Project structure
WP1 Core safety and operation optimization
- Average burnup of the reference core will be increased at least by 20 % after the AI-assisted optimization.
- Conceptual design level of the fuel system will be reached, and a clear roadmap of fuel qualification and licensing will be created.
WP2 (Experimental qualification of simulation tools for Decay Heat Removal concept)
- Existing ALLEGRO validation matrix will be enlarged by at least 3 new experiments focused on the natural circulation regimes in DHR loop and LOCA with/without nitrogen injection.
- Accuracy of existing S-ALLEGRO models will be increased by utilising experimental data and Fast Fourier Transformation Based Method (FFTBM). Accuracy of existing ALLEGRO TH models will be increased through Kv-scaling analyses utilising S-ALLEGRO experimental data.
- Physical scaled-down prototype of the DHR heat exchanger will be manufactured using advanced manufacturing methods and tested. The component will be implemented in the S-ALLEGRO facility and tested.
WP3 (Application of GFR as industrial power and heat source)
- A high-temperature heat storage system applicable for GFR technology will be proposed with nominal temperature of at least 650°C.
- High-efficiency hydrogen production methods applicable for GFR systems will be assessed and the most effective one selected for further exploration.
- Country-wide analysis (UK specific) of the electricity grid to estimate electricity and/or industrial heat demands will be carried out
- Flexibility of operation of the ALLEGRO demonstrator will be increased with connected heat storage system and/or hydrogen production system, that will allow operation at 50 % of nominal power for up to 12h without a change in the power output
WP4 (Enhancing GFR safety)
- The concept of passive, diversified and very reliable control and shutdown system for GFR will be finalised, with 3 independent and diversified sub-systems.
- The main blower run-down by will be prolonged by at least 100% to increase ALLEGRO safety in total station blackout situations.
- Safety will be enhanced by ensuring subcriticality of progressively degrading ALLEGRO core in hypothetical severe accident scenarios.
- A validated correlation of core heat transfer in GFRs will be obtained to be used in system thermalhydraulics codes
WP5 (Dissemination, communication and education)
- Summer schools organised by TREASURE
- At least 10 student theses (BSc, MSc, Ph.D.) linked to the project will be started