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Project: EPR2 Basic Design phase – Systems Engineering and Layout
Client: EDVANCE EPR2
Edvance is the EPC subsidiary of EDF, the world biggest nuclear operator. EDVANCE was incepted in 2018 by gathering resources from former Sofinel, EDF-CNEN and a part of Areva.
Context: EPR2 program is currently the largest nuclear new build program in the world, with 6 units decided, plus 8 in option
Role / achievement: Systems engineering:
Oakridge is responsible for the design and sizing of the REA and PTR systems. Over the past years, Oakridge has produced numerous deliverables which will constitute the associated System Documents Manuals.
Layout:
The role of Oakridge is to process the open points and the change requests regarding the piping of the HK (Fuel) building. Secondment as “referent piping engineer”, with the responsibility of the piping layout compliance in the HK building.
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Project: HPC replication at SZC – N4S contract management
Client: EDVANCE
Edvance is the EPC subsidiary of EDF, the world biggest nuclear operator. EDVANCE was incepted in 2018 by gathering resources from former Sofinel, EDF-CNEN and a part of Areva.
Context:
HPC stands for Hinkley Point C. At his site in Somerset (UK), NNB (EDF Energy) builds two EPR units. Edvance is the EPC chosen by NNB. SZC stands for Sizewell C. At that site, NNB aims at building another pair of EPRs, with an ambitious cost reduction plan. One chance to reduce the cost of this new project is to replicate as much as possible the HPC EPR. Most of the the HPC key suppliers are contracted for SZC.
The supplier of the NSSS for HPC, Framatome, oversees a work program which aims to carry out feasibility studies and define the level of design replication that will be possible for SZC, including primary loop big components and systems I&C, plus instrumentation of the core.
Role / achievement:
Oakridge is responsible for the N4S contracts management and follow-up, for advancement and quality compliance. In his role, our expert has frequent interfaces with the supplier, Framatome, and with all the technical leads within Edvance.
Tasks:
- Defining the replication scope of the HPC design for the Sizewell C project, in order to get a first offer from the supplier.
- Monitoring the HPC Steam Supply System supplier (Framatome) preparation program and activities:
.coordination of activities,
.monitoring of progress according to schedule and interface with the client’s program,
.progress report, difficulties, risks and mitigations.
- Creation of the SZC N4S specification:
.update of the HPC specification according to the macro planning of the SZC project,
.definition of the strategy for implementing developments according to the results of replication studies,
.coordination of all technical groups within Edvance, but also in front of the client (NNB) for the validation of documents and the technical scope
.carrying out the analysis of Edvance's HPC supply chain for the N4S scope and the former NSSS scope drawing on the expertise of the N4S supplier with the aim of defining the supply strategy for SZC
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Project: Commissioning - The Taishan NPP (TSN) in Guangdong province, PRC, hosts two EPR units (PWR) – each has an output of 1650 Mwe. The TSN units are the first EPR units connected to the grid, showcasing an innovative design. Oakridge has contributed to the commissioning of these units.
Client: Framatome is a world leader in the design and the manufacture of NSSS big components. The company also performs plant services to NPPs globally.
Context: Oakridge joined the startup team onsite. The actions of Oakridge have played a significant role in enhancing the overall development and testing procedures associated with these units.
Role: Our startup engineers have designed and performed elementary and functional test of EPR systems. The testing program cover a 2-year periods of tests with shift periods in control room to perform overall test of safety functions.
Achievement: simulator tests preparation
A significant focus was placed by Oakridge on reactor simulator tests preparation, which involves creating realistic scenarios to evaluate the performance of the EPR units before the actual testing. This preparatory work allowed for a more thorough understanding of the units' behavior under various operational conditions: enhancing the accuracy and reliability of testing protocols; reducing the risks associated with real testing by identifying potential issues beforehand; streamlining the transition from simulated environments to real-world operations.
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Project: Field design - The Taishan NPP (TSN) in Guangdong province, PRC, hosts two EPR units (PWR) – each has an output of 1650 Mwe. They are the first EPR units connected to the grid, showcasing an innovative design. Oakridge has contributed to the commissioning of these units.
Client: Framatome is a world leader in the design and the manufacture of NSSS big components. The company also performs plant services to NPPs globally.
Context: These units were the FOAK of the EPR reactor. Some fixings were needed onsite during the commissioning phase. Framatome has established in China the Taishan Design Team (TDT) which gathered experienced people who were previously involved in the detailed design of the EPR reactor in France.
Achievement: “Last minute” design changes
Oakridge joined the TDT and thus contributed to the optimization of the last design changes, ensuring that the EPR units were optimally designed for both functionality and safety. Our expertise contributed to quickly addressing some complex design challenges and incorporating advanced technologies.