ASME Advanced Fission Reactor Technology

Advanced Fission Reactor Technology By Esam M.A. Hussein The drive to combat climate change with the low-carbon emitting nuclear power revived interest in nuclear-fission reactors, both small and large. Small nuclear reactors are not new, as the technology development of power reactors had to start with them. Recently, however, small reactors have attracted considerable attention as they can be used as incremental modules in a larger power plant, or can themselves be designed, manufactured, and constructed in a modular fashion or fabricated as standardized units. The goal is to reduce the financial risk, cost, and construction time, to make nuclear power a competitive source of energy. The reemergence of these small reactors also enables designers to introduce new features that enhance reactors’ safety and efficiency. However, there is still interest in large reactors as they benefit from the economy of scale and of the consolidation of operation. This monograph aims at providing a focused approach to the technology and science behind the what, how and why of the new features in emerging advanced reactors. Advancement in conventional reactor designs and in the high temperature ones advocated by the Generation IV Forum are examined. Specific designs are identified for each new feature.