R&D Units
Advanced Nuclear Technologies for Safe, Flexible and Sustainable Energy
Modelling, simulation and digitalisation of SMRs, microreactors and advanced reactors
What we do?
The Nuclear Technology Unit researches and develops advanced methodologies for the analysis, modelling, simulation and digitalisation of nuclear systems, with a particular focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), microreactors and advanced reactors.
Our research integrates neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, nuclear safety and radiation protection with emerging artificial intelligence tools, reduced-order models and digital twins. The aim is to develop capabilities for analysing, optimising and predicting the behaviour of these systems, from their design and operation to transient and safety conditions.
The Unit also investigates the integration of advanced nuclear energy into future energy systems, both for electricity generation and for the production of industrial heat and hydrogen, as well as its hybridisation with other energy sources. Particular attention is given to SMRs as a source of firm, reliable, low-carbon energy with high availability, capable of complementing renewable energy sources and contributing to the decarbonisation of both the energy system and industry.
In this context, we assess the potential of these technologies to provide the continuous energy supply required by energy-intensive industries, large data centres, technology parks and emerging industrial hubs. This could support the development and attraction of high-value-added activities in regions where access to abundant, reliable and decarbonised energy is a strategic factor for competitiveness.
Our research also extends to emerging concepts and applications of nuclear technology, including Generation IV reactors, advanced cooling and thermal management systems, heat pipes, hybrid energy systems, and microreactors for space, naval, remote-site and isolated-system applications.
Overall, our goal is to contribute to the development of a new generation of safe, sustainable, flexible and digitalised nuclear systems capable of playing a significant role in decarbonisation, security of supply and industrial competitiveness.
Research Areas
- SMRs, microreactors and advanced reactors. Conceptual analysis and assessment of technologies, reactor architectures, safety systems, fuels and cooling technologies, including Generation III+ and Generation IV designs.
- Multiphysics modelling and simulation of nuclear reactors. Development and integration of neutronics, thermal-hydraulics and systems models to study reactor behaviour under normal operation, transient conditions and accident scenarios.
- Digital twins and artificial intelligence applied to nuclear systems. Integration of physics-based models, simulations and data using reduced-order models (ROMs), surrogate models, machine learning and hybrid physics-digital models for prediction, diagnostics and operational decision support.
- Nuclear safety and radiation protection. Assessment of operational and accident conditions, radiation transport, shielding, dosimetry and methodologies aimed at improving the safety of nuclear facilities and systems.
- Thermal management and advanced cooling systems. Research into heat-transfer and heat-removal technologies, including dry and hybrid cooling, liquid metals, molten salts and heat pipes, with particular emphasis on SMRs and microreactors.
- Integration of nuclear energy into energy and industrial systems. Assessment of the use of SMRs for flexible electricity generation, process heat, hydrogen production, large industrial consumers, data centres and hybrid energy systems.
- Nuclear applications in special environments. Conceptual development of microreactors and nuclear systems for space, naval, isolated-system and remote-site applications, including power generation, thermal management, shielding and autonomous operation.
Strategic Objectives
- Develop leading capabilities in the modelling and simulation of SMRs and advanced nuclear reactors, integrating neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, safety and systems behaviour.
- Advance the digitalisation of nuclear technology through digital twins, hybrid physics-AI models and advanced simulation techniques to accelerate the analysis, optimisation and assessment of nuclear systems.
- Analyse the technical and energy-system conditions required for the deployment of SMRs, with particular attention to the Region of Madrid and their potential development in Spain and Europe. This includes assessing siting, energy-system integration, resource availability, industrial demand, sustainability and safety requirements, as well as their potential contribution to decarbonisation, security of supply and the attraction of new industries and technology hubs with high energy demand.
- Explore reactor technologies and thermal systems with potential for new nuclear energy applications, including energy-intensive industry, hydrogen production, isolated systems, naval applications and space.
- Develop tools, knowledge and capabilities that facilitate collaboration with industry, universities, research organisations and public authorities, supporting participation in national and international projects and promoting technology transfer.
Projects
Milestones
- More than 25 years of experience in nuclear technology, research and the development of scientific capabilities.
- Professional experience in nuclear science and technology, combining research, modelling, radiation protection, instrumentation, safety and the development of new scientific and technological capabilities.
- Experience in advanced nuclear systems and reactor physics, including participation in activities related to advanced reactor concepts and subcritical systems. This includes work associated with the Energy Amplifier concept developed in the CERN environment, as well as research experience and interests in technologies that subsequently converged with the development of Generation IV reactors, SMRs and advanced nuclear systems.
- Experience in establishing and leading new research capabilities, with more than two decades devoted to launching, organising and managing new activities, laboratories and research areas, from their initial conceptual definition to team building, the establishment of collaborations and the development of scientific capabilities.
- A new research area in SMRs and advanced reactors at IMDEA Energy, through the establishment and leadership of IMDEA Energy’s Nuclear Technology Unit, focused on developing capabilities in SMRs, advanced reactors, multiphysics modelling, digital twins, nuclear safety and new energy applications of nuclear technology.
