Design and Comparative Analysis of Small Modular Reactors for Nuclear Marine Propulsion of a Ship

Abstract

The fast growth in the size and difficulty of nuclear power plant in the 1970s produced an interest in smaller, modest designs that are intrinsically safe over the usage of design features. With the development of nuclear technology, there is the need for revolution in the Maritime sector, especially the advance marine propulsion. In current years, numerous reactor manufacturers are dynamically improving small modular reactor designs with even superior use of safety features. Several designs integrate the ultimate in greater safety. They totally remove specific accident initiators from the design. Other design features benefit to reduce different types of accident or help to mitigate the accident’s consequences. Although some safety features are mutual to maximum SMR designs, irrespective of the coolant technology, other features are specific to liquid-metal cooled, water, gas, or SMR designs. Results: There have been more reactor concepts investigated in the marine propulsion area by different assemblies and research laboratories than in the power generation field, and much can be learned from their experience for land applications. The extensive use of safety features in SMRs potential to make these power plants extremely vigorous, protecting both the public and the investor. Conclusion: For these two considerations, it is recognized that a nuclear reactor is the ideal engine for naval advanced propulsion. The paper will present the work to analyze the concept design of SMRs and design a modular vessel consisting of a propulsion module.