INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Thermodynamic Analysis of LFR-SMR Coupled with Proton-conducting Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell

Companycentredtud
LocationBelgium
Work ModeOn Site
PostedMay 12, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Conduct a thermodynamic analysis to evaluate the system efficiency of a Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor SMR coupled with a Proton-Conducting Solid-Oxide Electrolysis Cell. Compare the performance of Supercritical CO2 Brayton Cycles versus Rankine Steam Cycles regarding hydrogen production.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
887
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Do not underestimate the power of atoms: nuclear applications can make a great difference for society both now and in the future. This is why as one of the biggest research centres in Belgium we continue to perform groundbreaking research. SCK CEN is a global leader in the field of nuclear research, services and education. With more than 900 employees, throughout all of our work, we are focusing on 6 research topics: • Health • Environment • Society • Materials • Technology • Safety These are our building blocks for developing innovative applications for society. In this way, we want to contribute to a world in which these and future generations can live safely and in good health.
About the Role

Introduction

Ongoing energy transition and complementing carbon reduction goals force the industry to steer to alternative and low-carbon energy sources. One of the main challenges for the industry is to decarbonize their high-temperature heat consumption. Technologies like heat-pumps cannot reach the necessary temperatures these industries require, while e-boilers can satisfy the required needs, increasing electricity prices diminishes the industrial interest to this option. Additionally, clean molecules produced using electricity obtained from renewables are too expensive to keep industrial competitiveness. Cogenerating Advanced Modular Reactors (AMR) have the potential to supply the reliable and clean energy the industry requires, while strengthening the industrial competitiveness.

 

This thesis aims to evaluate the sensitivity of system efficiency of cogenerating Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor SMR (LFR-SMR) that is coupled with Proton-Conducting Solid-Oxide Electrolysis Cell (PCEC) and connected to the grid, when the PCEC is supplied with high-temperature steam and when it is supplied with low-temperature steam, by conducting thermodynamical analysis. Moreover, it will explore the effect of changing demand from the PCEC and the grid on secondary cycle and compare Supercritical CO2 Brayton Cycle with Rankine Steam Cycle.

 

Work Plan

The first section of the thesis will perform a literature study to identify the secondary cycle designs of LFR-SMRs and analyze the technical requirements for PCECs. Then, a thermodynamical model of the proposed system will be integrated and proposed analysis will be performed.

 

Research Questions

  • How does the system efficiency and rate of Hydrogen production rate vary between high-temperature steam and low-temperature steam supply?
  • What is the thermal response of the LFR secondary loop when the PCEC is disconnected suddenly?
  • How does the use of a Supercritical CO2 Brayton Cycle compare to a traditional Rankine Steam Cycle and how does this affect Hydrogen production?

 

References

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360319923054836?via%3Dihub

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359431119388593

https://emerg.ro/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/6-1.pdf           

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921510725002119?via%3Dihub

Key Skills
Thermodynamic AnalysisSystem Efficiency EvaluationHydrogen ProductionThermal ModelingLiterature Study
Categories
EngineeringEnergyScience & ResearchEnvironmental & Sustainability