Doppler reactivity augmentation device
AssigneeTerraPower, LLC
InventorsJesse R. Cheatham, III, Mark W Reed, Micah J Hackett
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fast neutron nuclear reactor contains a nuclear reactor core having an array of device locations. Some device locations in the nuclear reactor core contain fissile and fertile nuclear fuel assembly devices. One or more other device locations in the nuclear reactor core contain Doppler reactivity augmentation devices that amplify the negativity of the Doppler reactivity coefficient within the nuclear reactor core. In some implementations, a Doppler reactivity augmentation device can also reduce the coolant temperature coefficient within the nuclear reactor core. Accordingly, a Doppler reactivity augmentation device contributes to a more stable nuclear reactor core.
Claims8
A method of operating a fast nuclear fission reactor comprising:
- inserting, into a fast neutron nuclear reactor core having an array of device locations, a nuclear fuel assembly in a first device location of the array of device locations, the nuclear fuel assembly having a hexagonal cross section, the nuclear fuel assembly further containing fissile or fertile nuclear fuel characterized by Doppler broadening constrained within a defined energy range;
- and
- inserting a Doppler reactivity augmentation device in a second device location in the array of device locations, the Doppler reactivity augmentation device having a core of Doppler reactivity augmentation material having a neutron scattering cross-section resonance below 10 keV and one or more channels formed through the core of Doppler reactivity augmentation material, the Doppler reactivity augmentation device being shaped to be interchangeable with the nuclear fuel assembly, wherein the Doppler reactivity augmentation material is selected to provide down scattering of fast neutrons and is formed from an alloy having at least 10% vanadium or titanium by mass.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.