The Westinghouse company has introduced an advanced reactor design that can provide nuclear power to areas with scarce water resources and heating needs.
The new micro-reactor, named eVinci, developed by Westinghouse, can operate without water, paving the way for the potential use of nuclear energy in remote locations that lack water. The first model is set to debut in Saskatchewan, Canada, by the end of this decade, according to a report from Interesting Engineering on December 26.
Westinghouse’s micro-reactor prototype. (Photo: Westinghouse).
Unlike traditional nuclear power plants, which take years to construct and become operational, the micro-reactor offers a quick solution for transporting and installing nuclear power generation facilities. True to its name, it is small enough to fit on a truck or aircraft for rapid deployment to areas in need of electricity, aiding in disaster response or military applications. However, most designs require water to transfer heat from the core to the steam turbine or to dissipate excess heat. The unique aspect of the eVinci is that the machine does not use water in any of its operations.
Westinghouse achieves this by utilizing Heat Pipe technology, which reduces the number of components required in active systems. Recently, the company’s engineering team produced a 3.6-meter-long heat pipe, eliminating the risks associated with high pressure or coolant leaks that can occur in other designs. The company also employs a Passive Heat Removal System (PHRS), relying on radiation and convective heat exchange to remove all heat from the reactor core without operator intervention.
In addition to its flexible transport capabilities, the eVinci is also easy to install and minimally disruptive to existing infrastructure. The reactor can integrate with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, connecting to the electrical grid. The thermal energy removed from the reactor can be utilized for heating needs or industrial applications, depending on the operational environment.
Westinghouse uses TRISO fuel in the eVinci, which can withstand corrosion, oxidation, and higher temperatures than traditional nuclear fuel. The micro-reactor does not require refueling and can operate for over 8 years, producing 5 MW of energy while simultaneously reducing 55,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Once the reactor runs out of fuel, the operator can transport it to a disposal site, replacing it with another unit to continue operations on-site, similar to a battery system. The micro-reactor is equipped with a shutdown mechanism for use during transportation to enhance safety. In early November of this year, the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) approved a $59 million project to fabricate the first micro-reactor in Canada. The facility is expected to be operational by 2029.
