Distinguished Merit Award: Development of multi-physics multi-scaled coupled cold suite
Krishna Podila, Qi Chen, Peter Pfeiffer, Chenguang Li, Aleksandar Vasic, Yanfei Rao, Aneesh John, Geoffrey Waddington, Xianmin Huang, Tariq Jafri, David Wang, Alexandre Trottier, Sourena Golesorkhi, Ashlea Colton, Samuel Kelly
For the development of multi-physics multi-scaled coupled code suite for modelling SMRs.
The developed small modular reactor (SMR) modelling capabilities and the coupled code suite will serve as an enabler for the accelerated development and deployment of SMRs. First-of-a-kind analyses undertaken by this team resulted in the development of unique modelling capabilities at CNL that facilitate the execution of the multi-physics analyses for modelling transients in SMRs and microreactors.Development of an integrated modelling approach across three disciplines (3D high-fidelity, CFD along with system thermalhydraulics and neutronics) for a multiphysics capability was accomplished within this work. Specifically, the unique ability to undertake two-way and three-way coupled code analyses to simulate normal and transient scenarios for gas-cooled reactors (GCRs) and molten salt reactors (MSRs).
The path to net-zero emissions requires innovative predictive tools based on mechanistic principles and innovative technologies to gain detailed insights into the flow and heat transfer aspects of the non-water cooled reactor concepts. The highfidelity CFD modelling along with system thermalhydraulics and neutronics found in the SMR Multiphysics coupled code suite can be applied to evaluate reactor safety and determine needed experiments, a paradigm that can be leveraged to obtain detailed insights on where data is needed and reduce the experimentation cost. Modelling experience from this project has resulted in commercial work from a Molten Salt Reactor SMR vendor, Terrestrial Energy Canada Limited, under the CNL CNRI Program.Unique capabilities developed at CNL within this project have resulted in fruitful international collaborations with several partners including Idaho National Laboratories and Oregon State University under the US-Canada Nuclear Action Plan.The development of the coupled code suite for modelling transients in SMRs, an industry-first for advanced reactors in Canada, have and will continue to lead to an enhanced understanding of the core integrity and safe operation of the SMRs in Canada.