Cranberry Township-based Westinghouse announced its eVinvi microreactor has successfully completed zero-power criticality testing, an achievement that validates key design assumptions for the company’s microreactor technology.
The test was completed in partnership with Los Alamos and Idaho National Laboratories at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC), a National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) facility at the Nevada National Security Site. Officials said the milestone is part of the company’s rapid product development philosophy, combining testing, modeling, simulation and design improvements that accelerate technology maturation while reducing technical risk. The company said it will further validate eVinci’s performance, operability and manufacturability through further prototype testing and demonstrations.
“This zero-power criticality milestone reflects Westinghouse’s heritage of innovation and pushing to the next frontier of nuclear,” Dr. Lou Martinez Sancho, Westinghouse Chief Technology Officer, said. “We appreciate the support and collaboration of our partners at the U.S. Department of Energy, NNSA, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory and NNSS in achieving this important milestone.”
The microreactor combines advanced heat pipe technology, TRISO fuel, graphite core materials, control drum components and a compact architecture to provide resilient energy in remote and challenging environments, like defense applications and space. The design builds on decades of industry-leading Westinghouse innovation to provide resilient electricity 24/7 for up to eight years without refueling.