Hugo Tricou is head of the digital simulation business unit, a team of around forty people comprising computational engineers and specialists in structural analysis, fluid dynamics, system simulation, LCA and materials engineering. With a background in materials science and a keen interest in mechanics, he naturally gravitated towards digital simulation, a field that has opened many doors for him. Today, he oversees activities dedicated to the energy sector (nuclear, wind, photovoltaic, hydraulic) from Lyon, which has become the group’s largest design office in the field of digital simulation applied to the energy sector.

What are the benefits and advantages of digital simulation?

Hugo Tricou : Simulation allows us to anticipate risks even before construction begins. For issues such as seismic risk, calculation is essential. But we also offer solutions for everyday problems and environmental challenges. For example, digital simulation can be used to optimise process efficiency and thus optimise energy production or consumption.

What types of projects are you involved in?

H.T. : Take the example of piping networks in nuclear power plants, where the main risk is seismic: our role is to demonstrate that in the event of an earthquake, all these networks will be flexible enough to withstand stresses such as vibrations.
We also work on thermal constraints: some fluids circulate at very high or very low temperatures, and the piping must be able to expand properly. To analyse these seismic and thermal phenomena, we model these pipes using dedicated software. In wind power, the approach is different. We work on structural issues related, for example, to the bending of blades or the resistance of materials such as the fibreglass they are made of. We also analyse their aerodynamics. This is similar to what we do for marine, road and air vehicles. For photovoltaics, we work on metal frame structures. Each energy source has its own specific characteristics!

Can you give us some examples of major projects undertaken by SEGULA?

H.T. : Between 2019 and 2023, we worked with EDF on updating its tool fleet. To carry out the study, we brought in teams from other business units that already had the specific skills. Thanks to this project and the acquisition of the software required by EDF, we positioned ourselves with EDF to obtain UTO qualification, allowing us to be listed and open the door to new activities.

For example, we worked with Dalkia on the CCL project (bunkered crisis cells designed to house crisis management teams in the event of a nuclear accident). Our role was to validate, through calculations, the structural compliance of the piping networks and their supports in the building.

Mapping of stresses on equipment used to lift nuclear power plant components

Why is Lyon a strategic location for this activity?

H.T. : In Lyon, we have SEGULA’s largest design office (excluding automotive) and we specialise in digital simulation. Our geographical proximity to big names in the sector such as Framatome and Dalkia in Villeurbanne has led us to specialise in nuclear power. That is why we have taken the gamble of investing in specific software to support the sector.

What innovations do you see emerging in your field ?

H.T. : In digital simulation, artificial intelligence is beginning to be incorporated into our tools to increase our efficiency and improve the reliability of our simulations. For example, it provides useful support for post-processing and analysis of results.
In the nuclear industry, there are also challenges around the automated drafting of calculation notes and verification. Ultimately, the goal is to have a single integrated tool: the person who models in 3D will be able to launch the simulation directly without any intermediate steps. Our business will evolve, of course, but this will allow us to refocus on quality and on providing advice to our clients.

Offices in Venissieux, on the outskirts of Lyon

➡️You can find this article in our energy magazine.