Simulation for nuclear power plant dependability

Using CFD to improve the dependability of nuclear power plants

As the global demand for clean and reliable energy grows, advanced nuclear technologies are playing a critical role in shaping the future of power generation. Hitachi, Ltd. and Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy (HGNE), in collaboration with Japan’s Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI), are at the forefront of this effort. By leveraging cutting-edge computational tools and decades of nuclear expertise, these organizations are driving innovation in the design and safety of Advanced Boiling Water Reactors (ABWRs). This paper explores how state-of-the-art simulation software—Siemens’ Simcenter STAR-CCM+—is being used to model complex phenomena such as supersonic steam jets from potential pipe ruptures. Through this work, Hitachi and its partners aim to ensure safer, more efficient nuclear power stations, while reinforcing Japan’s leadership in nuclear technology.

This white paper discusses how computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can be used to improve the reliability of equipment and piping for nuclear power plants, and understand supersonic-steam-jet phenomena, which occurs when pipes rupture.