부산대학교 도서관

UKAEA has been applying systems engineering for several years; it has provided a unique perspective from which to solve complex engineering challenges, bringing together the insights from all aspects and disciplines involved. Fundamental functional requirements of the systems have been captured and used to develop “solution agnostic” designs (or architecture) of each system at the highest functional level. This has allowed existing preconceptions of the design to be challenged and alternatives solution to be assessed against the abstract system architecture. Systems engineering has also provided a rigorous methodology for recording and tracing the system requirements and associated designs down through multiple hierarchical levels. This paper presents the lessons learned and the benefits seen from applying systems engineering at UKAEA. It presents case studies from the European DEMO, both in the overall design and integration of the power plant as well as within specific work packages. It shows how the top-level work has produced a new perspective on the power plant design. In the work packages of remote maintenance and breeder blankets, it discusses how functional preconceptions and assumptions have been challenged leading to improved designs. It also draws on the experience that RACE (UKAEA) has gained from applying systems engineering to create an optimized design for the European Spallation Source Active Cells Project. We identify the aspects of systems engineering which have been applied to greatest effect and consider both the short-term benefits already realized and the long-term benefits that are anticipated in the future.