Nuclear power system

Abstract

A nuclear power system wherein: a nuclear heat source (10), turbine (15), heat dissipator (20), compressor (25), and electric heater (35) form a fluid flow circuit for channelling a working fluid; the turbine is connected to the compressor and a generator (40) by a connecting shaft (30) such that when the turbine rotates electrical energy is generated; a sensor system (55) is connected to a controller (60), and is configured to acquire data from at least the electric heater, the nuclear heat source, the generator, a battery (50), and a load (45); and the controller is configured to control the distribution of the electrical energy between a load, the battery, and the electric heater, based on the data provided by the sensor system, such that the electrical energy output to the grid can be varied, whilst maintaining a constant temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid entering the turbine.

Description

[0001] 2024PF00124

[0002] 1

[0003] TITLE

[0004] Nuclear Power System

[0005] FIELD

[0006] This disclosure relates to nuclear power systems, and more specifically nuclear power systems employed in situations where the demand of electrical energy is expected to vary.

[0007] BACKGROUND

[0008] Nuclear power systems are being proposed as electrical power sources for remote locations, both on and off Earth. As such, it is a requirement that such power systems are portable, and this puts limits on the size and mass of the system. A term used to describe designs meeting these size and mass restrictions is microreactor. Many such designs use turbomachinery as part of the mechanism by which the heat energy from a nuclear reactor is converted into electrical energy. Owing to the size and mass restrictions, the turbomachinery will also need to be comparatively smaller and lighter than that used in current terrestrial nuclear power stations. The range of conditions under which such smaller turbomachinery can operate efficiently is limited, and therefore it is desirable to keep the turbomachinery running within this limited range as much as possible. Furthermore, the rate at which traditional nuclear power systems can vary their energy output is far slower than the rate at which the demand can change, leading to wasted fuel and reduced efficiency of the system. It would therefore be desirable to have a nuclear power system which can adapt quickly to the energy needs of the load it is serving, whilst maintaining the operation of its turbomachinery in the most efficient range.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] The present disclosure provides a nuclear power system as set out in claim 1 , a method for controlling the electrical energy output of a nuclear power system as set out in claim 7, and a kit of parts for building a nuclear power system as set out in claim 9. Optional features are included in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to a first aspect there is provided a nuclear power system comprising: a nuclear heat source, a turbine, a heat dissipator, a compressor, an electric heater, a generator, a connecting shaft, a battery, a sensor system, and a controller; wherein: the nuclear heat source, turbine, heat dissipator, compressor, and electric heater are connected in a fluid flow circuit for channelling a working fluid; the turbine is connected to the compressor and the generator by the connecting shaft, such that when the turbine rotates 2024PF00124

[0012] 2 the compressor rotates and the generator rotates to generate electrical energy; the sensor system is connected to the controller, and is configured to acquire data from at least the electric heater, the nuclear heat source, the generator, the battery, and a load, to determine at least: the temperature of the working fluid as it exits the electric heater; the temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid as it exits the nuclear heat source; the amount of electrical energy being generated by the generator; the charge left in the battery; and the electrical energy demand of the load; and report this data to the controller; and the controller is configured to control the distribution of the electrical energy generated by the generator between a load, the battery, and the electric heater, based on the data provided by the sensor system, such that the electrical energy output to the grid can be varied, and the reactivity levels within the nuclear heat source can be adjusted, whilst maintaining a constant temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid entering the turbine.

[0013] The nuclear power system may further comprise a recuperator configured to take heat energy remaining in the working fluid after the working fluid has passed through the turbine and transfer the heat energy to the working fluid after the working fluid has exited the compressor, and prior to the working fluid entering the nuclear heat source.

[0014] The heat dissipator can be a radiator that dissipates heat energy via radiation.

[0015] The sensor system may be capable of determining whether it is daytime or nighttime at the location of the nuclear power system, and the controller may vary the distribution of the electrical energy generated by the generator between the load, the battery, and the electric heater depending on whether it is daytime or night-time at the location of the nuclear power system.

[0016] Data the sensor system acquires from the electric heater may also be used to determine the amount of heat energy being added to the working fluid by the electric heater.

[0017] The battery may also be connected to the load, so that the battery can supply electrical energy to the load.

