispose of Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) safely through a series of DEvelopment of COupled models and their VALidation against EXperiments (DECOVALEX) projects. These codes have been developed using different approaches, such as general two-phase flow and Richards’ flow which is an approximated approach neglecting gas pressure change, to implement the same multiphysics behaviors. However, the quantitative analysis for numerical results, which originated from different fundamental approaches, has not been conducted accurately. As a result, improper utilization of the approach to analyze certain conditions occurring such as dramatic gas pressure change may result in erroneous outcomes and systemic problem pertaining to TH analysis. In this study, the quantitative analysis of the two approaches, in terms of TH behavior, was conducted by comparing them with a 1D simulation of the CTF1 experiment carried out by laboratory experiment. The results calculated by different approaches show agreement in terms of TH behaviors and material properties change until 120°C. The results verify the applicability of Richards’ flow approach in a high temperature environment above the current thermal criteria, set as 100°C, and gas pressure change does not have a significant impact until 120°C. Therefore, although further studies for applicability of Richards’ flow are needed to suggest the appropriate temperature range, these quantitative analyses may contribute to the performance assessment of a compact repository using the high-temperature bentonite concept, which is currently gaining attention.

The crisis of climate change aroused international needs to reduce the greenhouse gas emission in energy sector. Government of South Korea formulated an agenda of carbon neutrality through announcing 2050 Net-Zero Carbon Scenario A and B in October 2021. As the power supply from renewable energy increases, it becomes a core element to take into account the daily intermittency of renewable energy in analyzing the upcoming energy plans. However, the existing yearly Load Duration Curve is insufficient for applying day and night power change in daily scale into energy mix analysis, since it derives the energy mix for whole year on the basis of classifying annual base load and peak load. Therefore, a new energy mix simulation model based on the daily power load and supply simulation is needed for the future energy analysis. In this study we developed a new model which simulates the average power supply and demand daily (over a 24 hour period) for each season. The model calculates the excess and shortage power during day and night by integrating each energy’s daily power pattern. The 2050 Net-Zero Carbon Scenario A was used for the model verification, during which the same amounts of power production from each energy source were applied: nuclear, renewable, carbon-free gas turbine, fuel cell and byproduct gas. Total power demand pattern and renewable energy production pattern were drawn from the data of 2017 power production, and Pumped-storage Hydroelectricity and Energy Storage System were used as day-to-night conversion. Detailed assumptions for each energy were based on the Basis of Calculation for Net-Zero Carbon Scenario from Government. The model was verified with three cases which were divided depending on the method of hydrogen production and whether the Curtailment and Conversion Loss (CCL) of renewable energy were considered or not. Case 1 assumed production of hydrogen occurred for 24 hours while not considering CCL, had 0% relative error in comparison of total annual power production, and case 2, considering CCL, had a 1.741% relative error. Case 3 assumed production of hydrogen occurred only during daytime with excess power and CCL consideration, yielded 0.493% relative error in total amount of hydrogen production, confirming that the model sufficiently describes the Government’s Scenario A with the input of total power production. This model is expected to be used for analyzing further energy mix with different ratios of each energy source, with special focus on nuclear and renewable energy sources.