DEVELOPMENT OF A CFD METHODOLOGY TO SIMULATE A LEAD-COOLED SMALL MODULAR REACTOR

IVAN K. UMEZU; DARIO M. GODINO; DAMIAN E. RAMAJO; CLAUBIA PEREIRA; ANTONELLA L. COSTA

Concordia-Argentina y Salto-Uruguay

Congreso; MECOM 2023 - Congreso Argentino de Mecánica Computacional; 2023

Universidad Tecnológica Nacional - Facultad Regional Concordia. Universidad de la República de Uruguay

With the advancements in Small Modular Reactors (SMR), it is important to develop computational tools to assess their safety. In this regard, this study focuses on the development of a strategy based on CFD modeling to simulate SEALER (Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor), which is a small modular lead-cooled reactor under development by KTH (Royal Institute of Technology) and LeadCold. A model was constructed to encompass the entire primary circuit with simplifications for the fuel assemblies, pumps, and steam generators. These components were modeled using heat and momentum sources (or sinks). The liquid lead coolant was modeled with temperature dependent thermophysical properties, and a porous media approach was employed to model the fuel assemblies and the steam generators. The results are presented for steady-state operating conditions and compared with those reported by other authors. Special emphasis was placed on characterizing the coolant’s velocity, temperature, and pressure fields in the hot and cold regions as well as at the core outlet. Furthermore, an extensive analysis of the results was conducted, leading to promising conclusions.