Offshore Nuclear Reactor Module Deployment on Piled Marine Bases

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in deploying safe and efficient nuclear reactors on or in association with ocean-based structures for portable, low-environmental impact electrical energy generation without requiring land-based facilities.

Innovation Solution

The development of marine nuclear reactor systems, including microreactors and small modular reactors, integrated into vessels or structures that can be deployed at sea, utilizing High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) as a power source, with auxiliary systems for turnkey operation and thermal management, and modular deployment methods using cassettes and anchoring features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If nuclear reactors are deployed on marine vessels for portable power generation, then energy accessibility and environmental impact are improved, but safety risks and regulatory challenges worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy accessibilityVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The nuclear power system is divided into modular reactor units that can be independently contained and managed on the vessel, allowing for segmented safety zones and independent shutdown capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple containment layers and shielding structures serve as intermediaries between the nuclear reactor and the marine environment, providing protective barriers that mitigate radiation risks while enabling power generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If microreactors are integrated into vessels for turnkey deployment, then ease of deployment is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of deploymentVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microreactor, containment structures, cooling systems, and power distribution components are merged into a single integrated vessel system, eliminating the need for separate land-based facilities and enabling turnkey deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The marine vessel is designed to perform multiple functions: housing the nuclear reactor, providing containment, facilitating cooling through marine environments, and enabling power distribution to offshore or coastal locations, thereby simplifying deployment infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple containment layers are added to microreactor cassettes for safety, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The containment system is segmented into multiple discrete layers (primary containment, secondary containment, shielding layers) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled, reducing the complexity of manufacturing each individual layer while achieving cumulative safety benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12620501B2Offshore and marine vessel-based nuclear reactor configuration, deployment and operation

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 ENERGIE PROPRE PRODIGY LTEE PRODIGY CLEAN ENERGY LTD

AI summary

An installation includes: a plurality of pilings securable to a bed under a surface of a body of water; a base structure disposed atop the plurality of pilings; and a module disposable on the base structure, wherein the module is positioned and securable on the base structure after being floated on the surface of the body of water over the base structure.