[0018] According to a second aspect there is provided a method for controlling the electrical energy output of a nuclear power system, the method comprising: circulating a working fluid around a fluid flow circuit comprising a nuclear heat source, a turbine, a heat dissipator, a compressor, and an electric heater; generating electrical energy via a generator connected to the turbine; determining the electrical energy required by a load; controlling, via a controller, the distribution of the electrical energy generated by the generator between the load, a battery, and the electric heater, based on data provided by a sensor system connected to the controller, the sensor system being configured to acquire data from at least the electric heater, the nuclear heat source, and the battery, to determine at least: the temperature of the working fluid as it exits the electric heater; the temperature, pressure, 2024PF00124

[0019] 3 and massflow of the working fluid as it exits the nuclear heat source; and the charge left in the battery, such that: the electrical energy output to the load from the generator can be varied by means of redirecting electrical energy from the generator to either the electric heater or the battery; and the reactivity levels within the nuclear heat source can be raised or lowered whilst maintaining a constant temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid entering the turbine.

[0020] The method may further comprise directing electrical energy stored in the battery to the load.

[0021] According to a third aspect there is provided a kit of parts for building a nuclear power system comprising: a nuclear heat source, a turbine, a heat dissipator, a compressor, a connecting shaft, an electric heater, a generator, a battery, a sensor system, and a controller; wherein: the nuclear heat source, turbine, heat dissipator, compressor, and electric heater are configured to be connected to form a fluid flow circuit for channelling a working fluid; the turbine, compressor, and generator are configured to be connected by the connecting shaft such that when the turbine rotates the compressor rotates and the generator rotates to generate electrical energy; the sensor system is configured to be connected to the controller, and the sensor system is configured to acquire data from at least the electric heater, the nuclear heat source, the generator, the battery, and a load, to determine at least: the temperature of the working fluid as it exits the electric heater; the temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid as it exits the nuclear heat source; the amount of electrical energy being generated by the generator; the charge left in the battery; and the electrical energy demand of the load; and report the data to the controller; the controller is configured to also be connected to the generator, the battery, and the electric heater, the controller being configured to control the distribution of the electrical energy generated by the generator between the load, the battery, and the electric heater, based on the data provided by the sensor system, such that the electrical energy output to the load can be varied, and the reactivity levels within the nuclear heat source can be adjusted, whilst maintaining a constant temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid entering the turbine.

[0022] The kit of parts may further comprise a recuperator configured to be connected to the fluid flow circuit such that when the kit of parts is assembled, the recuperator configured to transfer residual heat energy out of the working fluid after it has left the turbine to the same working fluid after it has left the compressor, and prior to the working fluid arriving at the electric heater.

[0023] The kit of parts may be configured to be divided into sub-assemblies, with each subassembly being separately transportable. 2024PF00124

[0024] 4

[0025] The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied mutatis mutandis to any other aspect. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature described herein may be applied to any aspect and / or combined with any other feature described herein.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a system diagram for an example nuclear power system;

[0029] FIG. 2 shows a system diagram for another example nuclear power system;

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart for a method for controlling the electrical energy output of a nuclear power system; and

[0031] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a kit of parts for constructing a nuclear power system.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a system diagram for a nuclear power system 100 which can adapt quickly to the energy needs of the load it is serving, whilst maintaining the operation of its turbomachinery in the most efficient range. The nuclear power system comprises a nuclear heat source 10, i.e. a nuclear reactor core, where nuclear fuel can undergo fission in order to generate heat energy. The nuclear heat source is part of a fluid flow circuit through which a working fluid can be channelled. Also part of the fluid flow circuit are a turbine 15, a heat dissipator 20, a compressor 25, and an electric heater 30. The working fluid, having been heated as a result of passing through the nuclear heat source, passes through the turbine 15, allowing the heat energy it contains to be converted into mechanical energy. The working fluid then passes from the turbine 15 to the heat dissipator 20, where residual heat energy still held by the working fluid can be removed. Thus cooled, the working fluid then flows to the compressor 25, where it is compressed, the compressor being connected to the turbine by a connecting shaft 30 which causes the compressor to rotate as the turbine rotates. Having been compressed, the working fluid then flows through the electric heater 35. The electric heater 35 may not always be switched on, and therefore it is possible the working fluid may not gain any heat energy as a result of passing through or by the electric heater. In the final stage of the fluid flow circuit, the working fluid flows from the electric heater back to the nuclear heat source 10, to begin the cycle again.

