3 ms·
The power density of the reactor vessel of a conventional large PWR is close to 20 MW/m^3 (inverse of 0.05 m^3/MW); a BWR is around half that. The peak power
by pfdietz 2y ago
The power density of the reactor vessel of a conventional large PWR is close to 20 MW/m^3 (inverse of 0.05 m^3/MW); a BWR is around half that. The peak power density in a PWR's core is around 100 MW/m^3.
NuScale integrates the steam generator in the "reactor" so the volume is larger, but this means using it is comparing apples and oranges. NuScale's design is also intended to use natural convection instead of forced circulation in accident conditions. This further reduces the power density allowed.
NuScale isn't a scam, but it appears to be founded on faulty principles (that the thing holding back nuclear power was safety concerns, rather than cost) so its business case doesn't appear to be working.