Project

The research activities will be focused on two main targets: (i) Perspective nuclear fuels for current and future nuclear power plants including SMRs, and (ii) Safety and reliability of nuclear fuels. The research activities will cover both technology of existing and new NPPs, including SMRs, but also address two important issues highlighted by the impacts of the conflict in Ukraine.  The first is the diversification. The aim of the RS1 is not to endorse or support specific nuclear fuel vendor, but rather to develop expertise and competencies in the perspective nuclear fuels – namely the Accident Tolerant fuel, and the High-Density fuels. Both technologies are important for the timely implementation of the advanced and small modular reactors, resulting in the diversification of not only fuel supplies, but also of the nuclear energy providers.  The second issue is the safety of the high-level waste and most importantly the spent nuclear fuel. During the later phase of the interim storage, the fuel spent fuel assemblies are stored in the steel or concrete casks in the dry atmosphere and the residual heat is dissipated by natural convection and conduction to surroundings. However, in 5 – 15 years after the unloading from the reactor, the fuel must be stored in the spent fuel pool relying on active cooling systems. While the severe accidents resulting in loss of the cooling capabilities are practically eliminated under normal operations, extreme external hazards have to be considered. In order to improve the understanding of the progress of such hypothetical events and the ability to provide countermeasures preventing large release of radioactive materials, the behaviour of the simulated molten fuel (corium) in the interaction with the concrete structures will be studied. 

The research activities will be focused on three main targets: (i) new diagnostic methods, (ii) using 3D metal printed materials in NPP, and (iii) materials of NPP components.  The first area focuses on NDT testing of critical points in the power plant during the operation of the equipment and during subsequent outages. These methods use advanced knowledge in NDT with the use of new electronic devices that are more accurate and can be applied to harsh environment. These technologies are mainly focused on examining the condition of the materials and revealing emerging undesirable conditions. This information is then used, for example, in early warning systems. The second area focuses on the use of 3D printed materials for nuclear energy, repair and replacement of existing problematic parts or the creation of protective layers by these methods. The most modern methods of preparation of 3D printed metallic materials and their application to produce materials in nuclear grades are considered. Using these preparation methods, it is possible to create compact materials with properties directly set for the given applications. It is therefore possible to prevent undesirable behavior in the materials used so far. The third area focuses on material aging in the conditions of nuclear and future fusion power plants. All degradation mechanisms will be considered - radiation, thermal cycles, corrosion and erosion processes, material stress during operation and creep behavior. The aim of the area is to understand the influences and behavior of the material, to design testing procedures and verification methods, to select the best candidates for applications and to verify the achieved results on realistic and rapidly aging representative samples. 

The research activities will be focused on three main targets: (i) Safety and infrastructure for systems of nuclear power plants, (ii) Instrumentation for management and control systems, and (iii) Detection systems. The research activities will cover technology of existing and new NPPs including SMRs and also new technologies dedicated for fusion reactors. The attention is paid to safety and infrastructure (Autonomous DAQ systems, training and verification models, advanced safety SW implementation), special instrumentation with high radiation resistance, new technologies for NPP control mechanisms (HW for drive converters, SW regulation algorithms), and diagnostics especially read-outs for radiation detectors, radiation detection networks and tools for non-destructive material testing.  

The research activities will be focused on two main targets: (i) operation optimization and balance of NPPs, and (ii) safety, reliability and long-term operation of NPPs. The research activities will cover both technology of existing and new NPPs, including SMRs. The main attention will be paid to new BOP (balance of plant) components and systems, e.g. the pumps, auxiliary systems (including fusion technology), etc. Special attention will be paid to SMRs and their optimal operation including supporting systems for refueling. The research will also discover technology for energy efficiency improvements and advanced flexibility of NPPs. The important research target is advanced diagnostics of NPPs and related necessary instrumentation. The big data processing technology is also important objective of this research segment. New expert SW tools for safety analyzes of nuclear reactors will be developed.  

The research activities proposed within RS5 target the field of radioactive waste management, both during the operation of nuclear facilities and their decommissioning. The aim is to develop and verify methods leading to optimization, minimization and recycling of RAW. The research projects will focus on three main research areas.  The first one will deal with water treatment using advanced oxidation and electro-membrane processes. The treatment of technical waters, removing the organic pollution and minimization and processing of liquid RAW will be studied here. The second area will focus on management of radioactive plastic and large-volume metal waste in order to minimize them. The research activities will deal with development of new or innovative methods targeting on effective measurement, characterization, treatment, decontamination and recycling the RAW. The last - third area will aim to develop a recyclable decontamination agent for decontamination of primary circuit components during both nuclear facility operation and its decommissioning.  

The project aims to develop technologies and competencies for the future replacement of local energy and heating sources with new emission-free technologies for electricity and heat production. One of the crucial technologies that will play a key role in the next decade in replacing ageing coal-fired power plants, especially for the CHP generation, is light water small modular reactor technology. As a zero-emission source, they will contribute significantly to the Czech Republic's commitment to the transition to low-carbon energy and to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and imports of energy raw materials (natural gas). Several concepts of light water small modular reactors are currently under development or already in the licensing phase. The proposed project aims to build on the long-standing experience and competencies of the Czech industry, research organisations and universities in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of light water reactor technologies and to further develop this strategic know-how with the ambition of developing selected subsystems and technologies that will be applicable in arbitrary light water small modular reactor concept. This will significantly increase the potential for the Czech industry to be involved in the construction of SMRs in the Czech Republic and abroad. Successful and rapid utilization of SMRs require development of methods and procedures for: (i) SMRs safety assessment in the licensing process, and (ii) technical and business evaluation to select appropriate technology for the given case. These are the key competencies for the regulatory authorities (SONS), investors and operators. Therefore, the proposed project also aims to develop such methodologies, simulation models and computational software allowing assessment of SMR technologies from the above explained perspectives.