[0034] It will be apparent to the skilled person that the working fluid may undergo the Brayton cycle as a result of flowing around the fluid circuit. The fluid circuit may therefore 2024PF00124

[0035] 5 comprise a Brayton cycle circuit. In the example of FIG.1 , the circuit is a closed Brayton cycle circuit, as the working fluid recirculates repeatedly through the same components.

[0036] The turbine 15 is further connected by the connecting shaft 30 to a generator 40, and therefore as the turbine rotates the generator rotates. In doing so, the generator 40 converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The generator 40 can output this electrical energy to a load 45, such as a satellite or moon base.

[0037] The generator 40 is also connected to a battery 50, which can store electrical energy produced by the generator 40.

[0038] Connected to the nuclear heat source 10, the electric heater 35, the load 45, and the battery 50, is a sensor system 55. The sensor system 55 is configured to acquire data from the nuclear heat source 10, the electric heater 35, the load 45, and the battery 50. The sensor system 55 is connected to a controller 60, such that the controller 60 can acquire data from the sensor system, and use that data to determine whether to make adjustments to the functioning of components of the nuclear power system 100. Whilst the sensor system 55 and controller 60 are shown as separate entities in the example nuclear power system of FIG. 1 , it will be appreciated they could in fact be components within a single unit.

[0039] The data the sensor system 55 acquires from the nuclear heat source can be used to determine at least the temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid as it exits the nuclear heat source. Any suitable sensors could be used to acquire this data, for example one or more thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), or optical sensors to determine the temperature, one or more capacitive, piezoresistive, or piezoelectric pressure sensors to determine the pressure, and one or more hot wire sensors to determine the massflow (although this could also be calculated from a combination of temperature and pressure data plus the known cross-sectional areas of the fluid flow circuit), Turbomachinery in general will achieve optimal performance when operating within a particular range of temperatures, pressures, and massflow of the working fluid, depending on the design of the turbomachinery. The turbomachinery of the nuclear power system 100, i.e. the turbine 15, compressor 25, connecting shaft 30, and generator 40, are no exception, and as such will be most efficient at converting heat energy into electrical energy when operating within a particular range dependent on the design of the turbomachinery. The data the sensor system 55 acquires from the nuclear heat source is such that the controller can determine whether the turbine 15 will be receiving working fluid in a condition optimised for the function of the turbine 15 and the rest of the turbomachinery.

[0040] The data the sensor system 55 acquires from the electric heater can be used to determine at least the temperature of the working fluid as it exits the electric heater. By acquiring data from which it can calculate the temperature of the working fluid before and 2024PF00124

[0041] 6 after it travels through the nuclear heat source 10, the sensor system 55 can determine the amount of heat energy being added to the working fluid by travelling through the nuclear heat source 10. The amount of heat energy being added to the working fluid by travelling through the nuclear heat source 10 will vary depending on the level of fission activity occurring within the nuclear reactor core. For example, nuclear fission heat sources will contain means, such as control rods or control drums, by which the rate of fission can be raised or lowered. This in turn will alter the amount of heat energy generated by the nuclear heat source. For example, increasing the amount of fission activity in a nuclear fission reactor can increase the temperature of the nuclear heat source, and therefore the temperature of the working fluid exiting the nuclear heat source will also increase.

[0042] The data the sensor system 55 acquires from the electric heater 35 can also be used to determine the amount of heat energy being added to the working fluid by the electric heater. For example, the sensor system may include a temperature sensor at the entrance to or start of the electric heater, and another temperature sensor at the exit or end of the electric heater, or a thermopile connected to the start and end of the electric heater. Alternatively, the sensor may measure a current being put through the electric heater, and use this to calculate the amount of heat energy being generated by the electric heater. This can be useful for determining if more or less electrical energy needs to be supplied to the electrical heater in order to raise or lower the temperature of the working fluid prior to it entering the nuclear heat source 10.

