EDF Engineers Low-Carbon Power Generation Technologies with ANSYS Multiphysics Solutions

The EDF Group (EDF) is digitally transforming to drive the development of safe, dependable and affordable low-carbon power generation technologies by collaborating with ANSYS. Through a new multi-year agreement, EDF will use ANSYS to design nuclear power plants and deliver nuclear energy efficiency.

Using ANSYS multiphysics solutions to enable digital transformation, EDF will drive the development of advanced plant instrumentation and controls  faster and more affordably than traditional physical prototyping and testing approaches, the companies say.

The agreement follows ANSYS' support of the EDF-led ConnexITy digital R&D program, a French initiative to improve the process, optimize the performance of nuclear facilities and extend their operating life beyond 40 years. A key technological partner to ConnexITy since 2017, ANSYS helped design a highly advanced control room for a next-generation nuclear power plant. The program also leverages ANSYS Twin Builder to create digital twins of plant turbo-alternators, enabling predictive maintenance and reduced repair expenses.

"Collaborating with ANSYS to design leading-edge nuclear power plants accelerates the creation of renewable energy with unmatched efficiency and unparalleled customer accessibility," says Levesque Benoit, project manager at EDF. "By digitally transforming our manufacturing processes, we can minimize emissions, slash maintenance costs and maximize our share of the power generation market while remaining in full compliance with strict international regulatory standards."

"EDF is global leader in low-carbon energy production. Digital transformation enables EDF to usher in a new era of clean, cost-effective and cutting-edge low-carbon power plants, with operational lives spanning over four decades," says Eric Bantegnie, vice president and general manager at ANSYS. "By leveraging ANSYS multiphysics simulations, EDF engineers devise designs that push boundaries and meet challenging regulatory requirements, providing unequalled power output for its worldwide customers."

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.