Modular Molten Salt Reactor Deployment for Remote Assembly and Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional approaches to constructing and decommissioning molten salt nuclear reactors are burdensome, impractical for remote deployment, and lack the ability for modular assembly and reuse of functional components and fluids.
Innovation Solution
A modular deployment system comprising a reactor module, cooling module, coolant preparation module, fuel shipping module, and fuel preparation module, which can be transported and assembled on-site to form a molten salt reactor system, and subsequently decommissioned and repurposed using standardized modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional approaches to reactor construction are used, then the reactor can be assembled, but the process is burdensome and impractical for remote deployment requiring location-customized assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor system is divided into discrete, transportable modules including the reactor vessel module, fuel salt module, coolant salt module, and heat removal module. Each module can be independently fabricated, transported to remote locations, and assembled on-site, eliminating the need for complex location-customized construction while enabling remote deployment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional approaches are used, then the reactor can be constructed, but the ability to modularly deconstruct, reuse, and repurpose components and fluids is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic, reversible connections between modules that allow for easy disassembly and reconfiguration. The fuel salt and coolant salt are contained in separate, transferable modules that can be removed, stored, or transferred to other reactor systems, enabling adaptability and reuse without complex decommissioning procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the reactor system is designed for remote modular deployment, then deployment flexibility is improved, but the complexity of coordinating multiple transport and assembly operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modules are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that can be used across different reactor deployments. This universality simplifies logistical coordination by allowing the same module types to be reused across multiple sites, reducing the complexity of tracking and managing unique components for each location.
4Ease of operation
If functional components and fluids are kept separate for modular assembly, then on-site assembly flexibility is improved, but the burden of assembling, storing, and transferring numerous separate components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Related functional components are merged into integrated modules. For example, the reactor vessel module combines the reactor pressure vessel, control rod mechanisms, and associated instrumentation into a single transportable unit. The fuel salt module and coolant salt module each contain their respective fluids with associated pumping and circulation components, reducing the number of separate items that must be managed during assembly and storage.
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
Enables efficient, remote deployment and decommissioning of molten salt reactors, allowing for modular assembly and reuse of components and fluids, reducing logistical burdens and enhancing operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a primary coolant loop module configured to circulate the coolant salt between a secondary heat exchanger of the primary cooling module and a primary heat exchanger of the reactor module
Implementation Method 2
The heat removal assembly is couplable with the reactor module to transfer heat generated by the molten salt reactor to an external process
Data Source
AI summary
A deployment system for a molten salt reactor includes a reactor module, a cooling module, a coolant preparation module, a fuel shipping module, and a fuel preparation module. Each of the reactor module, the cooling module, the coolant preparation module, the fuel shipping module, and the fuel preparation module may be supplied to a deployment site. Using the coolant preparation module, a coolant salt held within the reactor module may be transferred to the cooling module. Using the fuel preparation module, a fuel salt held within the fuel shipping module may be transferred to the reactor module.