NuScale has designed an extraordinarily safe Integral Pressurized Water Reactor
(IPWR) based on light water reactor technology proven in operation for over 50 years.
NuScale intends to commercialize power plants that are modular and scalable in 45-Megawatt
increments. Our design incorporates several features that reduce complexity, improve
safety, enhance operability, and reduce risks. The design includes:
- The ability to safely shut down and remain so indefinitely, with no operator action,
AC power, DC power, or external water.
- Seven barriers, between the nuclear fuel and the local community and environment,
as compared to three for commercial plants currently in construction and operation.
-
A complete containment and reactor vessel module that can be shipped in segments,
by rail, truck, or barge, for quick installation at the plant site.
- Below grade
operating bays for the NuScale Power Modules that are enclosed in an aircraft-impact-resistant
seismic Category 1 reactor building.
- Natural circulation, coolant flow residual heat removal and emergency core cooling
systems are powered by natural forces, gravity.
- A common pool that provides seismic dampening and radiation shielding for the NuScale
Power Module.
- A 60-year plant life
- A projected capacity factor of >95%
Each NuScale Power Module consists of a fully integrated reactor vessel, pressurizer,
steam generator, and containment vessel, and is accompanied by a companion turbine
which generates an output of >45 MWe.
NuScale power plants are scalable. A single facility can have from 1 to 12 NuScale
Power Modules. In a multi-module plant, one unit can be taken out of service without
affecting the operation of the others, providing plant owners with a highly reliable
power plant capable of meeting customer energy requirements.
Each NuScale Power Module is capable of operating on a multi-year refueling cycle,
but is limited to operate on a 24-month cycle by NRC requirements for inspection
intervals. A facility with 12 modules will have a refueling outage every two months.
This allows for refueling to be a regular maintenance activity performed by on-site
resources, as opposed to current industry practices of hiring 1,000+ temporary workers
for a short-term outage assignment.
Technology Overview
Each NuScale power module includes the containment, reactor vessel, steam generator
and pressurizer. Each NuScale Power Module operates independently of the others
in a multi-module power plant configuration.
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Test Facilities
To break the mold for conventional reactor designs, the NuScale design concept started from a large scale test program in 2000 that demonstrated the potential of NuScale technology. Dr. Jose Reyes, a NuScale founder, continues to lead NuScale’s innovative test programs.
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NuScale Patents
NuScale has actively developed intellectual property for the NuScale Power Module
and power plant design for the past . We have over 70 patents granted or pending
in 15 countries.
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Commercial Applications
NuScale power plants can be employed for a wide range of commercial and government
applications, such as replacing aging coal plants, powering U.S. military installations,
providing steam, process heat and electricity to petrochemical facilities and remote
locations, district heating, and desalination applications.
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Supply Chain
NuScale has developed a powerful supply chain, comprised of certified suppliers
to the U.S. operating nuclear fleet. In addition, Fluor provides significant purchasing
power and global reach.
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NRC Interaction
NuScale commenced its pre-application project with the NRC in 2008, more than two
years before any other U.S. company announced their intent to enter the SMR market.
NuScale is well-positioned to submit a comprehensive Design Certification application
in the second half of 2015, to support first plant commercial operation by the early
2020’s.
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