Antineutrino Monitoring Studies Using NuScale as a Case Study

The proposed growth of nuclear technology presents challenges to the current safeguard regimes [51]. Non-invasive, non-intrusive, and remote monitoring is desired to safeguard the new fleet of advanced reactors. Decades of antineutrino detector research has shown the ability for this technology to monitor nuclear reactors from significant standoff distances [64]. Antineutrino detectors can provide a Continuity of Knowledge, unique to the current safeguards framework [20]. In this study, we propose the use of an antineutrino detector, ”outside of the fence”, for safeguard applications at a mutli-core SMR site. Ideally, smaller and shallower antineutrino detectors could be used to reduce operational and construction costs. We simulate one core being turned off and measure the time at which this can be detected with an antineutrino detector that remains outside the fence. Two specific diversion scenarios are created and the expected signal from these scenarios is reproduced. This study
found a few tons adequate to measure the reduction in power of one core at a SMR site within a matter of 10 days. Lastly, this study investigates alternative applications that may be used to reduce costs at advanced reactor sites.