Summary/Reader Response Draft 1

 Full Reader Response

 

The article, “NuScale SMR Technology: An Ideal Solution for Repurposing U.S. Coal Plant Infrastructure and Revitalizing Communities.” by NuScale Power (2021), introduces their NuScale Small Modular Reactor (SMR) as part of their innovative project to create “modular light water reactor power plants” to replace coal-powered plants by providing power for generating electricity and supplying energy for various applications. (NuScale Power, 2021, p. 1) The SMR is able to produce “77 megawatts of electricity (MWe)” with pressurised water reactor technology that is more secure, compact and scalable. (NuScale Power, 2021, p. 2) The device uses the concept of “buoyancy-driven natural circulation” to move water throughout the reactor without the need for pumps. (NuScale Power, 2021, p. 4) With regards to safety, the device has a “fully passive safety system design” ensuring that reactors will shut down safely and “self-cool, indefinitely” without the assistance of an operator or a computer. (NuScale Power, 2021, p. 5) Pertaining to environmental impact, it has a lower output of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and greenhouse gases compared to an average coal power plant. (NuScale Power, 2021) Lastly, its compact and modular design allows the size of an SMR power plant to be adjusted by changing the amount of SMR modules it uses based on the application’s energy needs, limited at 12 modules, as approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). (NuScale Power, 2021) NuScale SMR, given its safety features, modular design and greater environmental sustainability, should replace traditional nuclear reactors completely.

An advantage that NuScale SMR holds over traditional nuclear reactors is the amount of nuclear fuel it uses. NuScale SMR uses roughly “approximately 5 percent of the nuclear fuel of a conventional 1,000 MWe nuclear reactor”. (NuScale Fact Sheet). Considering that the average output of power from NuScale SMR is “77 megawatts of electricity (MWe)”,  (NuScale Power, 2021, p. 2), a total of 12 modules placed together would only require 40 percent less nuclear fuel, such as low-enriched uranium (LEU), than that of conventional nuclear reactors. As LEU may be used in the creation of possible nuclear weapons, the reduced amount of nuclear fuel needed for the NuScale SMR will ensure that nuclear proliferation would be as severe as the nuclear fuel needed for a conventional reactor.

Furthermore, NuScale SMR’s robust Passive Safety Features ensures meltdowns, such as with both Chernobyl and Three Mile Island nuclear power plants, will be prevented before spiraling out of control. In the event of loss of power, NuScale has a set of five emergency core cooling system (ECCS) valves, which pushes coolant into the heat sink, reducing the reaction in the reactor, effectively shutting down the process. (‌Weber, S. J., & Mullin, E. M. (2020)) Since NuScale SMR works in modularity, it enables the operator to shut down individual reactors, allowing others to continue functioning in event of an emergency. This is in stark contrast to conventional reactors, where an emergency could lead to shutting down the entire process, which will result in a loss of power generated. Due to this, NuScale SMR would be a more economical option, ensuring operation can continue in any event, whereas conventional reactors may cause loss of capital due to the shut down of operation and if not contained, may lead to collateral damages such as environmental damages.  

However, there are factors that hinder major deployments of NuScale SMR, such as public perception of nuclear energy. The horrific bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have been engrained into the soul of humanity after the end of the Second World War. With recent disasters in Chernobyl, Fukushima and many others, many people argue against the use of nuclear energy as an alternative to fossil fuels. Such sentiment has caused the closure of many nuclear power plants, especially in Germany, where in April of 2023, they shut down their final nuclear power plant, ending 60 sixty years of nuclear power in the country.  Though in the short-term, moving away from the dangers of nuclear power may seem beneficial to the safety of people, it will not last as climate change and the rise of fuel prices may outweigh the constraints of using nuclear energy.

Therefore, we must make a concerted effort to develop nuclear energy into a safer, more economical option to challenge our growing consumption of electricity. NuScale SMR offers such a solution and  should be poised to replace traditional nuclear reactors to ensure that nuclear energy will be harnessed for future generations without the failures of the past.