[0043] The data the sensor system 55 acquires from the generator 40 can be used to determine the amount of electrical energy being generated by the generator. The sensor could for example take the form of a Hall-effect sensor, a power meter (e.g. shunt resistor) or other voltmeters or ammeters. This data can be used to determine if the amount of electrical energy being output by the generator is in line with what is expected.

[0044] The data the sensor system 55 acquires from the load 45 can be used to determine the electrical energy demand coming from the load. The electrical energy demand coming from the load can vary over short and long timescales, by small and large amounts. For example, the demand from the load might vary by a small amount for a short period of time if a low-power piece of electrical apparatus is switched on for a few minutes. Equally, in the case where the nuclear power system is deployed to power a base on the Moon, the electrical energy demand may increase substantially for a long period of time (approximately two Earth weeks, depending where exactly on the Moon’s surface the base is situated) as the base encounters lunar night-time, and requires an increase in the use of artificial lighting and heating, among other things. In combination with the data the sensor system acquires from the generator 40, any difference between the amount of electrical 2024PF00124

[0045] 7 energy being generated by the generator and the electrical energy demand coming from the load can be determined.

[0046] The data the sensor system 55 acquires from the battery 50 can be used to determine the amount of charge left in the battery. It could also be used to determine the rate at which the battery 50 is charging or depleting, depending on if electrical energy is being directed from the generator into the battery and if the battery is supplying electrical energy to the electric heater 35 or the load 45. In combination with the data acquired from the generator 40 and the load 45, the sensor system 55 could, for example, determine if the generator is producing more electrical energy than is required by the load, and if so, the controller could direct an amount of electrical energy equal to the difference between the amount of electrical energy being produced by the generator and the amount of electrical energy required by the load, from the generator to the battery, so that the electrical energy can be stored for use later.

[0047] Using the data acquired by the sensor system 55, the controller 60 can alter the operation of the nuclear power system to accommodate predictable changes in electrical energy demand coming from the load 45. For example (as stated earlier), in the case of a Moon base, it is expected that (depending on its exact location) the Moon base could spend roughly two Earth weeks (i.e. one lunar day) in sunlight, followed by two Earth weeks (i.e. one lunar night) in shadow. Consequently, it is likely that larger amounts of electrical energy will be required during the lunar night-time to power heaters and lights, and reduced amounts of electrical energy will be required during the lunar daytime when the sun will provide both light and heat to the base.

[0048] In prior art nuclear power systems, in order to keep the turbomachinery running within its optimum performance envelope, the nuclear heat source would effectively run at a single continuous reactivity level, with the generator outputting the same amount of electrical energy to the load at all times. The reactivity level the nuclear power source would operate at would be such that the electrical energy output from the nuclear power system matches the maximum electrical energy required by the load, meaning that, in times when the electrical energy required by the load drops (such as lunar daytime), there would be excess electrical energy produced by the nuclear power system, which would effectively be wasted. This in turn means a portion of the nuclear fuel being used to create this excess energy is also being wasted.

[0049] By comparison, nuclear power systems according to the present disclosure can ameliorate some or all of these issues. With reference to the example nuclear power system of FIG.1 , the turbomachinery (i.e. the turbine 15, compressor 25, connecting shaft 30, and generator 40) is designed such that it is within its optimum performance envelope (i.e. the 2024PF00124

[0050] 8 range of temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid when the turbomachinery is working most efficiently) when the generator is producing an amount of electrical energy roughly equal to maximum electrical energy required by the load. At this time, the electric heater 35 is switched off, which is to say that the electric heater is not receiving any electrical energy from the generator or the battery. At the same time, the nuclear heat source 10 is controlled so that the rate of fission is such that the nuclear heat source provides enough heat energy to the working fluid that the working fluid arrives at the turbine with a pressure, temperature and massflow falling within the optimum performance envelope of the turbomachinery.

[0051] When the electrical energy demand from the load starts to drop (for example, with the onset of lunar daytime), it would be preferable to reduce the reactivity level of the nuclear reactor core and thus the temperature of the nuclear heat source, in order to preserve fuel. However, this action on its own would mean the working fluid would start to leave the nuclear heat source 10 at a temperature outside of the turbomachinery’s optimum performance envelope, reducing the electrical energy production efficiency of the nuclear power system. Also, reducing the temperature of a nuclear heat source is a slow process, generally much slower than the rate at which the demand from the load for electrical energy changes, meaning the nuclear power system would generate more electrical energy than required for a period of time, again leading to an effective waste of nuclear fuel.

