Summary / Background Draft #1

The article, “Small modular reactors: A comprehensive overview of their economics and strategic aspects. Progress in Nuclear Energy.” by Locatelli et al. (2014), introduces Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as technology that could revolutionise the energy market by providing clean energy with reduced greenhouse emissions. SMRs are the evolution of nuclear reactor designs, focused on miniaturising reactor components and using new breakthroughs in nuclear physics to develop a power plant that can combat the ever-increasing need for energy in our modern world. According to Locatelli et al. (2014), several types of SMRs, particularly Light Wave Reactors (LWRs), are achievable within the next few years and will be able to be deployed commercially on a large-scale to meet energy demands in new nuclear markets. Specifically, the NuScale SMR, which is a LWR, has the greatest potential of realising that goal. As explained by Ingersoll et al. (2014), the NuScale SMR presents a compact and modular design, with features such as fuel flexibility and the Emergency Core Cooling System, allowing the reactor to be adapted in a variety of industries, while maintaining safety measures in the event of an emergency. Implementing the NuScale SMRs with its cost-efficiency and safety can outperform traditional nuclear reactors.

References:

Locatelli, G., Bingham, C., & Mancini, M. (2014). Small modular reactors: A comprehensive overview of their economics and strategic aspects. Progress in Nuclear Energy, 73, 75-85.

 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0011916414000885?casa_token=wX8dlq7OS5sAAAAA:-s7zEU1wrwVwSjOlcDvHyjrAqbyBXi294oFZHXzt3lBsa144NvXvq6wImqKot-L2QwBPV8PsEUo

 

Ingersoll, D. T., Houghton, Z. J., Bromm, R., & Desportes, C. (2014). NuScale small modular reactor for Co-generation of electricity and water. Desalination, 340, 84-93.

 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0011916414000885?casa_token=wX8dlq7OS5sAAAAA:-s7zEU1wrwVwSjOlcDvHyjrAqbyBXi294oFZHXzt3lBsa144NvXvq6wImqKot-L2QwBPV8PsEUo

 

Initial Research Pathway (Small Modular Reactors)

 

1. Our team got the idea from a video, “The Uncertain Future of Nuclear Energy” (Video by: RealEngineering) 

2. We started our research by using ChatGPT to get an overview on traditional nuclear reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), on their prospects and sustainability.

3. We used Google Scholar to find a research paper on SMRs as a whole to support our findings

4. We used ChatGPT and Google Scholar for an overview on both NuScale Power and TerraPower’s SMR technology to decide on which device to focus on (3 articles)

5. We then converged on researching NuScale Power's SMR for our analysis

6. Lastly, we read press releases from NuScale Power and research articles based on SMRs, using the information to ideate our summary.

Pitch Vodcast

 

Self-Introduction Letter

Subject: Timothy's Introduction

My name is Timothy, a Year 1 student studying mechanical engineering at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SiT). Today, I am writing to introduce myself to you so that you can get to know and understand me better.

I graduated from Singapore Polytechnic in 2021 with a Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering. How did I end up in engineering? When I was younger, it was my interest in vehicles such as aeroplanes and cars that made me wonder how they would work. Furthermore, as I progressed through school, I ended up being the most proficient in Math and Physics, the main subjects which engineers study and use. However, I believe what really sealed the deal for me was that I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps as he is an engineer.  

Personally, I’m quite harsh on myself when it comes to my strengths, but what I’ve been told by my peers is that when I face difficulties in my life, I am always determined to find a way past them. Having great resilience is said to be my strong suit as I do not let setbacks get to me so I can consistently pursue and achieve my goals.

In terms of communication, I seem to be quite weak at confidently expressing myself in both text and speech. I do believe I am proficient in English, as much as the next person. However, it is rather difficult to confidently express ideas and opinions without the fear and pressure of being wrong. 

In this module, I want to be able to learn new communication skills to expand my network as well as confidently express my ideas while being able to accept constructive feedback to work on my personal growth.

             I hope to get to know you better as well, Professor, and I look forward to learning many things from you.

Yours Sincerely,

Timothy Josh 

Edited : 23 November 2023

Blogs read :

- Joey

- Jiale

- Rachael

Interpretation of Quotation

 "Developing excellent communication skills is absolutely essential to effective leadership. The leader must be able to share knowledge and ideas to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to others. If a leader can't get a message across clearly and motivate others to act on it, then having a message doesn't even matter."

-    Gilbert Amelio, former President and CEO of National Semiconductor Corp.

    By referring to this paragraph, here are some of our thoughts:

   To be able to become a great leader, developing essential communication skills is very important. 

   Being a leader means that you are in charge of a group of people to complete a task. 

    The ability to share your own experiences and knowledge, will set a unified goal in mind among you and your workers will greatly impact their quality of work and overall morale. 

    Having the essential communication skills to bring across your message will help your workers to empathize with the leader and his/her goals.

 

By Timothy & Dylan