Abstract: Along with the design growth in the field of SMRs, a small but parallel concept for micro-modular reactors (MMR), having power capacities in the range of, typically, 2- 10 MW(e), has also been under consideration, for a separate set of use cases. These are a fraction of the size of SMRs but also modular, thereby not only making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation but also may be considered for mass manufacture and harnessing as a “walk-away-safe” reactor, for a stand-alone power supply source or for integrating with an existing micro-grid (powered by other renewables). Considering that such MMRs are being designed to be inherently/intrinsically safe, they do not require an exclusion zone. They are targeted to be located close to industrial estates, campuses, data centres, green-field projects, etc. Further, the design of such MMRs ensures that they meet the Gen-4 Standards (as per IAEA guidelines), viz. economics, safety (inherent/intrinsic), minimum waste generation, enhanced proliferation resistance, allow re-use of fuel (thereby saving natural resources) and are sustainable. Many different types of micro-nuclear reactor designs are presently under review, which include both thermal (PWR, BWR) and fast (with either Sodium or Lead or Lead-Bismuth Eutectic as coolant) and also high-temperature gas-cooled reactor designs.
This talk aims to present a perspective on MMR design, distributed manufacture, ease of assembly-dis-assembly in user’s premises, intrinsic safety in design, and its capabilities in powering microgrids. Besides the various technological and regulatory challenges, societal perceptions are also being considered and appropriately addressed.
About the speaker: Dr. Kallol Roy is currently a research advisor and guest faculty member at IIT-Madras. He teaches modern control theory and is co-guiding PhD & Post-Doc fellows. Dr. Kallol Roy had a distinguished career with the Department of Atomic Energy and held several senior positions. At the time of retirement in 2021, he was CMD of BHAVINI and steered the activities in taking the PFBR construction towards completion. Dr Kallol did his BTech from NIT, Calicut, MTech from IISc, Bengaluru and PhD from IIT Bombay. He was also a Post-Doc Fellow at the University of Alberta, USA. Dr. Roy joined BARC Training School soon after his graduation. His areas of expertise include Health Monitoring techniques for structures and roto-dynamic equipment, Bayesian Forecasting & Optimization studies for system commissioning and evolving the concepts of Technology Forecasting, Sustainability Engineering, and Human Reliability and Cybernetics. At IIT Madras, he has put together an expert team to work on developing MMR and taking a lead role. Dr Kallol Roy is also an Adjunct Professor at NIAS.