Assessment of Factory Fabrication Considerations for Nuclear Microreactors

Microreactors present promising opportunities to open new nuclear energy markets. However, it is expected that the economic competitiveness of this class reactors will hinge on potential cost reductions via mass production. It therefore critical begin assessing important considerations for factory production microreactors. An overview aspects general layout a microreactor factory, along with best practices be incorporated early in design process, provided study. Then, detailed use case considered and modeled using dedicated tool can map workflows activities within factory. The end product 242 000 sq. ft. model ramp up from 10 100 units per year.Based needed, estimates equipment staffing needs are generated. These first-order estimates, but would still provide guidance level investment needed reach levels Furthermore, scaling quantified. was found 100-unit throughput, above 70% unit relative prototype demonstration, could observed tasks conducted focus solely component fabricated at do not account fuel costs nor any site activities. Because analysis specific, all findings applicable across different microreactors (notably larger varieties), provides foundation establishing basis these reactors.