Designing a small nuclear reactor is a complex and high-risk task that involves knowledge from multiple disciplines. Here are some innovations and basic considerations to note, but please note that the design and construction of nuclear reactors are usually subject to strict laws, regulations and safety standards: 1. **Safety design:** - Use passive safety systems to use natural phenomena (such as gravity, natural circulation) to prevent accidents. - Design with automated fault detection and response systems. - Ensure that there are multiple physical barriers to prevent radiation leakage. 2. **Fuel innovation:** - Explore the use of low-enriched uranium (LEU) or alternative fuels such as thorium. - Design reactors that can burn nuclear fuel more efficiently to reduce nuclear waste. 3. **Heat conversion efficiency:** - Improve the efficiency of converting heat into electricity, and consider using high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) and other technologies. - Use advanced heat exchanger design and efficient turbines. 4. **Modular design:** - Develop modular reactors that can be manufactured in factories for easy transportation and on-site assembly. - Achieve economies of scale and reduce construction time. 5. **Non-electric applications:** - Consider the use of reactors in process heat applications such as heating and desalination. - Integrate other renewable energy systems to increase flexibility. 6. **Waste management:** - Research more efficient nuclear fuel cycles to reduce waste generation. - Design safe and reliable waste storage and disposal solutions. 7. **Economics:** - Reduce construction and operating costs to ensure economic feasibility. - Improve reactor utilization and operating time. 8. **Environmental impact:** - Assess and reduce the impact on the surrounding environment (including water sources and ecosystems). - Develop new technologies to reduce emissions and pollution. In addition, it is necessary to consider compliance with licensing requirements of international and local regulatory agencies and work with professional agencies and experts to ensure the feasibility of the technology and the safety of operation. Before any innovative development, make sure to undergo detailed research, testing and compliance assessment.