Scaling methodologies and similarity analysis for thermal hydraulics test facility development for water-cooled small modular reactor

•Presents scaling analysis and similarity criteria for water-cooled small modular reactor systems.•Formulates governing equations and nondimensional parameters dictating thermal-hydraulics.•Address specific scaling challenges and provides recommended solution path-forward.•Specific guidance for deve...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Nuclear engineering and design Vol. 424; no. C; p. 113235
Main Authors:	Bhowmik, P.K., Sabharwall, P., Johnson, J.T., Retamales, M.E.T., Wang, C., O'Brien, J.E., Lietwiler, C., Wu, Q.
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01-08-2024 Elsevier
Subjects:	Natural circulation Scaled testing Scaling methods Similarity principles Small modular reactor Scaled testing Small modular reactor Similarity principles Natural circulation Scaling methods
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	•Presents scaling analysis and similarity criteria for water-cooled small modular reactor systems.•Formulates governing equations and nondimensional parameters dictating thermal-hydraulics.•Address specific scaling challenges and provides recommended solution path-forward.•Specific guidance for developing scaled thermal hydraulics test facility for reactor system. Small modular reactors (SMRs) represent a promising option for providing clean and sustainable energy due to their potential for enhanced safety, reduced capital costs, and increased siting flexibility. However, new reactor systems require the development and operation of representative scaled-down test facilities to support the verification and validation of system computer codes and models. This study reviews the research on scaling methodologies and similarity principles pivotal in developing non-nuclear integral effects test and separate effects test facilities for water-cooled SMRs. The study focuses on a review of the scaling methods, similarity approaches, and possible challenges posed by the unique and compact design features of integral-pressurized water reactor-type SMRs, and their representative test facilities. This study also reviews previous research related to scaling and similarity methodologies and provides insights into design considerations for achieving prototypic conditions in test facilities. The findings and recommendations emphasize the broader impact of appropriate scaling and similarity principles to ensure meaningful and transferable results from non-nuclear test facilities to accelerate the safe and efficient deployment of next-generation water-cooled SMRs.
Bibliography:	USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
ISSN:	0029-5493 1872-759X
DOI:	10.1016/j.nucengdes.2024.113235