Thermal-hydraulics of lead-cooled SMRs

Researchers: Anatole De Becker, PhD student - Dennis Fiorillo, PhD student

Nuclear energy provides CO2-free energy, but it produces radioactive waste. To limit the amount of long-lived radioactive waste, fast neutron reactors are proposed as a promising concept. The fast neutron spectrum enables the transmutation of long-lived radioactive isotopes. Liquid lead is a suitable coolant for fast neutron reactors. In addition, the future nuclear reactors are supposed to be smaller and modular. The design of these small modular reactors (SMRs) has to be done now to have a timely integration in the energy mix as a viable CO2-free energy resource.

The goal of the Pr. Niels Horsten's research is to design the heat exchangers for lead-cooled SMRs. The objective is to make the heat exchangers as compact as possible to reduce the overall cost of the reactor.

The underlying model is a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. Optimization methods are used for level-set topology optimization that is really flexible in terms of the obtained designs and size and shape optimization of the steam generators. In addition, simulation model uncertainties are incorporated via an Uncertainty Quantification framework. For this research, Pr Niels Horsten collaborates with SCK-CEN, the national center for nuclear energy research in Belgium.

This research is important to obtain innovative designs for future nuclear reactors and to revive the contribution of nuclear energy in the energy mix. In addition, the computational framework focuses on general optimizations in turbulent flow conditions. Turbulent heat exchangers are used in many applications such as in the automative, process, and aerospace industries. Consequently, the research is relevant for a wide variety of applications.

Funding from SCK-CEN - FSR project - Start-up funding KU Leuven