 

 Citations Incomplete

(n d.). NUSCALE Small Modular Reactor [Review of NUSCALE Small Modular Reactor].

https://www.nuscalepower.com/-/media/nuscale/pdf/fact-sheets/about-nuscale-fact-sheet.pdf

 

‌Weber, S. J., & Mullin, E. M. (2020). Severe Accident Phenomena: A Comparison Among the NuScale SMR, Other Advanced LWR Designs, and Operating LWRs. Nuclear Technology, 206(9), 1351–1360.

https://doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2020.1756160

NuScale SMR Fact Sheet

https://www.nuscalepower.com/-/media/nuscale/pdf/fact-sheets/smr-fact-sheet.pdf

Summary Draft 1

 The article, “Small modular reactors: A comprehensive overview of their economics and strategic aspects. Progress in Nuclear Energy.” by Locatelli et al. (2014), introduces Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as technology that could revolutionise the energy market by providing clean energy with reduced greenhouse emissions. SMRs are the evolution of nuclear reactor designs, focused on miniaturising reactor components and using new breakthroughs in nuclear physics to develop a power plant that can combat the ever-increasing need for energy in our modern world. According to Locatelli et al. (2014), several types of SMRs, particularly Light Wave Reactors (LWRs), are achievable within the next few years and will be able to be deployed commercially on a large-scale to meet energy demands in new nuclear markets. Specifically, the NuScale SMR, which is a LWR, has the greatest potential of realising that goal. As explained by Ingersoll et al. (2014), the NuScale SMR presents a compact and modular design, with features such as fuel flexibility and the Emergency Core Cooling System, allowing the reactor to be adapted in a variety of industries, while maintaining safety measures in the event of an emergency. With such features, SMRs, such as NuScale, should spearhead the replacement of traditional power generation methods within the next few decades.  References

Locatelli, G., Bingham, C., & Mancini, M. (2014). Small modular reactors: A comprehensive overview of their economics and strategic aspects. Progress in Nuclear Energy, 73, 75-85.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149197014000122

Ingersoll, D. T., Houghton, Z. J., Bromm, R., & Desportes, C. (2014). NuScale small modular reactor for Co-generation of electricity and water. Desalination, 340, 84-93.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0011916414000885?casa_token=wX8dlq7OS5sAAAAA:-s7zEU1wrwVwSjOlcDvHyjrAqbyBXi294oFZHXzt3lBsa144NvXvq6wImqKot-L2QwBPV8PsEUo

Employability Vodcast

 

Introductory Letter

 

Dear Professor Blackstone,

 

My name is Khrishnathan S/O Ravindran, though you may simply call me Nathan. It is my pleasure to write this formal introductory letter to you. Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor's Degree with Honors in Mechanical Engineering at the Singapore Institute of Technology, following my prior attainment of a Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering at Singapore Polytechnic.

 

My passion for the world of engineering can be traced to my love for planes. Since young, I have been enamoured with how man harnessed the ability to fly, and I have since been in pursuit of the goal to be amongst one of the few to reach the stars. Through that journey, I came to realise that I am always keen on seeking out the unknown, never wavering in any challenge that it may entail. Nothing good ever comes easy is something that I truly believe and show in my work, hoping one day it will lead me to my dreams. This interest led me to enrol in this programme, believing that it can further boarded my knowledge and abilities in the realm on engineering.

 

My area of weakness would be my inability to articulate my thoughts effectively. I tend to swallow my thoughts, stammer in front of crowds and not be able to project my opinions clearly for others to understand. Sometimes my mind can be filled with thoughts, only for my tongue to be twisted. I believe my lack of confidence may be a key reason to my problem, something I hope to learn and overcome in your class.

 

In your class, I have set several objectives for self-improvement. Firstly, I aim to enhance my ability to communicate my ideas coherently, ensuring that my message is easily comprehensible to others. Additionally, I aspire to bolster my confidence in presentation skills, preparing myself for future engagements with clients and stakeholders. Hopefully one day, I can speak without fear, whilst amongst the stars.

 

Through this letter, I hope you have gained a better understanding of who I am. I eagerly anticipate your class and the opportunity to learn under your guidance.

 

Best Regards,

 

Khrishnathan

Comments Given: 

- Kristine 
- Deviesh 
- Yong Kiat