Small Modular Reactors: Learning From the Past

Abstract

Most emerging small modular reactor (SMR) designs resemble older reactors that were designed in the early days of the nuclear technology. Experience with operating these old reactors can contribute to the licensing of new SMRs, by showing that some safety concepts were already proven, and their viability was demonstrated. This paper shows examples of older reactors in each of the reemerging SMR concepts of integrated pressurized water reactors, high temperature gas cooled reactors, molten salt reactors, and liquid metal cooled fast reactors. The Canadian experience with the WR-1 organic cooled reactor is also discussed to examine whether it can inform the development on an organic cooled SMR.