ARKADIA—For the Innovation of Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design

This paper describes the outline and development plan for “Advanced Reactor Knowledge- and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-aided design integration approach through the whole plant lifecycle (ARKADIA),” which the Japan Atomic Energy Agency has begun developing to transform advanced nuclear reactor design to meet expectations of a safe, economic, and sustainable carbon-free energy source. ARKADIA will realize AI-aided integrated numerical analysis to offer the best possible solutions for any challenge that could arise in the design and operation of a nuclear plant, including optimization of safety equipment as well as structures, systems, and components. State-of-the-art numerical simulation technologies and a knowledge base that stores data and insights from past nuclear reactor development projects and R&D are integrated with AI. In the first phase of development, ARKADIA-design and ARKADIA-safety will be constructed individually, with the first target of a sodium-cooled reactor. In a subsequent phase, everything will be integrated into a single entity that is technology inclusive and applicable not only to advanced rectors with a variety of concepts, coolants, configurations, and output levels but also to existing light-water reactors.