Bibliometric Review and Technical Summary of PWR Small Modular Reactors

Abstract

Given the real problem of climate change and the consequent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear energy can be considered a real technological option in the absence of a technology that can supply the population with sufficient electrical energy in a sustainable way. The research and development advances of new nuclear reactor designs are evident in the case of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. Two goals are clear in such a technology: (i) reducing onsite construction costs and time; (ii) promoting economic efficiency through the mass production of nuclear reactors. In view of the interest generated by this technology, a technical summary of PWR-SMR design is included in this paper, utilizing the scientific method based on: (i) a bibliometric review of scientific publications related to SMRs; and (ii) a technical analysis of aspects of the different PWR-SMR designs. The results obtained in the present research show a growing interest on the part of the scientific community in research on PWR reactors integrated within SMR designs. Few countries are doing research in this area; however, those that are doing so have achieved greater technological advances in their designs, resulting in greater technological variety and a higher degree of maturity.