NuScale small modular reactor: Difference between revisions
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The '''NuScale small modular reactor''' is a smaller version of a standard [[Pressurized Water Reactor]] (PWR). This article will address the issues raised in the parent article [[Nuclear power reconsidered]]. Information is from the company website <ref>[https://newsroom.nuscalepower.com/media-center/media-resources/default.aspx NuScale Media Resources]</ref> | The '''NuScale small modular reactor''' is a smaller version of a standard [[Pressurized Water Reactor]] (PWR). This article will address the issues raised in the parent article [[Nuclear power reconsidered]]. Information is from the company website,<ref>[https://newsroom.nuscalepower.com/media-center/media-resources/default.aspx NuScale Media Resources]</ref> factsheet,<ref>[https://s24.q4cdn.com/104943030/files/doc_downloads/factsheet/nuscale-smr-fact-sheet.pdf NuScale SMR Factsheet]</ref> and 2020 Status Report to the IAEA.<ref>[https://aris.iaea.org/PDF/NuScale-NPM200_2020.pdf NuScale Status Report] IAEA ARIS Database 2020.</ref><br/> | ||
{{Image| | {{Image|NuScale Power Module Cross-sectional View.jpg|right|350px|Diagram and specifications for the reactor.}} | ||
The NuScale Power Module (NPM) is a 250 megawatts thermal (MWt) integral pressurized | The NuScale Power Module (NPM) is a 250 megawatts thermal (MWt) integral pressurized | ||
water reactor ( | water reactor (IPWR) that employs gravity-driven natural circulation of the primary coolant for both normal | ||
operation and shutdown mode. The NPM, including containment, is fully factory-built and shipped to the plant site | operation and shutdown mode. The NPM, including containment, is fully factory-built and shipped to the plant site | ||
by truck, rail, or barge. | by truck, rail, or barge. | ||
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• In a station blackout condition, the NPM safely shuts down and self-cools indefinitely—with no operator action, | • In a station blackout condition, the NPM safely shuts down and self-cools indefinitely—with no operator action, | ||
AC/DC power, or additional water needed.<br> | AC/DC power, or additional water needed.<br> | ||
• Natural circulation for normal operation eliminates the need for large primary piping and reactor coolant pumps.<br> | • The feedwater and steam exit valves will close in the event of an emergency situation, and a secondary set of valves will open to depressurize steam from the reactor core into the containment vessel surrounding the reactor.<ref>[https://newatlas.com/energy/nrc-certifies-nuscale-nuclear NuAtlas.com 01 Aug 2022]</ref><br>• Natural circulation for normal operation eliminates the need for large primary piping and reactor coolant pumps.<br> | ||
• Each NPM houses approximately 5 percent of the nuclear fuel of a conventional 1,000 MWe nuclear reactor.<br> | • Each NPM houses approximately 5 percent of the nuclear fuel of a conventional 1,000 MWe nuclear reactor.<br> | ||
'''Sabotage'''<br> | '''Sabotage'''<br> | ||
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== Waste Management == | == Waste Management == | ||
Same as existing Pressurized Water Reactors. | |||
== Weapons Proliferation == | == Weapons Proliferation == | ||
Same as existing Pressurized Water Reactors. | |||
== Cost == | == Cost == | ||
Specs for a 500MWe plant:<br/> | Specs for a 500MWe plant:<br/> | ||
'''Plant cost per KW (including building but not land, permits or licensing):'''<br/> | '''Plant cost per KW (including building but not land, permits or licensing):'''<ref name=Debacle/><br/> | ||
'''Operating cost per KWh (including fuel and maintenance):'''<br/> | '''Operating cost per KWh (including fuel and maintenance):'''<br/> | ||
'''Initial fuel load:'''<br/> | '''Initial fuel load:'''<br/> | ||
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== Notes and References == | == Notes and References == | ||
{{Reflist| | {{Reflist|refs= | ||
<ref name=Debacle>$20K per kW, according to [https://jackdevanney.substack.com/p/the-nuscale-debacle The NuScale Debacle] Jack Devanney, Feb 2023.</ref> | |||
}} | |||
Latest revision as of 10:52, 19 April 2023
The NuScale small modular reactor is a smaller version of a standard Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). This article will address the issues raised in the parent article Nuclear power reconsidered. Information is from the company website,[1] factsheet,[2] and 2020 Status Report to the IAEA.[3]
The NuScale Power Module (NPM) is a 250 megawatts thermal (MWt) integral pressurized water reactor (IPWR) that employs gravity-driven natural circulation of the primary coolant for both normal operation and shutdown mode. The NPM, including containment, is fully factory-built and shipped to the plant site by truck, rail, or barge.
Safety
Accidental overheating.
• In a station blackout condition, the NPM safely shuts down and self-cools indefinitely—with no operator action,
AC/DC power, or additional water needed.
• The feedwater and steam exit valves will close in the event of an emergency situation, and a secondary set of valves will open to depressurize steam from the reactor core into the containment vessel surrounding the reactor.[4]
• Natural circulation for normal operation eliminates the need for large primary piping and reactor coolant pumps.
• Each NPM houses approximately 5 percent of the nuclear fuel of a conventional 1,000 MWe nuclear reactor.
Sabotage
• NPMs are submerged in a below-grade pool of water housed in a Seismic Category 1, aircraft impact resistant
building that serves as the ultimate heat sink for core cooling.
Waste Management
Same as existing Pressurized Water Reactors.
Weapons Proliferation
Same as existing Pressurized Water Reactors.
Cost
Specs for a 500MWe plant:
Plant cost per KW (including building but not land, permits or licensing):[5]
Operating cost per KWh (including fuel and maintenance):
Initial fuel load:
Fuel consumption per day:
Notes and References
- ↑ NuScale Media Resources
- ↑ NuScale SMR Factsheet
- ↑ NuScale Status Report IAEA ARIS Database 2020.
- ↑ NuAtlas.com 01 Aug 2022
- ↑ $20K per kW, according to The NuScale Debacle Jack Devanney, Feb 2023.