The Concept of IMR - Integrated Modular Water Reactor

The primary strategy in the development of small-scale reactors is to construct a new design concept which satisfies the requirements of enhanced safety, capital cost reduction and proliferation resistance. For this goal, a reactor vessel with an integrated primary system configuration is chosen as the most optimum reactor configuration in the present work. This configuration adopts natural circulation and self-pressurization systems, which eliminate pressurizer, reactor coolant pumps and all loop pipings. In addition to these basic designs, we have also developed new concepts which enhances safety and reduces construction cost as well. These incorporate the ideas of The Hybrid Heat Transport System (HHTS) and Stand-alone Direct Heat Removal System (SDHS). The HHTS has been designed to keep the stable and safe control of power and system pressure. The SDHS was proposed to remove the decay heat directly from the reactor vessel to the atmosphere (ultimate heat sink). (authors)