3 ms·
The problem is scale. Today's nuclear plants are just big scaled-up versions of the Navy's original small reactors for ships. Unfortunately, scaling the power
by mimixco 7y ago
The problem is scale. Today's nuclear plants are just big scaled-up versions of the Navy's original small reactors for ships.
Unfortunately, scaling the power output also scales the risks and consequences of an accident.
- jwr 7y ago> Today's nuclear plants are just big scaled-up versions of the Navy's original small reactors for ships This is true, and Perrow's book contains an interesting discussion of this. The Navy had requirements which are different from civilian power generation: they needed small and relatively lightweight reactors whose power output can be quickly adjusted, and where fuel can be replaced quickly. None of these requirements make sense for a stationary civilian power plant.
- pdonis 7y ago> None of these requirements make sense for a stationary civilian power plant. Yes, and not having to meet those requirements makes the reactor easier to design, operate, and maintain.