Thermal-hydraulics Comparison of Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) and NuScale Power Reactor

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study is to compare the thermal-hydraulic design features of two unique Small Modular Reactors; Canada's IMSR, designed by Terrestrial Energy, and the American NuScale reactor, designed by NuScale Power. The comparison of relevant thermal-hydraulics specifications for the IMSR and NuScale Power reactor allows us to outline unique advantages and disadvantages within each system. Some of the relevant thermal-hydraulic features covered in this study include CHF margins, linear power differences, and thermal efficiency parameters. The data utilized to support this study is a collection, calculation, and interpretation of available information from Technical Description Documents, PSAR's/FSAR's as well as deriving results from ZEBRA code using input data. The results of this study help us to compare and contrast unique properties of each reactor and predict how these designs will influence the shift of nuclear development towards Small Modular Reactors.