Passive and Walk-Away Safe Small and Microreactors for Electricity Generation and Production of Process Heat for Industrial Uses

Abstract

This paper presents the passive design and safety features as well as the biological dose estimates for end-of-life handling of postoperation for the walk-away safe, scalable liquid metal-cooled small modular (SLIMM) and very-small, long-life, modular (VSLLIM) small and microreactor with high-assay low enrichment uranium (HALEU). These passive operation sodium cooled, fast-neutron spectrum reactors have recently been developed at the University of New Mexico's Institute for Space and Nuclear Power studies. The SLIMM-small modular reactor could generate 100–10 MWth continuously, 24/7 without refueling for 6.3–68 full power years (FPYs), respectively, while the VSLLIM microreactor could generate 10–1.0 MWth without refueling for 5.8–92 FPYs, respectively. These reactors would be factory constructed, assembled, and sealed and then transported to designated sites by rail, a truck, or a barge. At the site, these reactors would be installed below ground, to protect against impact by an airplane or a missile, and mounted on seismic isolation bearings, to resist earthquakes. The SLIMM and VSLLIM reactors could provide for both electricity generation and process heat and the electrical plants can easily be connected to a central or distributed grid with renewable energy sources. The integrated VSLLIM reactor and other plant components for electricity generation and/or process heat production could all be deployed on a single railroad car, a barge, or an 18-wheeler truck, to small and remote communities, and advance bases or outposts.