[0052] To combat this, as the sensor system 55 determines the demand from the load 45 for electrical energy is decreasing, the controller 60 can start diverting a portion of the electrical energy from the generator 40 to the battery 50, such that the amount of electrical energy sent to the load 45 matches the demand of the load, with any excess electrical energy produced by the generator, i.e. energy not required by the load, being sent to the battery 50. Thus, the excess electrical energy can be used later, rather than being wasted as per prior art systems. Alternatively, the sensor system may determine, for example by detecting changing light levels or temperature levels using appropriate sensors, that the night is ending, and that daytime is approaching. Equally, the sensor system may use the same sensors to determine when the day is ending, and when night-time is approaching, enabling the controller to take appropriate action to mitigate fuel wastage.

[0053] In a further fuel-saving measure, as the demand from the load further decreases, the controller can adjust the nuclear heat source 10 so as to reduce the reactivity levels, thus saving nuclear fuel. However, as mentioned previously, this would lead to a reduction of the heating effect on the working fluid travelling through the nuclear heat source, which in turn would take the working fluid out of the envelope required by the turbomachinery to maintain optimum performance. To combat this, as the demand from the load 45 reduces, 2024PF00124

[0054] 9 the controller 60 can also divert excess electrical energy from the generator 40 to the electric heater 35. This serves two purposes: firstly, to direct electrical energy that is required by the load 45 away from the load, so it is not wasted; and secondly, to increase the temperature of the working fluid prior to it arriving at the nuclear heat source. Using the electric heater to increase the temperature of the working fluid prior to it arriving at the nuclear heat source means the nuclear heat source does not need to add as much heat energy to the working fluid in order for the working fluid to stay inside the turbomachinery’s optimum performance envelope, and that therefore the activity levels within the nuclear heat source can be reduced without the efficiency of the nuclear power system being negatively affected. In this way, nuclear fuel can be saved during periods of time when the electrical energy demand from the load 45 is less than maximum, such as during a lunar day.

[0055] When the electrical energy demand from the load starts to increase (for example, with the onset of lunar night-time), the controller 60 can send instructions to the nuclear heat source to increase the rate of reactivity within the nuclear heat source. However, the process of increasing the rate of reactivity within the nuclear heat source is a slow one, and is unlikely to match the rate at which the demand from the load increases. In order to compensate for this difference in electrical energy demand versus supply, the controller can reduce the amount of electrical energy being sent from the generator 40 to the electric heater 35, and instead divert the electrical energy from the generator 40 to the load, based on the data acquired by the sensor system 55 from the load 45, the generator 40, the nuclear heat source 10, and the electric heater 35. At the same time, the controller 60 can divert electrical energy stored in the battery 50 to power the electric heater 35, so as to keep the working fluid at a temperature within the turbomachinery’s optimum performance envelope. Alternatively or additionally, the controller can direct electrical energy stored in the battery directly to the load, if further electrical energy is required. In this way, the nuclear power system can quickly react to the increase in electrical energy demand from the load, without wasting any electrical energy, or having the turbomachinery depart from its optimum performance envelope.

[0056] Another option the nuclear power system 100 has, in the case where the increase in demand from the load 45 is predictable, is to pre-emptively start to increase the rate of reactivity within the nuclear heat source. Assuming the rate of increase of activity, and therefore the rate of increase of nuclear heat source temperature, is known, the instruction to increase the rate of activity can be timed such that the nuclear heat source 10 achieves the desired temperature for the nuclear power system 100 to provide peak electrical energy generation just as the demand from the load 45 reaches its peak. Up until that point, as the nuclear heat source is warming up, but before the demand from the load increases, the 2024PF00124

[0057] 10 extra electrical energy created by the generator 40 can be diverted to the battery 50, so that the battery can be used to power the electric heater 35 at a later time.

