The design of a Small modular reactor (SMR) needs to combine technological innovation, safety and practicality, while complying with a strict nuclear energy regulatory framework. The following are some key innovation points and precautions for academic or conceptual discussion reference： --- ### **1. Core design and fuel innovation** -**High fuel consumption fuels**: Develop advanced fuels with high temperature resistance and radiation resistance (such as ternary structure isotropic fuel TRISO, cermet fuel) to improve fuel utilization and reduce the frequency of feed changes. -**Molten salt reactor technology**: The use of liquid fuels (such as molten fluorine salts) to achieve online fuel treatment, improve thermal efficiency and reduce critical risks. -**Supercritical coolant**: Use supercritical carbon dioxide or water as the coolant to improve the efficiency of thermal circulation and reduce the volume of the system. --- ### **2. Passive safety system** -**Non-dynamic safety design**: Relying on physical principles such as natural convection, gravity or thermal expansion to achieve emergency shutdown and waste heat discharge (such as the design concept of Westinghouse AP1000), reduce dependence on active control systems. -**Modular containment shell**: Integrated multi-level containment structure (such as vacuum sandwich, inert gas filling layer) to cope with extreme accident scenarios. --- ### **3. Compact and modular design** -**Integrated layout**: Integrate components such as steam generator and coolant pump into the reactor pressure vessel to reduce pipeline connections and leakage risks. -**Factory prefabrication and rapid deployment**: Mass production is achieved through standardized modules, the on-site construction cycle is shortened, and the cost and complexity are reduced. --- ### **4. New energy conversion technology** -Direct conversion of thermoelectric power**: The use of thermionic emission or thermoelectric materials (such as lead telluride) to directly convert thermal energy into electrical energy, eliminating the need for traditional steam circulation systems. -**Nuclear energy-hydrogen energy coupling**: Hydrogen is produced through high-temperature electrolysis or thermochemical cycles (such as sulfur-iodine processes) to expand application scenarios. --- ### **5. Intelligence and digitization** -**Digital twin and AI monitoring**: Real-time simulation of reactor status, combined with machine learning to predict failures and optimize operating parameters. -**Autonomous control algorithm**: Develop an autonomous adjustment system that adapts to load fluctuations, which is suitable for peak adjustment of power grids or island operation in remote areas. --- ### **6. Waste minimization and recycling** -**Fast neutron spectroscopy design**: The closed cycle of nuclear fuel is realized by burning long-life nuclear waste (such as plutonium-239) through fast neutron proliferation. -**In-situ waste treatment**: Integrate waste curing or separation technology (such as electrochemical refining) to reduce the burden on post-treatment. --- ### **7. Materials science and Extreme Environmental Tolerance** -**Radiation-resistant materials**: Develop nanostructured oxide dispersion reinforced steel (ODS), silicon carbide composite materials, etc. to extend the life of the core. -**Corrosion-resistant coating**: Optimize surface protection technology for molten salt or liquid metal coolant environments. --- ### **8. Application scenario innovation** -**Multifunctional energy output**: Supports multiple uses such as electricity, heating, seawater desalination, and industrial process heat. -**Movable design**: Suitable for polar, ocean platforms or deep space exploration (such as NASA's Kilopower project). --- ###**Key challenges and precautions** -**Regulatory compliance**: It is necessary to meet the safety standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the nuclear regulatory requirements of various countries (such as seismic resistance, non-proliferation, and emergency response). -**Economic feasibility**: Balance initial investment and long-term operation and maintenance costs, and explore new financing models (such as on-demand energy subscription system). -**Public acceptance**: Reduce social resistance through transparent communication and participatory design. -**Supply chain and manufacturing**: Ensure a stable supply of key materials (such as high-enriched uranium and beryllium neutron reflective layers). --- ###**Ethics and Responsibility** The design of a nuclear reactor involves major safety responsibilities, and the actual project must be carried out by a professional team within a legal framework. The content of this article is limited to theoretical discussion only and cannot be used as practical guidance.