Natural Circulation
Natural circulation drives coolant flow via buoyancy from density differences, without pumps, enhancing passive safety.
In PWRs, reverse flow during SBO cools via steam generator heat transfer; flow rates ~10-20% forced. SMRs like NuScale rely fully on it for 72-hour grace period. Stability analyzed to avoid density wave oscillations.
Why it matters now
Natural circulation simplifies 2025-2026 SMRs for remote PPAs, reducing power needs amid HALEU delays.
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