Approaches to and Preparation for the Operation of Small Modular Reactors

Presenting technical guidance for near-term SMRs up to 300 MW(e), this TECDOC contrasts deployable unit operations with established practices from large water-cooled reactors. It highlights key phases from initial fuel loading through system heat-up, power control, and optimized control room design.

This TECDOC presents state of the art technical information on approaches and preparations for the operation of near term deployable small modular reactors (SMRs). It compares these approaches with the experience and knowledge accumulated from operating commercial nuclear power plants (NPPs) that use large water cooled reactors (WCRs). This publication focusses on near term deployable SMRs with an electrical output of 300 MW(e) or less, planned for grid connection between 2020 and 2035. It identifies the operational and preparatory characteristics of these SMRs from the perspective of plant operators and contrasts them with those of conventional large NPPs. Particular emphasis is placed on operator activities following the loading of the first new fuel assembly into the reactor core, during primary system heat up, and prior to the start of commercial operation. The report also addresses key operational competencies: managing plant control systems and power output during baseload and flexible operation; ensuring fuel integrity; and optimizing the main control room (MCR) layout for both single module and multi module plants, including considerations for human–machine interface (HMI) design.