Energy Multiplier Module: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 23:39, 2 March 2018

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The '''Energy Multiplier Module''' ('''EM2''' or '''EM squared''') is a [[nuclear fission]] power [[Nuclear reactor technology|reactor]] under development by [[General Atomics]].<ref>{{cite news |title=JENKINS: Hot young prospect to replace old San Onofre reactors |author=Logan Jenkins |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-jenkins-hot-young-prospect-to-replace-old-san-2013jan10-story.html |newspaper=San Diego Union Tribune |date=10 January 2013 |accessdate=19 January 2013}}</ref> It is a fast-neutron version of the [[Gas Turbine Modular Helium Reactor]] (GT-MHR) and is capable of converting [[spent nuclear fuel]] into electricity and industrial process heat.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/feb/24/company-has-plan-for-small-reactors/|title=Company has plan for small reactors|last=Freeman|first=Mike|date=Feb 24, 2010|work=[[San Diego Union Tribune]]}}</ref>

[[File:highReactor temperature- gasIsometric cooledCut-Away reactorView.jpg|thumb|200px|SchematicCut-away diagramview of athe helium-cooledEM2 reactor with a gas turbine-generatorcore.]]

==Design specifications==

EM2 is an advanced modular reactor expected to produce 265 MW_e (500 MW_th) of power with evaporative cooling (240 MW_e with dry cooling) at a core outlet temperature of {{convert|850|°C|-2}}. The reactor will be fully enclosed in an underground containment structure for 30 years without requiring refueling.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ga.com/advanced-reactors |title=Advanced Reactors |publisher=General Atomics |accessdate = Feb 19, 2018}}</ref> EM2 differs from current reactors in that it does not use water coolant but is instead a [[gas-cooled fast reactor]], which uses [[helium]] as a coolant for an additional level of safety. The reactor uses a composite of [[silicon carbide]] as a fuel cladding material, and [[zirconium]] siliciide as [[neutron reflector]] material. The reactor unit is coupled to a direct-drive helium [[gas turbine]] which in turn drives a generator for the production of electricity.

[[File:EM2-cross-section.jpg|thumb|Cross-section of the EM2 reactor vessel and power conversion unit.]]

The nuclear core design is based upon a new conversion technique in which an initial “starter” section of the core provides the [[neutrons]] to convert fertile material (used nuclear fuel, thorium or [[depleted uranium]]) into burnable [[fissile]] fuel.<ref>“With Disposal Uncertain, Waste Burning Reactors Gain Traction – EM2 to Burn LWR Fuel,” Nuclear New Build Monitor, March 15, 2010</ref> First generation EM2 units use enriched uranium starters (approximately 15 percent [[U235]]) to initiate the conversion process.<ref>{{Cite web |last = Choi |first = H. |title = A Compact Gas-Cooled Fast Reactor with an Ultra-Long Fuel Cycle |url = https://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/618707 |accessdate = 19 February 2018}}</ref> The starter U235 is consumed as the fertile material is converted to fissile fuel. The core life expectancy is approximately 30 years without refueling or reshuffling the fuel.

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Conventional light water reactors require refueling every 18 months. EM2’s 30-year fuel cycle minimizes the need for fuel handling and reduces access to fuel material, thus reducing proliferation concerns.

[[File:EM2-plant cross section.jpg|thumb|Cross-section of a two-unit EM2-based power plant.]]

==Nuclear safety and security==