What is a Micro Nuclear Reactor (MNR)?

Rolls-Royce Moon Reactor

Highlights:

• MNRs are 100-1000 times smaller than traditional nuclear power plants
• Manufacturable, transportable, & deployable in remote areas
• Carbon free base load power that has highest capacity factor of all energy sources at 92.5% (Solar Panels have a 24.9% capacity)
• Safe and small unit bound by the laws of physics making it self sustaining and self regulating
• Capable of operating for years without refueling through the fission reaction
• Can be integrated on and off grid to other energy sources

• Office of Nuclear Energy
• Plentiful Configurations
• Light Water Reactor (LWR)
• Advanced Reactor
• Heavy Water Reactor (HWR)
• Gas-Cooled Reactor
• Molten Salt Reactor (MSR)
• Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor (SFR)
• Breeder Reactor
• Traveling Wave Reactor (TWR)
• Thorium Reactor

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy: Sodium Fast Reactor

How a Micro Nuclear Reactor Works

Micro nuclear reactors are compact, self-contained nuclear power systems designed to produce carbon-free energy with a much smaller footprint compared to traditional reactors.

1. Reactor Core and Fuel

• Core Design: The core of a micro reactor contains a small amount of nuclear fuel, typically uranium or thorium, housed in a compact, robust vessel. This fuel undergoes nuclear fission, where atomic nuclei split, releasing a significant amount of heat.
• Fuel Types: Some micro reactors use high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) or thorium-based fuels, which may improve efficiency and safety.

2. Moderation and Control

• Moderator: A moderator like graphite or light water slows down neutrons to sustain a controlled chain reaction. However, some designs, like fast reactors, do not use a moderator.
• Control Mechanisms: The reactor uses control rods or other mechanisms to manage the fission process and maintain a stable reaction rate. These rods absorb excess neutrons to prevent runaway reactions.

3. Heat Generation

• Heat Production: The fission process generates heat, which is transferred to a coolant. In micro reactors, this coolant can be water, gas, or molten salt, depending on the design.
• Heat Transfer: The heated coolant circulates through a heat exchanger or directly to a power generation system.

4. Power Generation

• Electricity Production: The heat from the reactor is used to produce steam (if a thermal cycle is used), which drives a turbine connected to a generator. Some designs use direct conversion methods, like thermoelectric generators.
• Cogeneration: The reactor can also be used for combined heat and power (CHP), providing both electricity and valuable thermal energy.

5. Safety and Containment

• Safety Features: Micro reactors incorporate multiple safety features, such as passive cooling systems and robust containment vessels, to ensure safe operation and manage any potential emergencies.
• Remote Monitoring: Many designs include remote monitoring and control capabilities, allowing operators to manage the reactor from a distance and reduce the need for on-site personnel.

6. Environmental Impact

• Carbon-Free Operation: Micro reactors produce electricity without emitting carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases, making them a clean energy source.
• Waste Management: They generate radioactive waste, but due to their compact size and efficient fuel use, the volume of waste is relatively small compared to larger reactors. Advanced designs aim to minimize and manage this waste effectively.

Rolls-Royce Micro Nuclear Reactor

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