Dynamic Modeling and Load-Following Control of Small Modular Reactors with Moving-Boundary Steam Generators and Thermodynamically Coupled Rankine Cycles

Abstract

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are increasingly considered for flexible power generation; however, many dynamic studies still neglect the thermodynamic coupling between the primary and secondary loops that is essential for accurate assessment of load-following capability. In this study, we develop a hybrid dynamic framework that couples an equation-based model of a NuScale-type integral pressurized water reactor, including the reactor, primary loop, and moving-boundary helical-coil once-through steam generator, with a physics-based secondary Rankine cycle comprising the steam throttle valve, turbine, condenser, and feedwater pump. This approach enforces mass and energy conservation across the coupled system while preserving physically consistent pressure-flow and enthalpy-flow interactions across the domain boundary. The integrated model reproduces nominal design-point conditions and is used to analyze a 5% step reduction in turbine mechanical-power demand under five control configurations, including a decentralized three-loop control architecture for the valve, feedwater pump, and control rods. The results show that partial control strategies can satisfy individual objectives but leave pressure, thermal, or phase-boundary deviations, whereas simultaneous action of all three actuators provides the most balanced response by stabilizing steam pressure, limiting primary-loop thermal deviations, and maintaining acceptable steam-generator operating margins during load-following maneuvers. Compared with a conventional linear steam-cycle representation, the coupled framework captures dynamic back-pressure and variable turbine enthalpy drop that are otherwise neglected, leading to different predictions of transient behavior and required steam flow.