EM~2: A high-efficiency gas-cooled fast reactor

摘要

General Atomics is developing the innovative Energy Multiplier Module-EM~2-to create a new nuclear energy concept that can address the major issues of energy demand and supply in the 21st century. EM~2 represents a major departure from previous nuclear reactor projects at the San Diego, Calif.-based technology company, but also builds upon GAs 40-plus-year legacy of gas-cooled reactor projects, including the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, gas-cooled fast reactor, and gas-turbine modular helium reactor. The principal design objective for EM~2 is the production of an economically competitive power source that improves resource utilization, reduces waste, and meets a self-imposed high standard of safety. In order to meet this challenge, EM~2 departs from traditional nuclear technologies and embraces technical advances in materials, physics design, power conversion, control, and passive safety methods.