US-based nuclear start-up NANO Nuclear Energy has engaged aRobotics Company, to oversee development of its recently announced demonstration facility in Westchester County, New York. In addition, aRobotics will assist NANO Nuclear with the fabrication of key components for the facility.
Following completion of the facility’s retrofitting, aRobotics will manage the construction of certain non-nuclear elements crucial to the design and operation of NANO Nuclear’s four reactors currently in the design stage. This includes leading the development and fabrication of custom sensors and equipment needed to evaluate demonstration components.
NANO Nuclear is developing the ZEUS and ODIN microreactors, as well the KRONOS MMR (formerly MMR Energy System) and LOKI MMR (formerly Pylon) reactors which it recently acquired from UNSC following its bankruptcy. NANO says the energy systems are designed to be easily transportable and retrievable, including systems developed to passively ensure core cooling under all accident scenarios and may provide power ratings from 10 to 45 MWt. Their design aims to reduce the balance of plant, shrinking the maximum size of the reactor by simplifying its cooling systems and decreasing the system’s footprint on site
Additionally, aRobotics will support NANO Nuclear’s ongoing SBIR Phase III project for its Annular Linear Induction Pump (ALIP) technology, seen as a key enabling technology within NANO Nuclear’s suite of nuclear energy systems.
“We are thrilled to engage aRobotics Company, whose proven track record in meeting stringent quality standards makes them an ideal partner,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear. “Their extensive track record, particularly their work with the US Department of Defense, give us confidence in their ability to manage the design and construction of our new demonstration facility as well as oversee the fabrication of certain key components such as the ALIP technology, ensuring we continue on a clear path toward demonstration and eventual commercialization.”
Akaash Kancharla, aRobotics CEO noted: “Though microreactors rely on fission processes to generate energy, there are numerous non-nuclear components which are critical to the operation of these energy systems. The experience we’ve gained through our extensive engineering work with the Department of Defense and large defence prime contractors will be instrumental as we support NANO Nuclear in advancing its next phase of reactor development.”
The Westchester demonstration facility “will play a major role in our development efforts, providing our technical teams with access to key physical data, said Jay Yu. “We plan to announce timely updates throughout the year on certain key research and developmental milestones.”