[0058] Optionally, the nuclear power system 100 can include a recuperator 65. FIG. 2 shows an example of a nuclear power system 100 incorporating a recuperator 65. The recuperator 65 serves to transfer residual heat energy out of the working fluid after it has left the turbine 15, further cooling the working fluid before it arrives at the compressor 25. In the example of FIG. 2, the residual heat energy is transferred via the recuperator 65 to the same working fluid after it has left the compressor 25, prior to arriving at the electric heater 35. By transferring residual heat energy in the working fluid across the compressor, the recuperator can further improve the efficiency of the nuclear power system 100.

[0059] FIG. 3 shows a method 200 for controlling the electrical energy output of a nuclear power system, such as that shown in the examples of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In a first step 210 of the method 200, the working fluid is circulated around a fluid flow circuit, where the fluid flow circuit comprises a nuclear heat source, a turbine, a heat dissipator, a compressor, and an electric heater. The fluid flow circuit may therefore be a closed circuit, and the working fluid may undergo a Brayton cycle as a result of travelling around the closed circuit. In a second step 220 of the method 200, electrical energy is generated via a generator connected to the turbine. The turbine is connected to both the generator and the compressor via a connecting shaft, such that when the turbine rotates, the compressor and the generator rotate. In doing so, the compressor can adiabatically compress the working fluid in the case of a Brayton cycle, and the generator can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0060] In a third step 230 of the method 200, the amount of electrical energy required by a load connected to the nuclear power system is determined. This can be done by a sensor system connected to the load, and configured to acquire data from the load, including the amount of electrical energy the load requires. The sensor system is further configured to acquire data from the electric heater, the nuclear heat source, and a battery connected to the generator and the electric heater, and using the acquired data determine at least: the temperature of the working fluid as it exits the electric heater; the temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid as it exits the nuclear heat source; and the charge left in the battery.

[0061] In a fourth step 240 of a method 200, a controller controls the distribution of the electrical energy generated by the generator between the load, the battery, and the electric heater. The controller determines how to distribute the electrical energy generated by the generator based on the data gathered by the sensor system which is connected to the controller. The controller varies the electrical energy output to the load by means of 2024PF00124

[0062] 11 redirecting electrical energy from the generator to either the electric heater or the battery. Optionally, the controller may vary the electrical energy output to the load by directing electrical energy from the battery to the load. At the same time, the controller can raise or lower the reactivity levels within the nuclear heat source whilst maintaining a constant temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid entering the turbine.

[0063] Using this method, the nuclear power system can quickly react to an increase or decrease in electrical energy demand from the load, without wasting any electrical energy, or having the turbomachinery depart from its optimum performance envelope.

[0064] The same method can be used with a nuclear power system 100 comprising a recuperator. The recuperator 65 serves to transfer residual heat energy out of the working fluid after it has left the turbine 15, further cooling the working fluid before it arrives at the compressor 25. The residual heat energy is transferred via the recuperator 65 to the same working fluid after it has left the compressor 25, prior to arriving at the electric heater 35. By transferring residual heat energy in the working fluid across the compressor, the recuperator can further improve the efficiency of the nuclear power system 100.

[0065] FIG. 4 illustrates a kit of parts for constructing the nuclear power system 100. The kit of parts comprises a nuclear heat source 10, a turbine 15, a heat dissipator 20, a compressor 25, a connecting shaft 30, an electric heater 35, a generator 40, a battery 50, a sensor system 55, and a controller 60. The nuclear heat source, turbine, heat dissipator, compressor, and electric heater of the kit of parts are configured to be connected to form a fluid flow circuit for channelling a working fluid. The turbine, compressor, and generator are configured to be connected by the connecting shaft, such that when the turbine rotates the compressor rotates and the generator rotates to generate electrical energy.

[0066] The sensor system is configured to be connected to the controller. The sensor system is configured to acquire data from the electric heater, the nuclear heat source, the generator, the battery, and a load. Using the data acquired by the sensor system, the temperature of the working fluid as it exits the electric heater, the temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid as it exits the nuclear heat source, the amount of electrical energy being generated by the generator, the charge left in the battery, and the electrical energy demand of the load can be determined. This data is reported to the controller.

