1. 1 Center for Nuclear Studies Mahmoud Ghavi, Ph.D. Professor and Director of The SPSU Center for Nuclear Studies The Impact of a PC Based Plant Simulation System on a Newly Established Nuclear Engineering Program Technical Meeting on Effective Utilization of Nuclear Power Plant Simulators as Introductory Educational Tools International Atomic Energy Agency 19-22, May 2014

2. 2 Center for Nuclear Studies Development of the Nuclear Engineering Program at SPSU in 2010 In response to: –A shortage of nuclear workforce –A large concentration of nuclear plants in the Southeast of US –The construction of four new plants in close proximity to SPSU in 2013 –The USNRC workforce availability concerns in view of new plant applications

3. 3 Center for Nuclear Studies Four New Reactors In the Southeast U.S. Approval of four new PWR (AP- 1000) reactors within a short distance of SPSU First new construction licenses in over 30 years First standardized design construction in the US NRC applications for building 16 additional nuclear plants across the country There is a need for thousands of skilled nuclear personnel

4. 4 Center for Nuclear Studies Mission of the SPSU Center for Nuclear Studies Prepare students for careers in the nuclear industry by offering a program of high educational standards and applied training A disciplined program rooted in a culture of safety and security Program in-tune with the nuclear industry requirements Offer separate track academic programs, and continuing education workshops Conduct basic nuclear research

5. 5 Center for Nuclear Studies Nuclear Engineering Programs at SPSU Academic Undergraduate and soon Master’s Continuing Education Certificate program Continuing Education Certificate program SPSU Nuclear Programs Tailored for traditional students pursuing a university degree Designed for retraining of skilled individuals

6. 6 Center for Nuclear Studies SPSU’s Academic Nuclear Program Undergraduate: –Nuclear engineering minor program open to all engineering students –Accepts students in their third year of studies –Builds on the completed engineering foundation –Nuclear industry hires more non-nuclear graduates than nuclear and a hybrid degree offers value to employers and options to graduates –Students with other majors benefit from the higher level of discipline in nuclear training –Generally can complete requirements along with a student’s major in four years Graduate: –Master’s degree in nuclear engineering to be offered in 2015

7. 7 Center for Nuclear Studies SPSU’s Approach to Engineering Education Applied learning based on teaching, showing, and doing: –Classroom teaching –Participation in lab sessions and use of simulation programs to show and do –Encouragement for students to participate in work-study or internship programs –Partnership with industries to support the practicum program

8. 8 Center for Nuclear Studies An Applied Engineering Education Leads to Deep Learning –Deep learning: Critical analysis of new notions Linking to known concepts Deep understanding and retention Ability to apply in unaccustomed contexts Supports understanding for life –Surface learning: Acceptance of information as facts Memorization as stand alone concepts Superficial retention to pass tests without long-term retention of information Teach so that students adopt a deep approach to learning

9. 9 Center for Nuclear Studies Simulation: A Deep Learning Device Simulation based teaching in engineering: –Applied teaching approach –Results in understanding vs memorization –Opportunity to reflect and gain deeper knowledge –Active vs passive learning Teach me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand. (Chinese Proverb)

10. 10 Center for Nuclear Studies Simulation: An Effective Tool in Engineering Education “Seldom have so many independent studies been in such agreement: Simulation is a key element for achieving progress in engineering and science.” Report of National Science Foundation on Simulation-Based Engineering Science

11. 11 Center for Nuclear Studies Simulation Based Nuclear Engineering at SPSU The Engineering School has adopted an application based teaching across all disciplines As part of this applied approach, the Nuclear Engineering Program chose PC based PCTRAN simulation for nuclear teaching PCTRAN is used as an integral part of the curriculum in foundational subjects such as; Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering and Nuclear Power Generation courses.

