Pumpless eVinci Hits Zero-Power Criticality at 1,225°F, Then 1,852°F

Westinghouse conducted a high-temperature test of its eVinci microreactor, achieving criticality at 663°C and measuring subcritical reactivity at a peak core temperature of 1016°C. The test took place September 3 at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center in Nevada with Los Alamos and NNSA support.

• Criticality reached at 663°C, reactivity measured at 1016°C
• Set NCERC temperature record for such experiments
• Reactor uses heat pipes, TRISO fuel, and graphite core
• Claimed operation without refueling for up to 8 years