Small Modular Reactors Engineering Design Concepts and Development
Overview
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) offer a scalable, safer alternative to traditional nuclear power, suited for diverse locations. They support low-carbon energy needs, crucial for reducing global emissions. Canada is actively exploring SMR adoption, aiming to leverage their modular design for quicker construction and to meet its specific regional energy demands and sustainability goals. This positions Canada at the forefront of nuclear innovation, contributing to a sustainable energy future.
The specialized course delves into the engineering and design principles of the upcoming generation of nuclear power reactors, with a particular focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Emphasis is placed on teaching the topics in line with successful regulatory review.
The course covers a wide range of subjects, including:
- the historical evolution of nuclear power reactors and their various generations
- the history, potential, and applications of SMRs
- SMRs technology readiness, deployment, social acceptance, and commercialization
- SMRs economics and finance
- Defense In Depth (DID) and safety in design concepts and their application to SMRs
- Passive Safety System (PSS) concept, its classification, and application for different types of SMRs
- scaling and similarity analysis and their relevance to thermal-hydraulic analysis of nuclear reactors including SMRs
- types of SMRs and their engineering and design requirements
- thorough examination of the regulatory framework for licensing a nuclear reactor including SMRs, as outlined by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), and UK Office for Nuclear Regulation (UKONR)
To enhance and assess learning, students are assigned problems or term projects that address SMR engineering and design aspects.
Upon request, the course can be offered with international language support.
This course is not offered in open enrolment format.
Who should attend?
- Energy, utility and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) provider employees;
- Graduate students, alumni and researchers studying or working in energy, energy systems and nuclear science fields;
- Both early career and experienced professionals in both technical and non-technical backgrounds;
- Policy makers and government officials who support the energy industry;
- Investors, Engineers, Designers, Operators, Simulator-based trainers and related
What you'll learn
- Fundamental nuclear energy concepts, including basic nuclear theory, reactor safety, and regulatory frameworks;
- Engineering and design aspects involved in the next generation SMRs;
- Design attributes and features incorporated into different types of SMRs;
- Identification and characterization issues and problems in the design of various SMRs;
- Principles and practices of defence in depth in the design of different types of SMRs;
- Issues associated with technology readiness, deployment, social acceptance, and commercialization of SMRs.
Admissions requirements
Participants who have post-secondary education or industry experience will benefit most from this course.Required elements
Complete:- 40 hours of engaging lectures
- interactive discussions
- practice exercises
- two open-book tests
A Certificate of Completion will be issued to participants who have met the course requirements' eligibility.
A Certificate of Participation will be issued to participants attending the course to gain general knowledge but who have not made the eligibility requirements.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of nuclear energy concepts, safety, and regulations.
- Master engineering and design for next-gen Small Modular Reactors.
- Address and resolve issues in diverse SMR designs.
- Apply defense-in-depth principles and navigate challenges in SMR technology deployment
The schedule may be customized for your organization. Please contact continuouslearning@ontariotechu.ca to discuss your organization's needs.
This course can be offered entirely online, in-person or in a hybrid format and is available in modules scheduled over one-week (five buisness days) or over one (1) to 12 weeks in a syncronous format, depending on your organization needs.
This course includes:
- Lectures
- Group discussions
- Practice exercises
- Open-book tests
