ABSTRACT

University of Massachusetts Lowell

Lowell, MA 01854

Constantin Alex Sumanariu

SMALL MODULAR REACTOR thermal-hydraulic analysis

Small modular reactors are designed to have enhanced safety features, passive safety systems and a
simple design. A thermal-hydraulic analysis using RELAP5 and/or ANSYS codes under conditions
determined by aged equipment would indicate what is the reasonable operating time until
refurbishment is necessary and what would be the conditions that would speed up the ageing
process. Conditions like steam generator tube blockage or narrowing, creep induced by uncontrolled
distribution of flow by natural or forced circulation, are scenarios that may induce the premature
ageing of the cooling system. Accident conditions using modified parameters that simulate aged
equipment may help with determining a more accurate required emergency response time.

The conclusions may help with the clarification of licensing conditions and may help with operational
licensing limits.

References

1) Assessment of passive safety system of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR)

2) LICENSING MODEL DEVELOPMENT FOR SMALL MODULAR REACTORS (SMRs) - FOCUSING
ON THE FINNISH REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
3) Simulation and Safety features of NuScale Small Modular Reactor
4) CNNC's ACP100 SMR: Technique Features and Progress in China
5) Development of a LOCA safety analysis evaluation model for the Westinghouse Small
Modular Reactor
6) Annals of Nuclear Energy (ANN NUCL ENERGY)