Journal of Critical Infrastructure Policy
realities . Figure 2 is a greatly simplified , one-line drawing depicting a generic rNPP that can produce both electricity and thermal energy (“ process heat ”). Decisions regarding the presence or absence of the various processes depicted in Figure 2 , and the choice of technologies employed to accomplish them , is the art and craft of nuclear power plant design and optimization . The rNPP design features summarized in Table 2 can be deployed in a variety of ways and locations within the plant topology depicted in Figure 2 , to optimize the plant ’ s performance and resilience attributes .
Figure 2 . Generic rNPP Energy management Architecture
It is important to note that , like rPPs in general , rNPPs are not defined by their size or the specific type of nuclear technology they employ . Rather , rNPPs are defined by their functionality — their ability to enhance electric Grid resilience . Reactor and plant technology , system architecture , and sizing choices work in unison to achieve or impede achievement of the Six rPP Functional Requirements . Application of the two rPP Attributes and six rPP Functional Requirements in an rNPP do not a priori dictate a certain reactor size or technology suite ( e . g ., nuclear fuel , coolant , plant configuration , etc .).
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