Small Modular Reactor (SMR) innovation project

In the context of a global crisis due to theconsequences of climate change,the Nuclear Energy shows itself as akey factor in the mitigation of the devastating effects that the emission of greenhouse gases are causing.The opposition to this technology has been a barrier that could be surpassed with innovation.Since the start of nuclear applications for electricity production, the sector has become more and more conservative in the search of innovative modifications due,in part,to the difficulties of licensing new concepts. Within this framework, the Small Modular Reactors present themselves as a solution for thedeployment of a new,cheaper and more flexible type of nuclear reactors.The project Innovation SMR launched by Assystem works towards the deployment of a Small Modular Reactor capable of overcoming many of the constraints that the Nuclear Sector has encountered initsprevious history.The section of the project,directed from the headquarters of Tours,is focused on the BOP(Balance of Plant)of the SMR conceptand this thesis concentrates onthe condenser part.The study of a solution for reducing the localization constraints of nuclear reactors in terms of cooling needs for the condenser will be presented.This thesis will includeat the same time other activities performed during the internship period due to the diversification of the group into several different domains,this includes a formation processbased on simulation testsfor the development of projects fromtheinitial request of the client to final delivery of the study. This part of the training seeks the formation of interns towards the wayAssystem deals with contracts and its validation by the project manager certifies eventual incorporation to the company in the group operations/tests.A final part is reserved for a real case study focused onthe Koeberg Nuclear Reactors in South Africa,which due to modifications of the working conditions the reanalysis of two systems performanceswereperformed.The objectives of the internship have been achieved with special attention to the system engineering process for project developmentand the improvement of knowledge into the thermo-hydraulicsfield.Outgoin