Dynamic Modeling of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors using MoDSim

Abstract

As part of the advanced small modular nuclear reactor (AdvSMR) R&D program, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is developing a Dynamic System Modeling Tool (MoDSim) to facilitate research and development related primarily to instrumentation and controls (I&C) studies of small modular reactors (SMRs). The primary objective is to produce a demonstration product of a dynamic system modeling tool for SMRs. Functional Mockup Interface (FMI) has been used to allow the development of scoping models for non-Modelica users. This tool includes a web-based interface using Xogeny’s FMQ platform for model configuration with local application deployment for simulation using FMI Add-in for Excel from Modelon; this toolchain is designed to allow plug and play access for users of various skill levels. The web-based interface allows true web-based access and solutions without requiring local applications. The initial installation of this tool has been tested on a liquid-metal small modular reactor (ALMR) concept modeled using Dymola and exported via FMI. This tool allows simulation to be performed within Excel without expertise in the native simulation language (Modelica) or model development and simulation environment (Dymola). This toolchain fulfills the Department of energy (DOE) project scope goal of developing a tool “in a common and familiar environment to support a range of research activities requiring dynamic behavior simulation, modeling tools with easily re-configurable modules that reduce data input to typically available system level plant data”.