Impact of Variation in Environmental Conditions on the Thermal Performance of Dry Storage Casks

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing for public comment a draft NUREG, NUREG-2174, ``Impact of Variation in Environmental Conditions on the Thermal Performance of Dry Storage Casks.'' This report evaluates spent fuel dry storage cask thermal impact of varying environmental conditions and transient thermal behavior when subjected to a sudden boundary condition change. Different cask designs are evaluated (vertical underground, vertical aboveground, and horizontal aboveground). The NRC staff will consider the analysis results in this report when performing technical reviews, applicants should consider them when applying for cask certification. These results can be used as additional guidance when considering the thermal impact of the environmental factors in the thermal performance of dry storage systems.