IAEAInternational Atomic Energy Agency

How Should we Shape our Future PC Based Simulator Program?

Chad PainterNuclear Power Technology Development Section (NPTDS)

May 2014

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Simulator Enhancements

• Simulators need to continually evolve or they will become obsolete!

• OS and IT continues to evolve• New operating system versions, require changes to software• Touch screen technology, brings new opportunities to enhance learning

experience• 3D visualization tools also bring new learning opportunities• Use of multi-screens more common place

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Immediate changes based on our discussions

• Change PC-based to “basic principles”• Add list of related publications• Identify a version of IAEA distribution disc on

our web site, so everyone knows current version.

• Incorporate Dr. Bereznai multimedia files into CANDU folder

• I need to work with IAEA to better define export control requirements

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Other Enhancements• Clearly identify AOO, DBA, and BDBA• Include time advance option to speed up simulation• Ability to output parameters to a spreadsheet, aids in

analysis• Modify BWR simulator to reflect Power/Feed water flow

control as opposed to Power/Core flow map• Add containment cooling and vent system to VVER

simulator• Incorporate the ability to modify plant parameters• Incorporate “mathcad-like” files, assist in understanding

basic physics

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Do we need to upgrade our user documentation?

• Clearly distinguish between AOOs, DBA, and BDBA events

• Should we develop a IAEA document describing how best to use the simulators in a nuclear engineering curriculum?• Would it be useful for the IAEA to host some sort

of online forum for the sharing of best practices?

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IAEA Learning Management System• Web based

• Phase 1 course to understand reactor system basics

• Classroom• Phase 2 course to work hands on with PC

based simulators• Benefit: minimize hotel & per diem costs for

2 week course• What if we develop a Web based Video

course?

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Cloud Based Systems

• Provide platform independent software• Improve global access• Reduce cost to mail CD packages• Allow better control of export sensitive

technology

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Plethora of Open Source Software

• Eclipse, Integrated Development Environment (IDE)• Supports development of C++, JAVA, Python,

Fortran and other codes; including Windows Builder (GUI builder software)

• Python and Java programming languages• allow device independent software

• 3D visualization• Blender, Sketchup, and VTK

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Modelica-based Simulators?

• Modelica• object-oriented,

declarative, multi-domain modeling language

• component-oriented modeling of complex systems

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Simulator Details?

• Severe Accident models• Fuel performance models• Dose prediction models

• e.g., effect of fuel failure on airborne levels in BWR steam plant

• Details related to other system components• e.g., ability to change condensate inlet

temperature and what the effects on condenser vacuum

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What about Advanced Reactor Simulators?

• Integral water-cooled Small Modular Reactor• High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor• Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor• Lead-cooled Fast Reactor• Molten Salt Reactor

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What might the Future look like?

Multi-screen mode with 3D visualization, incorporating touch screen technology, and built-in mathcad-like models

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Next Steps……..group discussions

• Simulator Development and Future Needs• Educational Applications and Needs • Visualization technology and ideas for future • Open Source Software and Web

Applications