Nuclear Microreactor

Sometimes, you stumble upon news that makes you raise an eyebrow—whether it's a strange new invention, an unexpected consequence of climate change, or a surprising display of human clumsiness. It leaves you thinking, "Well, that's remarkable."

The Westinghouse Electric Company is advancing its eVinci nuclear microreactor, a compact and efficient energy source designed to meet the rising need for clean, zero-emission power. Originally based on space-focused nuclear technology, the eVinci reactor is unique due to its small footprint, making it much easier to install in remote or off-grid locations. Its design emphasizes simplicity, requiring minimal operational staff and maintenance. Furthermore, the eVinci reactor is easily refueled, enhancing its practicality for long-term use in various applications, from powering remote communities to supporting energy needs in industrial and commercial settings.

Implementing nuclear energy amid climate challenges

With the growing urgency to combat climate change, nuclear energy is once again in focus because it can generate large amounts of electricity without producing greenhouse gases. However, traditional nuclear power plants have long been criticized for their high costs, complex safety requirements, and lengthy construction times, often taking years to become operational. The eVinci microreactor is designed to overcome many of these issues. By being small, simple, and efficient, it requires fewer resources to build and operate and is safer and more cost-effective, potentially making it a quicker and more accessible option for clean energy production.

Small but powerful reactor

The eVinci microreactor is a small yet powerful nuclear reactor, just under 10 feet (3 meters) in diameter, capable of generating up to 5 megawatts of electrical power (MWe). Its core thermal power output is rated at 15 megawatts (MWth). Despite its compact size, the eVinci can operate continuously for more than eight years on a single fueling cycle, providing a reliable, long-term energy source. When the fuel is depleted, the unit can be shut down and easily transported back to the factory for refueling or replaced with a fresh unit, similar to swapping out a propane gas tank.

A standout feature of the eVinci reactor is its modular design. Built entirely in a factory, the reactor avoids the complex and costly on-site construction typical of larger nuclear reactors. This factory-based approach not only reduces construction time and cost but also enables faster deployment of these units, making it a practical solution for expanding clean energy.

A safe and robust design

The eVinci microreactor distinguishes itself by using TRISO fuel, a highly durable and heat-resistant form of nuclear fuel. TRISO fuel is made up of tiny uranium pellets enriched to 19.75%, which are exceptionally resistant to both heat and corrosion. Each pellet is enclosed in a series of protective layers and packed into small spheres, which are then assembled into fuel rods for the reactor core.

This TRISO fuel has a unique resilience to extreme conditions, making it much safer for long-term use in nuclear power. Additionally, the eVinci reactor is designed so that the nuclear reactions within it are self-limiting, meaning they regulate themselves without the risk of spiraling out of control. This combination of TRISO fuel and self-regulating design provides an extra layer of safety, making the eVinci a promising option for secure, low-maintenance nuclear energy.

The eVinci microreactor incorporates a unique safety approach by eliminating the need for moving parts during normal operation, which reduces mechanical failures. Unlike conventional reactors, it does not require water or other traditional coolant circulation systems to manage heat. Instead, the eVinci design includes a solid-steel monolith that houses the core, allowing heat to passively disperse through specialized alkali heat pipes. These pipes use alkali metals (like sodium or potassium) to transfer heat through phase changes, effectively moving heat away from the core. This process converts the heat into electricity without relying on active pumps or cooling systems, which are often complex and vulnerable to failure.

In case of an emergency, the reactor has built-in safety mechanisms. Shutdown rods can quickly stop the nuclear reaction, and a rotating drum—designed to automatically roll into place—ensures that the reactor can shut down passively. This setup provides a reliable way to deactivate the reactor without requiring external power or mechanical intervention, enhancing its safety profile significantly.

Versatility in applications

The eVinci microreactor is compact and portable, giving it the flexibility to be used across many industries and locations. Westinghouse designed it not only for general power generation but also for specialized applications. Its small size and ease of transport make it ideal for remote areas, like mining sites, oil and gas drilling operations, and military bases, where conventional power sources are often unavailable or costly to establish.

Additionally, the reactor’s "on-demand" operation means it can produce power whenever needed, which is especially useful for balancing energy in hybrid systems. For example, it can work alongside renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, which depend on weather and time of day. When wind or solar output is low, the eVinci can provide steady, reliable power, making it a valuable backup or supplement to renewables. This adaptability to energy needs makes it suitable for use in data centers, industrial facilities, and district heating systems that benefit from continuous, dependable power.

A step towards commercialization

Westinghouse is advancing toward making the eVinci microreactor commercially available, with a key development being the submission of its Preliminary Safety Design Report (PSDR) to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC). This report outlines the safety design of the reactor and is a critical step in the regulatory approval process. By submitting this PSDR, Westinghouse is signaling both the progress and safety commitment necessary for the eVinci microreactor to be considered for market entry, aligning with regulatory standards and aiming for eventual deployment and commercialization.

Jon Ball, President of eVinci Technologies at Westinghouse, highlighted the importance of submitting the Preliminary Safety Design Report (PSDR) by describing it as a vital step toward commercializing the eVinci microreactor. This submission represents Westinghouse's progress and readiness to move toward operational use. The company has set an ambitious goal to deploy multiple eVinci reactors worldwide by the end of the decade. To achieve this, Westinghouse is working closely with the Department of Energy (DOE) and other strategic partners, which will be essential for advancing development, gaining regulatory approval, and expanding global deployment.

Did you like this post? Interested in more? Feel free to like and/or share with your network.