Mobile Nuclear Microreactor Using Rotating Neutron Absorber Arc
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nuclear reactors are not scalable to meet diverse energy needs, particularly for military applications, due to their fixed location and high fuel resupply costs, and existing advanced reactor designs face regulatory challenges and licensing hurdles.
Innovation Solution
A mobile nuclear microreactor design featuring a compact reactor core with a unique fuel arrangement, using hexagonal moderator blocks and a rotating neutron absorber arc for power control, and helium coolant, allowing for transport without disassembly and operation for at least ten years without refueling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional nuclear reactors are used, then power generation capability is sufficient, but mobility and adaptability are poor due to fixed location requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor system is divided into modular components including the reactor pressure vessel, steam generator, turbine, and coolant system that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation enables the reactor to be transported in sections and reconfigured at different locations while maintaining full power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from stationary ground-based reactors to aerial deployment via aircraft integration. The reactor system is designed to be mounted on aircraft platforms, adding the dimension of aerial mobility and enabling rapid deployment to remote or conflict zones without requiring ground infrastructure.
2Power
If high power output is achieved, then energy needs are met, but fuel resupply costs and logistical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor core uses high-density uranium fuel with optimized enrichment levels and a compact lattice configuration that increases power density. This parameter change allows the core to generate sufficient power for extended periods without refueling, reducing resupply costs and logistical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactor core is designed with sufficient initial fuel loading to operate for the complete mission duration without refueling. All fuel, control rods, and core components are pre-assembled and qualified before integration, eliminating the need for mid-mission fuel resupply operations.
3Volume of moving object
If reactor size is reduced for mobility, then transportability improves, but power generation capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor employs high-density fuel elements with optimized uranium enrichment and a compact core geometry that maximizes power density. These parameter changes enable the reactor to maintain adequate power generation capacity while reducing overall reactor volume for improved transportability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactor uses advanced composite materials including high-strength alloys for pressure vessels and advanced fuel elements with enhanced energy density. These composite materials allow for a more compact core design that maintains power generation capacity while reducing volume.
4Reliability
If advanced reactor designs are developed, then technical performance improves, but regulatory licensing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor incorporates inherent safety features including passive cooling systems, automatic shutdown mechanisms, and fail-safe control systems that eliminate or reduce the need for active operator intervention. These self-service safety features simplify regulatory licensing by demonstrating inherent safety without requiring complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactor design converts potential safety hazards into beneficial features through passive safety mechanisms. For example, the reactor core is designed to automatically shut down and passively cool itself in the event of power loss or malfunction, converting the potential harm of system failure into a beneficial self-protecting feature that simplifies regulatory approval.
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 mobile microreactor provides a scalable, sustainable, and reliable energy source that reduces fuel resupply costs and regulatory complexities, enhancing military agility and energy security while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one control drum may include at least one neutron absorber arc
Implementation Method 2
the at least one coolant may comprise Helium
Implementation Method 3
at least one active core having a plurality of hexagonal moderator blocks arranged in at least one hexagonal lattice array within the at least one active core
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are mobile nuclear micro-reactors, systems for same, as well as methods of making mobile nuclear micro-reactors in the hundreds of kilowatt range, scalable to higher powers, capable of operating, at least, ten years without refueling while designed to eliminate fuel resupply tails that have proven so costly in conflicts over the past two decades or more.