Milestone part of US company’s ‘rapid product development philosophy’
Westinghouse Electric Company has successfully completed zero-power criticality testing for its eVinci microreactor, which validated the models and core design assumptions of the technology.
The test was completed in partnership with Los Alamos and Idaho National Laboratories at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center, a National Nuclear Security Administration facility at the Nevada National Security Site.
Westinghouse said the milestone is part of its rapid product development philosophy, which combines testing, modelling, simulation and design improvements to accelerate technology maturation while reducing technical risk.
Through integrated prototype testing and demonstrations, Westinghouse will further validate the performance, operability and manufacturability of the eVinci technology. The company said each phase will help guide future development, design and prototype improvements.
The eVinci microreactor combines advanced heat pipe technology, Triso fuel, graphite core materials, control drum components and a compact architecture designed to provide resilient energy in remote and challenging environments, such as defence applications and space.
Westinghouse said the simple design builds on decades of innovation to provide resilient electricity 24 hours a day, seven days a week for eight years without refuelling.
