LOCA
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Energy
| Stands for | Loss-of-coolant accident |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
LOCA stands for Loss-of-coolant accident, an energy abbreviation.
Nuclear reactor accident in which a break or leak causes cooling water to escape faster than it can be replaced, risking overheating and damage to the fuel. Emergency core cooling systems are designed specifically to handle LOCAs.
Example: Safety analysis must show the core stays cool during a large-break LOCA in the main coolant pipe.
Usage notes
The 1979 Three Mile Island partial meltdown began as a small-break LOCA through a stuck-open relief valve, worsened by operator misreadings. A double-ended break of the largest pipe is a classic "design basis accident" that plants must survive. Pronounced "LOH-ka."
Related abbreviations
More energy abbreviations
- ITC – Investment tax credit
- LCOE – Levelized cost of energy
- LEU – Low-enriched uranium
- LFP – Lithium iron phosphate
- Li-ion – Lithium-ion
- LNG – Liquefied natural gas
- LPG – Liquefied petroleum gas
- LWR – Light-water reactor
- MHEV – Mild hybrid electric vehicle
- MOX – Mixed oxide fuel
- MPGe – Miles per gallon equivalent
- MPPT – Maximum power point tracking