This article presents a case study on applying model-based systems engineering (MBSE) methodologies under real-life conditions. We present how engineers tailored existing MBSE methods and tools to both address the complexity factors of nuclear power plants engineering, and to contribute to the comprehensiveness of the design and safety assessment. We also provide feedback on the application of MBSE approaches and their key benefits on projects' execution.

This paper presents a method to perform the architecture definition and design of Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) systems. This method is based on the viewpoints concept and on an existing Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach that was tailored to address the complexity factors of NPP engineering, progressively guarantee the comprehensiveness of the design and facilitate the safety assessment. This paper also provides an illustration of how this method was applied to define the architecture of a Nuclear Island system, provides valuable findings for the designer organization regarding the deployment of MBSE approaches and presents their key benefits and future improvement actions.