Exploring the Feasibility of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors for Research Purposes at WPI

Mansour, John; Gowie, Roman; Benjamin, Isaac; Vardi, Haggay

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Exploring the Feasibility of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors for Research Purposes at WPI

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The goal of this study was to assess the feasibility of implementing a Westinghouse eVinci™ Generation IV microreactor as a university research reactor at WPI. The eVinci, which can produce both 13MW of thermal power and 5MW of electrical power, can be a game-changing tool in the world of university research reactors (URRs) as its power capabilities are notably larger than any existing URR. Additionally, it could potentially act as a hybrid power-research reactor due to its unique attributes. To determine the feasibility of such an implementation, we explored different reactor-based nuclear research programs in other universities, spoke with numerous nuclear science experts, and read regulations and licensing protocols in collaboration with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). We concluded that the eVinci would be best used for nuclear medicine, materials science, and sustainability research applications as they are competitive nuclear research fields that allow collaborations with the industrial sector. Additionally, we found that WPI could pursue a Class 104 research license, which allows for the university to conduct the research programs mentioned, as well as produce energy with the limitation of up to 50% of the cost of the reactor maintenance and operations. All and all, this study demonstrates that the Westinghouse eVinci could be a powerful research tool for WPI.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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