[0067] The controller is configured to be connected to the nuclear heat source, the generator, the battery, and the electric heater, in addition to the sensor system. The controller is configured to control the distribution of the electrical energy generated by the generator between the load, the battery, and the electric heater, based on the data provided by the sensor system. 2024PF00124

[0068] 12

[0069] By providing a kit comprising the above-mentioned parts, a nuclear power system can be built which enables the distribution of the electrical energy generated by the generator to be controlled by the controller, and which enables the controller to vary the electrical energy output to the load, and adjust the reactivity levels within the nuclear heat source, whilst maintaining a constant temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid entering the turbine.

[0070] The kit can further include a recuperator 65. The recuperator can be configured to be part of the fluid flow circuit. The recuperator is configured so that when the nuclear power system 100 is constructed from the kit of parts, the recuperator can be positioned in the fluid flow circuit so as to transfer residual heat energy out of the working fluid after it has left the turbine, further cooling the working fluid before it arrives at the compressor. The residual heat energy can then be transferred via the recuperator 65 to the same working fluid after it has left the compressor 25, prior to arriving at the electric heater 35. Including a recuperator so configured in the kit of parts 300 means a nuclear power system 100 can be constructed from the kit of parts which has a means for transferring residual heat energy in the working fluid across the compressor, further improving the efficiency of the nuclear power system 100.

[0071] The kit of parts can be configured for construction off-Earth. For example, the kit of parts could be configured for construction on the Moon to power a lunar base, or configured for construction on another celestial body where a power supply is required. Being configured for such off-Earth construction may entail the kit of parts being broken up into sub-kits, with each sub-kit being transportable separately to the intended ultimate destination. Alternatively, it may be that some parts of the kit of parts can be assembled into sub-assemblies prior to transport, such that upon arriving at the ultimate destination of the nuclear power system, it only remains to assemble the sub-assemblies to construct the nuclear power system. The kit of parts may be configured to self-assemble, such that when a particular command is given or action taken, one or more parts rearrange themselves so as to bring the nuclear power system into a working configuration. Alternatively, the kit of parts may be configured for manual assembly by one or more people or robots. The skilled person will appreciate that beyond the examples given here there are other ways the construction of the nuclear power system from the kit of parts could be completed.

[0072] Various examples have been described, each of which comprise one or more combinations of features. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, except where clearly mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the invention extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein. 2024PF00124

[0073] 13

[0074] For example, it will be appreciated that for simplicity, a single controller 60 has been referred to throughout the descriptions of the various examples included herein. However, it is to be understood that the controller could take other functionally similar forms. For example, the controller 60 could comprise a series of distributed control units. There could be one control unit controlling the means for altering the levels of reactivity within the nuclear heat source 10, a further control unit controlling the distribution of electrical energy from the generator 40, a further control unit controlling the output of electrical energy from the battery 50, etc., which each control unit being connected to the other control units so as to act in concert with one another, in an equivalent manner to the controller 60. The controller or one or more of the control units making up the controller may serve as a power distribution and conditioning system for electrical energy generated by the generator.

[0075] Furthermore, whilst the sensor system 55 and controller 60 are shown as separate entities in the examples given, it is to be understood that the range of tasks both the sensor system and controller are capable of completing are variable. For example, it could be that the sensor system only acquires data, and does no processing of the data before passing it on to the controller, which processes the data, makes decisions based on the data, and send commands based on those decisions to the components of the nuclear power system to which it is connected. In an alternative example, it could be that the sensor system 55 is capable of both acquiring and processing the data before passing it to the controller 60, which then makes decisions based on the data, and send commands based on those decisions to the components of the nuclear power system to which it is connected.

Claims

2024PF0012414CLAIMS1 . A nuclear power system 100 comprising: a nuclear heat source 10, a turbine 15, a heat dissipator 20, a compressor 25, an electric heater 35, a generator 40, a connecting shaft 30, a battery 50, a sensor system 55, and a controller 60; wherein: the nuclear heat source, turbine, heat dissipator, compressor, and electric heater are connected in a fluid flow circuit for channelling a working fluid; the turbine is connected to the compressor and the generator by the connecting shaft such that when the turbine rotates the compressor rotates and the generator rotates to generate electrical energy; the sensor system is connected to the controller, and is configured to acquire data from at least the electric heater, the nuclear heat source, the generator, the battery, and a load 45, to determine at least: the temperature of the working fluid as it exits the electric heater; the temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid as it exits the nuclear heat source; the amount of electrical energy being generated by the generator; the charge left in the battery; and the electrical energy demand of the load; and report this data to the controller; and the controller is configured to control the distribution of the electrical energy generated by the generator between a load, the battery, and the electric heater, based on the data provided by the sensor system, such that the electrical energy output to the grid can be varied, and the reactivity levels within the nuclear heat source can be adjusted, whilst maintaining a constant temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid entering the turbine.

