Technology
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Anyone know how the power density compares to a conventional uranium PWR? In other words, are these machines substantially smaller or larger than a PWR for the same output?
I only really know about this danish company. but they usually claim to be able to build a thorium reactor in a standard sized shipping container.
I may remember wrong, but IIRC they can run on the spent fuel from conventional nuclear reactors, since there's still an incredible amount of energy left in it.
There is apparently also litterally no chance for a meltdown because it will simply shut down.
So even if we say they're only able to produce half the amount of power that a conventional nuclear plant can do with the same footprint. It'll still be easier to find the space for them, they'll be better waste-wise, and also be a lot safer.
The linked PDF (page 14) has a few diagrams that can help infer vessel size, and the Wikipedia page for TSMR-LF1 also includes a decent floor plan and links to satellite images. Looks like a typical research reactor footprint, which means it may scale to be similar to existing LWRs at higher power. https://esfr-smart.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/S53_1_Paul_Gauthe_Overview_MSR_Gauthe.pdf
For reference, a typical PWR may be ~3000 MWth.
Thanks for the info!
A 2Mw diesel is too big for a regular truck. But not as big as a small house. My prior data center drew 4Mw. My current data center (AI-oriened) draws 30Mw.
so it's an achievement if we consider it a prototype, rather than a large scale power plant?