The project has released 25 public deliverables as well as several scientific publications available through CORDIS and through the project website. First period results are reported in detail in deliverable 9.3 “Interim technical review”. Final results are summarized in the deliverable 8.5 “sCO2-4-NPP Symposium”. The exploitation plan is provided in deliverable 7.2 “sCO2-4-NPP exploitation plan”.
A summary of the main project results against high-level objectives is provided below.
1. Validation of sCO2 models in thermal-hydraulic system codes on lab scale
Testing and data generation on performance of sCO2-HeRo system
Validation of ATHLET, ATHLET/Modelica and CATHARE codes
2. Specification of an upscaled system, boundary conditions and simulations for implementation of sCO2-4-NPP loop in a full-scale NPP (PWR)
Definition of initial and boundary conditions for SBO accident
Simulation of sCO2-4-NPP loop using scaled-up component models
3. Preparation of a licensing roadmap of the sCO2-4-NPP system to ensure compliance with application regulation
Identification of the regulatory elements to be considered in the design of components and system and for reference plant modification on heat recovery system installation
Design bases and safety analyses for system and component and requirements for testing and operation
Independent review of requirements
4. Design of components for the sCO2-4-NPP loop in the context of licensing requirements
Improvement and design of the sCO2-4-NPP turbomachine
Conceptual design and optimization of the heat sink heat exchanger and heat recovery exchanger (HX)
Qualification according to nuclear requirements for turbomachinery and HX
5. Final design of the system architecture of sCO2-4-NPP integrated in a full-scale NPP
System architecture design parameters
Thermodynamic cycle design
Simulation of sCO2-4-NPP loop in a real NPP using real design parameters
Dynamic simulations and control system modifications
Real-time simulations for implementation in PWR simulator
6. Validation of sCO2-4-NPP loop in a virtual “relevant nuclear environment” PWR
Defining interface for sCO2 system code to be implemented to simulator
Implementation of sCO2-system code into PWR simulator environment and running Transients
7. Prepare technical, regulatory, financial and organisational roadmaps to bring sCO2-4-NPP to market
Technological, regulatory, financial and organisational roadmaps to reach TRL9
Based upon the results achieved so far (TRL-5), plant simulations for EPR, KONVOI-type PWR, and VVER-1000 indicate that one 10MW-cycle per 1000MWth would be capable to safely remove the decay heat for far more than 72 hours. This encouraging result must be further evaluated to bring the sCO2-based heat removal system to a higher TRL.
