This paper describes the outline and development plan of “Advanced Reactor Knowledge- and AI-aided Design Integration Approach through the whole plant lifecycle (ARKADIA)”, which JAEA has begun developing for the purpose of transforming the design of advanced nuclear reactors to have them best meet the expectations as a safe, economic and sustainable carbon-free energy source. The development will be completed in ten years, with up-to-date systems made available progressively.&nbsp;ARKADIA is an AI-aided integrated numerical analysis system to offer the best possible solutions for any challenge that could arise in the design and operation of a nuclear plant, including the optimization of safety equipment as well as structures, systems and components. It integrates the state-of-the-art numerical simulation technologies with a knowledge-base that stores data and insights, which have been obtained in the past nuclear reactor development projects and R&amp;Ds, in an AI-affinitive fashion. ARKADIA could also be a powerful tool for educating and training young scientists and engineers, taking advantage of the above features.&nbsp;Inside ARKADIA, three inter-connected modules, the Virtual plant Life System, (VLS), a numerical simulator, the Knowledge Management System (KMS), a knowledge-base, and the Enhanced and AI-aided optimization System (EAS), an optimization system, work together, with the EAS playing the role of a controller, to assemble the best possible solutions and even create new ideas beyond the reach of experienced engineers.&nbsp;The development will be done in two phases; two rather independent systems, ARKADIA-Design and ARKADIA-Safety, which deal with design and safety, respectively, will be developed in the first phase. Each of the two will have its own VLS and EAS that are connected to a common KMS. The prime target of the system at this point will be the sodium-cooled reactor. In the subsequent phase, everything will be integrated into a single entity that is technology-inclusive which is applicable not only to advanced rectors with a variety of concepts, coolants, configurations and output levels but also to existing light water reactors. Some intended applications of the system are illustrated in the text.

Arkadia – for the Innovation of Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/ICONE/ICONE28/volume/85246

2021 28th International Conference on Nuclear Engineering (ICONE28)

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