12. 12 Center for Nuclear Studies

13. 13 Center for Nuclear Studies Objectives of Simulation Based Teaching in Nuclear Engineering: Re-enforcement of theory and fundamentals Familiarization with plant components and systems Familiarity with plant operations Demonstration of normal startup, operation, and shutdown Response to plant transients, abnormal conditions, and emergencies; Concepts in safe and reliable plant operations Basic knowledge of potential plant malfunctions Ability to diagnose problems Teamwork and effective communication

14. 14 Center for Nuclear Studies Approach to Simulation Based Teaching The following subjects are covered prior to the use of the simulator: –Nuclear energy conversion –Nuclear power plant design and operations –Nuclear plant components –Reactor control systems and feedback –Reactor theory –Reactor thermal hydraulics –Neutron diffusion

15. 15 Center for Nuclear Studies Use of Reactor Simulation System Use of PC Simulation in four steps: –Introduction: program demonstration while reinforcing the theoretical concepts –Performance: team based approach to actual hands on simulation in lab, performing normal and accident based scenarios –Evaluation: feedback and discussion regarding outcome and performance at team and individual levels –Reports: students detailed reports

16. 16 Center for Nuclear Studies Scripted Hands-on Reactor Simulation Simulation sessions are conducted using detailed scripted scenarios covering: Ramp up, operation, and ramp down Normal transient conditions Accident based transients

17. 17 Center for Nuclear Studies Anticipated Transient Without Trip

18. 18 Center for Nuclear Studies Anticipated Transient Without Trip [continued]

19. 19 Center for Nuclear Studies Rod Position (%) and Thermal Power (%) vs Time

20. 20 Center for Nuclear Studies Turbine Trip

21. 21 Center for Nuclear Studies Thermal Power & Generator Load vs Time PCTran 1/9/2013 10:12:11PM

22. 22 Center for Nuclear Studies Steam Generator B Tube Rupture

23. 23 Center for Nuclear Studies SG B Tube Leak, Pressurizer Level Percent, and Thermal Power Percent vs Time

24. 24 Center for Nuclear Studies Loss of Power Natural Circulation

25. 25 Center for Nuclear Studies Coolant Loop A and B Flow vs Time

26. 26 Center for Nuclear Studies Unscripted, Unexpected Conditions Introduction of unscripted abnormal and accident conditions by lab instructor Observation and evaluation of students response in terms of: Ability to diagnose transients Ability to mitigate abnormal events Ability to communicate effectively with team members

27. 27 Center for Nuclear Studies Steam Line Break Inside Containment and Loss of Feedwater 1 of 2

28. 28 Center for Nuclear Studies Steam Line Break Inside Containment and Loss of Feedwater 2 of 2

29. 29 Center for Nuclear Studies Steam Generator A Steam and Pressure vs Time

30. 30 Center for Nuclear Studies Cladding Failure (1%)

31. 31 Center for Nuclear Studies Cladding Failure (1%), Concentration I-131, and Kr-87 vs Time

32. 32 Center for Nuclear Studies Post Simulation Evaluation and analysis Post lab session discussions: What worked and what didn’t work Students evaluation of their own team performance and instructor’s critique Comparison with known reactor accidents Individualized detailed reports by students covering plant performance, response to operational and theoretical questions, and evaluation of collected data

33. 33 Center for Nuclear Studies Simulation Based Program on Steroids Most effective when combined with a plant visit Fortunate to have had access to the TVA’s Bellefonte Plant Bellefonte unit one was nearly 90% complete when construction was suspended in 1988 Students had the opportunity to closely inspect a nearly completed plant with almost all components intact Students saw the actual components as installed and their interrelation in the plant system Having gone through the theoretical and simulation based training, students felt as if they were visiting a familiar place and were able to fully understand the plant layout Plant personnel were impressed by the level of interest and knowledge shown by students

34. 34 Center for Nuclear Studies Evaluation of Simulation Based Program at SPSU: Enhanced understanding of theoretical concepts and longer term retention Ability to relate theory with operational factors Appreciation for safety and security Better understanding of the intricate relationship between reactor physics concepts and thermal hydraulic principles Appreciation for system based approach to problem solving Appreciation for clear and effective communication Greater comprehension and appreciation for related concepts (health physics, fuel cycle, etc.) Ultimately, better prepared to hit the ground running upon graduation and employment in the industry.

35. 35 Center for Nuclear Studies Conclusions Applied and simulation based approach to teaching nuclear engineering works: –Evaluations show considerable improvements in comprehension and retention of course materials –The program has been a major factor in attracting students to the nuclear program –Employers have been impressed with the students’ knowledge as employees, interns and co-op students –The program’s discipline has had a positive impact on other engineering programs –The program has resulted in a higher rate of recruitments –Based on the program’s success the USNRC has continued the tuition reimbursement scholarships for participating students.