Reliable Nuclear Energy for Remote Areas developed by Westinghouse.

Westinghouse eVinci: The Pint-Sized Mini Reactor Designed to Kick Diesel to the Curb

Manufactured in Pittsburgh

That's the kind of technology far more likely to benefit all of our lives years or even decades before commercial nuclear fusion is even remotely possible. With this in mind, say hello to Westinghouse's eVinci Microreactor. The small but furious nuclear reactor concept that can be mounted on the back of a truck.

But first thing's first, the eVinci? That name sounds like it was passed over on being the moniker for some plug-in electric hybrid mom-mobile. Questionable naming schemes aside, the eVinci Microreactor takes its inspiration from a plethora of different methods of fission power and scales it down to a size that isn't unwieldy or cumbersome.

From large-scale commercial reactors and even design studies for nuclear reactors in space, Westinghouse's nuclear energy division, based near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is one of the most experienced teams in America in its field. There's no doubt plenty of coal-fired and oil-burning power stations across the U.S. and the globe that could benefit from replacing their current infrastructure with a completely carbon-free source of electricity.

Though fission reactors come in all shapes and sizes, nearly all of them work on similar working principles. Nuclear fuel rods arranged together in a fissile core are surrounded by a neutron-moderating material, usually graphite. Meanwhile the thermal energy from critical fissile reactions is captured via a cooling fluid and used to generate usable electricity.

Whether through steam-driven drive shafts or through heat-radiating pipes as with eVinci, all that power winds up in the same place. Using radically different design languages from larger reactors, Westinghouse's heat-pipe reactor theoretically outputs respectable power compared to larger reactors using light water, heavy water, or both, to cool the fission core. To scale this tech down to a form factor that fits on the back of an 18-wheeler trailer is a feat within itself.

At its core, the eVInci heat pipe microreactor almost resembles a large gas canister more so than it does a mobile power generating station. Inside this large metal cylinder, nuclear fuel rods of particularly high quality are arranged into a compact but powerful fissile core with large metal heat transfer pipes running through the core's center. The fuel in question is known as Tri-structural isotropic particle fuel, or TRISCO for short. It consists of a proprietary blend of Uranium isotopes mixed with carbon and oxygen to form a fuel kernel the size of a poppy seed.

These highly enriched and energy-potent fissile fuel pellets can theoretically remain critical without the need for refueling for up to eight years. At this point, the whole device can be packed into a shipping container and sent back to Westinghouse's facility in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, for proper disposal of spent nuclear fuel rods. On top of that, Westinghouse reckons it's possible to install an eVinci power station in as little as 30 days.

The eVinci system, with a bare minimum of moving parts to contend with and the latest in computer-controlled autonomous operation software, can theoretically operate unattended for days or even weeks. All the while, the reactor can be remotely monitored via top-notch sensor arrays that give real-time updates to the reactor's condition at the click of a mouse.

Earlier Reporting

Westinghouse is currently developing the eVinci Microreactor, a next-generation, small modular reactor for decentralized remote applications

The eVinci microreactor’s innovative design is a combination of space reactor technologies and 50+ years of commercial nuclear systems design, engineering and innovation.

The eVinci microreactor aims to create competitive and resilient power with superior reliability and minimal maintenance, particularly for energy consumers in remote locations. Its small size allows for standard transportation methods and rapid, on-site deployment in contrast to large, centralized stations. The reactor core is designed to run for three or more years, eliminating the need for frequent refueling.

The key benefits of the eVinci microreactor are attributed to its solid core and advanced heat pipes. The heat pipes enable passive core heat extraction, allowing autonomous operation and inherent load following capabilities. These advanced technologies together make the eVinci microreactor a pseudo “solid-state” reactor with minimal moving parts.

eVinci Microreactor Mobile Nuclear Power Plant

While the eVinci microreactor design is transportable, the eVinci™ microreactor designed for government usage allows for mobile operations utilizing standard military transportation vehicles and containers. The nature of the design will allow the reactor to be rapidly transported to sites as needed to create an abundant and resilient power supply to support advanced defense systems.

Key Attributes of eVinci™ Microreactor:

• Transportable energy generator

• Fully factory built, fueled and assembled

• Delivers combined heat and power – 5 MWe and up to 13MWt

• 8+ years of full power operation prior to refueling

• Target less than 30 days onsite installation

• High speed load following capability

• High reliability and minimal moving parts

• Capable of autonomous operation

• Near zero Emergency Planning Zone with small site footprint

• No spent fuel or waste storage on site

• Simplified decommissioning and remediation

story sourced - https://www.westinghousenuclear.com/energy-systems/evinci-microreactor