Types of reactor Part 2

So guys this the continuation of part 1. First of all we are going to look into the summary of part 1. Then we will get to know about currently available reactors. Then I'll post the suggestion of reactors for Malaysia!

Fellow friends, reactors can be classified into few generations. Early prototype reactors are build during the early stages of nuclear adoption by US and Russia. These reactors are called Generation 1 reactors. They were developed and build between the year 1950 to 1970. Example of them are Shippingport,Magnox and Fermi 1.

Generation 2 reactors are the currently operating commercial reactors. They are designed from 1970's based on specific nuclear  safety standards. These reacotrs are extensively used currently in the world. Example of them are PWR, LWR, CANDU, RBMK and AGR. (kindly refer to part 1 for their details)

Generation 3 are the design of evolutionary reactors. These type of reactors are classfied between year 1995 and year 2019. It's main objective is all about safety,safety and safety! It has limited impact on the environment for all impact compared to the previous generation reacotrs. In additional to that they pose extended reliability within extended life time of 60 years. The reactors are the best so far with advanced safety features to protect and internal faults during operation within the plant and external factors such as plane crash or terrorist bombing. Examples of Gen 3 are: Advanced Boiling Water Reactor (ABWR), Advanced Pressurized Water Reactor (APWR), Enhanced CANDU 6 (EC6), and VVER-1000/V-392 (PWR).

Generation 3 + are known as Advanced Evolutionary & Passive Reactors. They are based on passive designs offering improved economics with simpler design and less operator actions. Any actions required for emergency conditions are taken by the system itself without need for an operator to trigger the emergency button. For example, if reaction inside the reactor and the temperature of the reactor increases, the control rod will be released as soon as the sytem detects the rise in temperature and reaction. Releasing the control rods are taken care by gravitational force. There is no chance of gravitational force to stop working. In other word, human factor is minimized and natural forces are given task

(Thus, GEN 3 + reactor are very suitable for operators like Homer Simpson...lol)

The futuristic and totally different type of reactors are the Generation 4 reactors. These reactors co produce hydrogen. It is said that hydrogen from the plants will be used to power hydrogen economy that is expected to bloom after the year 2030.




Summary of Nuclear Reactor  Evolution. Courtesy of Argonne National Laboratory