Benefits and Challenges of Design-Assist Probabilistic Safety Assessment for Small Modular Reactors

Abstract

A comprehensive Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) represents an effective tool for risk-informed improvement of the Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) design and operation. A design-assist PSA implemented early in the design allows for a significant flexibility in addressing potential plant vulnerabilities and developing a robust design with enhanced safety and economics over the lifetime of the plant. However, execution of a PSA for new designs involves a number of challenges. This paper provides an overview of potential benefits and challenges associated with development of design-assist PSA for the new generation of reactors.