Small Modular Reactor (SMR) by Westinghouse
225MW
On the tail of getting the go-ahead from the federal government to build the first new nuclear reactors in the U.S. in over 30 years, Westinghouse is aiming small. This year the company will start fuel tests for its Small Modular Reactor (SMR) in Columbia, S.C. With an output of 225 megawatts, the SMR is considerably smaller than traditional reactors and can be built in pieces and assembled on-site. All the critical parts fit within the 89-foot-high containment vessel, unlike full-size reactors, which can reach upward of 250 feet. The safety mechanisms differ too: Instead of relying on electromagnetically triggered control rods in a meltdown, the SMR uses natural convection and condensation—which don’t depend on electricity to work—to cool down. Plus, the SMR sits underground to minimize damage if radiation is released. Westinghouse must still get approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which the company hopes for in 2014.
When I look at that shape my mind sees a crew compartment on top, and ION engine nozzles on the bottom.
Built in space and aimed at the stars! (well not really, too slow) At the least she would open up the exploration and development of the Solar System to mankind.
Name? The “Heinlein”. Natch!
On the North River 
Toshiba has had a smaller one for years, I guess it wasn’t licensed. SF S
Doug Hanley
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No, but it is available in Japan only! It was sized and built to provide power for a large apartment building. The building could then offer apartments including electric power along with water and heat, included.
The unit was (if I remember correctly) fueled for untended operation for a period of 20 twenty years. The entire package was sealed and needed no maintenance, it had remote monitoring. After twenty years the entire assembly was removed, (it fit nicely on a flatbed truck), and a new one was slid into it’s place. No bomb making fuel elements were used so no interest from terrorists.
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Oops! After writing that reply I got interested in the progress the Toshiba design made since I read the article at Wired.
Imagine how I felt to find out that the original story was a hoax!
http://www.gadgets-weblog.com/50226711/toshibas_micro_nuclear_plant_nice_idea_but_a_hoax.php
Ah! the internet!
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