Volume 63

Numerical Investigation of Green Artificial Ground Freezing for Permafrost Integrity of Small Modular Reactor with Hybrid Thermosyphons Kim Leong Liaw, Mohammad Zolfagharoshan, Muhammad Saad Khan Tareen, Sohail Akhtar, Agus Sasmito

Abstract

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are gaining traction in providing clean nuclear energy due to cost-effectiveness, less complexity, and safer than conventional nuclear power plants (NPPs). However, installing SMRs in permafrost regions presents challenges due to ground thawing caused by reactor heat. This paper proposes an innovative artificial ground freezing (AGF) method using hybrid thermosyphons that utilize cold environmental air in winter and excess heat from SMR in summer. In this way, the ground can be continuously cooled throughout the year without the need for additional electrical energy. A three-dimensional numerical model of the ELENA SMR in Iqaluit, Canada, is developed, incorporating thermosyphons around the reactor structure. The results indicate significant improvement in ground freezing conditions, with up to 58% reduction of thawing radius. Further design refinements and parameters optimizations are expected to enhance the AGF effectiveness. This concept will be useful in reducing greenhouse emissions and providing a viable solution for SMR deployment in permafrost regions.

Keywords small modular reactor, hybrid thermosyphon, permafrost, artificial ground freezing, clean energy