In an effort to continue broadening the understanding of advanced nuclear technology, the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station has installed the NuScale small modular reactor control room simulator at the Center for Advanced Small Modular and Micro Reactors (CASMR).
The simulator at CASMR will provide an authentic feel of being in the control room at a 12-unit small modular reactor plant. Equipped with features and functionality unique to NuScale technology, the simulator is intended to provide an innovative multidisciplinary training and educational environment to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professionals.
“The simulator will help enhance CASMR’s outreach opportunities and broaden the understanding of the working of state-of-the-art modular nuclear plants among students, researchers and operators at off-site locations,” said Dr. Yassin Hassan, director of CASMR, Regents Professor and holder of the Peterson Chair in the Texas A&M University College of Engineering.
CASMR’s goal is to hasten the development of new and transformative technologies, materials and modeling, and simulation that will make nuclear energy more affordable, sustainable and rapidly deployable. The center also brings together a diverse group of domestic and international partners to collaborate on nuclear energy initiatives to bridge the gaps between basic research, engineering development and commercialization.
The simulator is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Nuclear Energy University Program through Generic Scientific Infrastructure grants for multi-universities for small modular reactor simulators at Oregon State University, the University of Idaho at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and Texas A&M.