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U.S. Department of Energy
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THE FEASIBILITY OF AN UNATTENDED NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4134966· OSTI ID:4134966
A study was made of the feasibility of constructing a small nuclear power plant capable of operating 1 yr completely unattended. A system which will produce 1 Mw of electricity without interruption is required for field use in about 4 yr. It is felt that the 4-yr requirement greatly restricts the opportunlty for development of new concepts and new technology and that the objective is most likely to be attained by extreme simplification of a type of reactor with which there has been favorable experience. A pressurizedwater reactor was selected for the application, both because of the extensive experience with it and because it appears readily adaptable to simplification. For example, the power plant suggested has hermetically-sealed primary and secondary systems, and all control systems, except the turbine governor, have been eliminated. It is concluded that it is feasible to develop a reliable, simplified, pressurizedwater reactor system for unattended service in the allotted time. (auth)
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., Tenn.
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
NSA Number:
NSA-14-025068
OSTI ID:
4134966
Report Number(s):
ORNL-2985
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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