Conceptual Design of an Organic-Cooled Small Nuclear Reactor to Support Energy Demands in Remote Locations in Northern Canada

Abstract

Small nuclear reactors can offer safe, reliable, and long-lasting district heating and electrical power generation to remote locations in Northern Canada. An organic-cooled and moderated reactor based upon the 20 kWth SLOWPOKE-2 research reactor is proposed for potential employment in Northern Canada. To extend power to 1 MWth, the reactor’s conceptual design introduces the organic coolant, HB-40, in place of the light water in SLOWPOKE-2. To increase heat transfer, the proposed design incorporates a coolant circulation pump below the reactor. Furthermore, the SLOWPOKE-2’s dimensions are enlarged to house more fuel and to provide greater surface area for heat transfer. Despite these alterations, the reactor maintains the simplicity of the SLOWPOKE-2 and early indicators suggest the design may be inherently safe. Presently, the reactor is suitable for district heating of small installations. Operating together, multiple reactors may supply larger heat demands or even electrical power generation with added redundancy.