Transportable Nuclear Reactor With Internal Movable Radiation Shields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional approaches to shielding mobile nuclear reactors for transport fail to meet ISO container dimensional constraints, necessitating additional external shields that hinder transportability.
Innovation Solution
A transportable, modular nuclear reactor design with internal radiation shields and movable components that allow for achieving critical or supercritical states, enabling efficient radiation attenuation within standard shipping containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If additional external radiation shields are added to reduce radiation dose rates to safe levels, then radiation protection is improved, but the dimensional constraints of ISO shipping containers are violated and transportability is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shielding function is nested within the existing container structure by integrating shields into the container walls and ceiling. The shield assembly includes inner and outer shields positioned within the container boundaries, with the inner shield adjacent to the nuclear reactor and the outer shield forming part of the container wall structure, effectively nesting the shielding system within the container's dimensional constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield assembly is designed to be movable relative to the nuclear reactor, allowing dynamic adjustment of shielding configuration. The supporting mechanism enables the shields to be repositioned based on operational requirements, providing flexible radiation protection while maintaining compatibility with fixed dimensional constraints of the shipping container.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If heavy and thick radiation shields with high density materials are employed to reduce radiation dose rates at short distances, then radiation attenuation is improved, but the weight of the nuclear reactor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shields utilize composite material structures combining different materials with complementary properties. The inner shield uses high-density materials for maximum radiation attenuation, while the outer shield and supporting structures employ lighter materials optimized for structural strength and weight efficiency, creating a composite shielding system that balances protection and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding system implements local quality by concentrating high-density materials in regions where radiation attenuation is most critical (inner shield adjacent to the reactor), while using lighter materials in regions where structural support is sufficient. This localized material optimization reduces overall weight while maintaining effective radiation protection at the source.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the nuclear reactor is designed as a modular unit with movable components for achieving critical or subcritical states, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nuclear reactor is segmented into modular components including the nuclear core module, shield assembly, and supporting mechanism, each capable of independent positioning and configuration. This segmentation enables flexible assembly and disassembly while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs, reducing overall system complexity through modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions the shield assembly for radiation protection, enables movement between critical and subcritical configurations, and provides structural support for the nuclear reactor components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 design ensures safe transport of nuclear reactors by maintaining radiation dose rates within safe limits while adhering to ISO standards, facilitating deployment and retrieval without exceeding dimensional constraints.
Implementation Method 1
Radiation shields generally consist of solid or liquid radiation absorbing materials placed around the radiation source
Implementation Method 2
the nuclear core may be configured to produce thermal energy that may be converted into electricity by means of a power conversion system
Data Source
AI summary
A transportable nuclear power generator unit is provided. The transportable nuclear power generator unit includes a container configured to be transportable by a vehicle, and nuclear power module disposed inside the container. The nuclear power module includes a sealed pressure vessel and a nuclear core disposed inside the sealed pressure vessel. The transportable nuclear power generator unit also includes a plurality of radiation shields provided at a plurality of interior walls inside the container to surround the sealed pressure vessel. The radiation shields are configured to shield radiation generated by the nuclear power module. The radiation shields include a movable shield configured to be movable between a position inside the container and a position on an exterior wall of the container.