Status of the Light-Water, Small, Modular Reactors Research at Oregon State University

Abstract This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing research endeavors conducted at Oregon State University School of Nuclear Science and Engineering (OSU NSE) in the field of Light-Water, Small, Modular Reactors (LW-SMR). Included in this paper is a thorough exposition of the integral testing activities carried out at the Multi-Application, Small, Light-Water, Reactor (MASLWR) facility, including both the methodologies employed and the outcomes obtained. The test facility can operate at pressure of 11.4 MPa and a temperature of 590 K. It serves as an integral test facility, with all components designed at a 1/3 scale height and a 1/254.7 volume scale in reference to the NuScale module. The facility operates in compliance with the NQA-1 program and has been instrumental in supporting NuScale’s licensing process and the validation of TH (thermal-hydraulic) codes. This paper further expounds on the present operational status of the facility and delineates upcoming plans. Beyond the experimental capabilities, additional attention is directed towards an explication of the research capabilities intrinsic to the Nuscale Simulator control room, housed within the OSU Energy Exploration (E2) Center. Finally, the paper delves into an exploration of ongoing research concerning the Dynamical System Scaling (DSS) of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This paper serves as a consolidated resource offering insight into the multifaceted aspects of LW-SMR research conducted at Oregon State University, encompassing integral testing, facility status, control room research capabilities, and the DSS endeavors related to SMRs.