2. The nuclear power system of claim 1 , further comprising a recuperator configured to take heat energy remaining in the working fluid after the working fluid has passed through the turbine and transfer the heat energy to the working fluid after the working fluid has exited the compressor, and prior to the working fluid entering the nuclear heat source.

3. The nuclear power system of any preceding claim, wherein the heat dissipator is a radiator that dissipates heat energy via radiation.

4. The nuclear power system of any preceding claim, wherein the sensor system can determine whether it is daytime or night-time at the location of the nuclear power2024PF0012415 system, and the controller can vary the distribution of the electrical energy generated by the generator between the load, the battery, and the electric heater depending on whether it is daytime or night-time at the location of the nuclear power system.

5. The nuclear power system of any preceding claim, wherein data the sensor system acquires from the electric heater can also be used to determine the amount of heat energy being added to the working fluid by the electric heater.

6. The nuclear power system of any preceding claim, wherein the battery is also connected to the load, so that the battery can supply electrical energy to the load.

7. A method for controlling the electrical energy output of a nuclear power system, the method comprising: circulating a working fluid around a fluid flow circuit comprising a nuclear heat source, a turbine, a heat dissipator, a compressor, and an electric heater; generating electrical energy via a generator connected to the turbine; determining the electrical energy required by a load; controlling, via a controller, the distribution of the electrical energy generated by the generator between the load, a battery, and the electric heater, based on data provided by a sensor system connected to the controller, the sensor system being configured to acquire data from at least the electric heater, the nuclear heat source, and the battery, to determine at least: the temperature of the working fluid as it exits the electric heater; the temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid as it exits the nuclear heat source; and the charge left in the battery, such that: the electrical energy output to the load from the generator can be varied by means of redirecting electrical energy from the generator to either the electric heater or the battery; and the reactivity levels within the nuclear heat source can be raised or lowered whilst maintaining a constant temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid entering the turbine.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising varying the electrical energy output to the load by directing electrical energy stored in the battery to the load.2024PF00124169. A kit of parts 300 for building a nuclear power system comprising: a nuclear heat source 10, a turbine 15, a heat dissipator 20, a compressor 25, a connecting shaft 30, an electric heater 35, a generator 40, a battery 50, a sensor system 55, and a controller 60; wherein: the nuclear heat source, turbine, heat dissipator, compressor, and electric heater are configured to be connected to form a fluid flow circuit for channelling a working fluid; the turbine, compressor, and generator are configured to be connected by the connecting shaft such that when the turbine rotates the compressor rotates and the generator rotates to generate electrical energy; the sensor system is configured to be connected to the controller, and the sensor system is configured to acquire data from at least the electric heater, the nuclear heat source, the generator, the battery, and a load, to determine at least: the temperature of the working fluid as it exits the electric heater; the temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid as it exits the nuclear heat source; the amount of electrical energy being generated by the generator; the charge left in the battery; and the electrical energy demand of the load; and report the data to the controller; the controller is configured to also be connected to the generator, the battery, and the electric heater, the controller being configured to control the distribution of the electrical energy generated by the generator between the load, the battery, and the electric heater, based on the data provided by the sensor system, such that the electrical energy output to the load can be varied, and the reactivity levels within the nuclear heat source can be adjusted, whilst maintaining a constant temperature, pressure, and massflow of the working fluid entering the turbine.

10. The kit of parts of claim 9, further comprising a recuperator configured to be connected to the fluid flow circuit such that when the kit of parts is assembled, the recuperator configured to transfer residual heat energy out of the working fluid after it has left the turbine to the same working fluid after it has left the compressor, and prior to the working fluid arriving at the electric heater.

11. The kit of parts of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the kit of parts is configured to be divided into sub-assemblies, with each sub-assembly being separately transportable.

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