Alkali Metal Thermoelectric Reactor With Capillary Fuel Rod Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microreactors face challenges in efficiently converting heat into electricity without complex systems, particularly in remote or space-bound applications, where traditional systems are cumbersome and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
An integrated alkali metal reactor power supply system utilizing a reactor vessel with liquid alkali metal, a reactor core, and an alkali metal thermoelectric converter, employing capillary forces for alkali metal circulation and direct electricity generation without pumps or valves, integrating the reactor and thermoelectric converter for a simplified and efficient power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pumps and valves are used for alkali metal circulation, then the circulation function is achieved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes pumps and valves from the alkali metal circulation system, extracting these complex mechanical components entirely. The circulation function is achieved through natural convection driven by density differences between hot and cold regions, eliminating the need for mechanical circulation devices and thereby reducing system complexity and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses natural convection currents generated by temperature-induced density differences to drive alkali metal circulation automatically. The hot alkali metal rises while cooler denser alkali metal sinks, creating a self-sustaining circulation pattern without external mechanical intervention, making the system self-regulating and more reliable.
2Productivity
If traditional reactor systems with separate components are used, then the functions are well-defined, but the size and weight are large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reactor core and thermoelectric converter into an integrated system where the alkali metal serves dual purposes as both coolant and working fluid for power generation. The reactor vessel contains both the nuclear fuel elements and the thermoelectric conversion components, merging previously separate systems into a compact unified structure that reduces overall weight while maintaining high power generation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The alkali metal performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the coolant for heat removal from the reactor core, as the working fluid for the thermoelectric converter, and as the medium for natural convection-driven circulation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems for each function, significantly reducing the overall weight and size of the reactor installation.
3Ease of operation
If pumps and valves are installed for alkali metal circulation, then the circulation control is precise, but the system reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system operates autonomously through natural convection driven by temperature-induced density differences. Hot alkali metal naturally rises from the reactor core to the condenser, while cooler denser alkali metal sinks back to the core, creating a self-regulating circulation pattern that requires no external control mechanisms, thereby maximizing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump-and-valve control system with a thermal convection-based control mechanism. The circulation rate is automatically regulated by the temperature gradient and density differences, eliminating mechanical moving parts that could fail while maintaining precise control through thermal physics principles.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves reliable, compact, and efficient electricity generation with high thermoelectric conversion efficiency, suitable for remote and space-bound applications, offering a flexible and transportable power solution.
Implementation Method 1
the effects of capillary force of the first liquid-absorption cores and the second liquid-absorption cores are utilized to pump the liquid alkali metal to the surface of the fuel rod
Implementation Method 2
the heat generated by the nuclear fuel fission of the fuel rod is used for vaporization of the liquid alkali metal
Implementation Method 3
the alkali metal vapor condenses into a liquid state, so as to realize the circulating power of the liquid alkali metal
Implementation Method 4
uses gaseous or liquid alkali metals (lithium, sodium, potassium, etc.) as working mediums, and uses the β′′-Al2O3 solid electrolyte (BASE) as a selective ion permeable membrane. Migration process of alkali metal ions in the BASE realizes the conversion of heat energy to electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A nuclear reactor includes a reactor vessel containing an alkali metal thermoelectric converter. The bottom part of the vessel contains liquid alkali metal. A reactor core is arranged in the vessel and includes fuel rods. The surface of each fuel rod is provided with a first liquid absorption core. The bottom part of the reactor core is provided with second liquid absorption cores which are connected to the first liquid absorption cores. The cores are together configured to use capillary action to pump liquid alkali metal to an upper portion of an outer surface of the fuel rods, where the liquid alkali metal is vaporized into alkali metal vapor. The converter divides the inside of the reactor vessel into a high-pressure vapor chamber and a low-pressure vapor chamber. The converter is configured to receive alkali metal vapor from the high-pressure vapor chamber for use in electric power generation.