Passive Thermal Actuator for Micro-Reactor Decay Heat Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro-reactors require a compact and resilient passive decay heat removal system that is not adequately addressed by existing designs, which often result in large geometric footprints and safety concerns due to external threats and limited heat flux capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A container with a loop thermosiphon system that includes a heat exchanger and passive thermal actuators, allowing a working medium to automatically transition between unactuated and actuated states based on reactor events, such as temperature or pressure thresholds, to efficiently remove heat without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If natural convection air flow passages with high chimneys are used to remove decay heat, then heat removal capability is improved, but the geometric footprint and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase change materials (paraffin wax) that transition from solid to liquid state in response to temperature changes. When the reactor temperature exceeds a threshold, the paraffin melts and triggers a连锁 reaction that opens阀门 to activate the cooling system. This phase transition mechanism replaces complex geometric designs with a simple thermal-responsive material solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical buoyancy-driven air flow system (requiring high chimneys and complex ducts) with a thermally-actuated valve system. The парaffin-based thermal actuator automatically opens/closes阀门 based on temperature, eliminating the need for complex air flow passages and reducing the overall geometric footprint while maintaining effective heat removal.
2Temperature
If external chimneys are designed to promote air flow, then heat removal efficiency is improved, but safety against external threats deteriorates due to larger target profile
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is nested within the existing container structure rather than adding external protrusions. The heat exchanger coils are integrated inside the container, and the thermal actuator system is contained within the reactor vessel. This nested arrangement maintains heat removal efficiency while minimizing the external target profile, thereby improving safety against external threats.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the cooling system components with the existing container and reactor structure. The heat exchanger is integrated into the reactor vessel, and the парaffin-based actuator is incorporated within the same thermal envelope. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external chimneys, maintaining cooling efficiency while reducing the vulnerable external surface area.
3Temperature
If passive air cooling system with buoyancy driven air flow is used, then heat removal is achieved, but the system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the reactor's own thermal energy to drive the cooling mechanism. The paraffin material automatically responds to temperature increases by melting and triggering the阀门 opening, requiring no external power source or control system. This self-service mechanism eliminates heavy pumping equipment and control electronics, significantly reducing system weight while maintaining effective heat removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the парaffin material from solid to liquid in response to temperature changes. This parameter change triggers the cooling system activation without requiring additional energy input or heavy mechanical components. The simple phase transition-based control mechanism reduces system weight compared to traditional active cooling systems with pumps and electronics.
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 solution reduces the geometric size of the passive heat removal system, enhances resilience to external events, and ensures effective heat removal from micro-reactors, improving safety and deployment capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A working medium is configured to remove heat from the reactor in the actuated state
Implementation Method 2
A container with a loop thermosiphon system that includes a heat exchanger and passive thermal actuators
Implementation Method 3
an actuator including an unactuated state and an actuated state. The actuator is configured to automatically transition to the actuated state. The transition is based on an event occurring within the reactor
Data Source
AI summary
A container for transporting a reactor is disclosed. The container includes a loop thermosiphon including a chamber, a heat exchanger fluidically coupled to the chamber, and an actuator including an unactuated state and an actuated state. The actuator is configured to automatically transition to the actuated state. The transition is based on an event occurring within the reactor. A working medium is configured to remove heat from the reactor in the actuated state.