NuScale Power has signed up Dresser-Rand to design, engineer, manufacture the turbine generators for its NuScale small modular reactor. It has also entered into an agreement with Curtiss-Wright Corporation for the design control rod drive mechanisms (CRDMs).
Dresser-Rand, a global supplier of rotating equipment solutions to the oil, gas, petrochemical, power, and process industries entered into an agreement for “an integrated delivery model that includes design, engineering, U.S.-based manufacturing, and operational support,” the firm said in a statement. The goal is to ensure optimum performance of the turbine generators that will be paired with NuScale Power's small modulator reactors (SMR).
"NuScale's modular design will allow for the entire turbine generator to be manufactured in the U.S. in a facility like those operated by Dresser-Rand," said Scott Bailey, vice president of Supply Chain at NuScale Power. "The turbine generator can then be transported from the facility to the power plant in modular form. The combination of factory manufacturing and transportability will lower costs and shorten construction times," Bailey added.
Under the second contract, Curtiss-Wright will design the CRDMs, which control the insertion and removal of control rod assemblies, at its facility in Mt. Pleasant, Pa. The initial contract covers the design phase of the programme only.
"This is a significant contract in many ways," said Martin R. Benante, Chairman and CEO, Curtiss-Wright Corporation. "First, we are proud to begin a productive partnership with NuScale. Second, small modular reactor CRDMs are a key driver of growth for Curtiss-Wright and we are pleased to be working on the development of this important technology. Third, it continues our long-standing commitment to the future growth of the worldwide nuclear power market..."
NuScale Power's standard design for a nuclear power plant includes 12 individual reactor modules, each with its own turbine generator. The combined output for the 12 units will total 540 MWe, which is enough power to meet the needs of more than one-half million homes.
