Thorium molten salt system using internally generated proton-induced neutrons

A method for generating heat in a Thorium containing molten salt, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a molten salt assembly comprising a main body with a rounded bottom, a lid, a tubular member positioned inside the main body configured to direct a circulation of molten salt, and a quantity of Thorium-containing molten salt within the main body;
• providing a fuel rod configured to be submerged in the molten salt within the main body, the fuel rod comprising a first portion comprising a Beryllium-containing material and a second portion comprising a Thorium-containing material, where at least a majority of the first portion is disposed within the second portion;
• generating a proton beam external to the main body having an average energy level of at least 2.4 MeV;
• directing protons from the proton beam through the lid of the molten salt assembly into the molten salt within the main body to induce (p, n) reactions between protons forming the proton beam and at least one material within the molten salt, wherein the induced (p, n) reactions result in the production of at least some neutrons having an energy level of at least 0.7 MeV and wherein:
• at least some of the produced neutrons interact with Thorium-232 atoms within the molten salt to produce Thorium-233 atoms;
• at least some of the produced neutrons interact with Uranium-233 atoms within the molten salt to fission the Uranium-233 atoms;
• and
• the fissioning of the Uranium-233 atoms produces heat.