What Should I Do if a Small Modular Reactor Loses Off-Site Power?

Absolutely nothing!

Small modular reactors, or SMRs, are setting a new standard for safety in the industry.

NuScale Power is moving through the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) review process and is on pace to deliver America’s first SMRin 2029.

Its unique design allows the reactor to passively cool itself without any need for additional water, power or even operator action.

So why are these small advanced reactors so different?

In NuScale's case, it all comes down to simpler design choices, natural water flow and passive safety features.

Illustration of natural water flow circulation during normal operating conditions for NuScale's power module.

NuScale Power, LLC.

Enhanced Safety

NuScale’s design uses natural water circulation to passively cool its reactor.

The core is housed in a pressurized steel reactor vessel that is located within a steel containment vessel (kind of like a thermos bottle). Each module is submerged in water to help divert heat away from the reactor during off-normal conditions.

If emergency cooling is needed, specialized valves open automatically—allowing steam to discharge from the reactor vessel into the containment vessel. The steam then condenses and water flows back into the core through a second set of valves at the bottom of the reactor vessel. This helps cool the reactor down.

As the water boils, the steam that is created recirculates, setting up a passive safety cooling process that continues until the heat and pressure eventually stabilize.

Take a look:

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