Modular transportable nuclear generator
AssigneeLogos Technologies, LLC
InventorsClaudio FILIPPONE, Francesco VENNERI
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates generally to electric power and process heat generation using a modular, compact, transportable, hardened nuclear generator rapidly deployable and retrievable, comprising power conversion and electric generation equipment fully integrated within a single pressure vessel housing a nuclear core. The resulting transportable nuclear generator does not require costly site-preparation, and can be transported fully operational. The transportable nuclear generator requires an emergency evacuation area substantially reduced with respect to other nuclear generators as it may be configured for operation with a melt-proof conductive ceramic core which allows decay heat removal even under total loss of coolant scenarios.
Claims20
A transportable nuclear generator, comprising:
- a reactor power module housing a nuclear core, control systems, and coolant flow reversing structure, wherein the reactor power module burns a nuclear fuel to generate thermal energy in a coolant/working fluid that is provided to an integral power conversion module and a power generation;
- a power conversion module comprising turbo-machinery equipment and heat exchangers, wherein the power conversion module receives the thermal energy from the coolant/working fluid from the reactor power module and generates mechanical energy that is provided to a power generation module;
- and
- a power generation module comprising a fast generator-motor, electronic controllers and uninterruptable power sources, wherein the power generation module receives mechanical energy from the power conversion module and generates electrical energy,
- wherein the reactor power module, the power conversion module, and the power generation module are configured to be thermo-hydraulically coupled to one another to form an operational nuclear reactor as a single vessel.
A method of generating electricity, comprising:
- providing a transportable nuclear generator comprising a reactor power module, a power conversion module, and a power generation module, that are configured to be thermal-hydraulically coupled to one another to form an operational nuclear reactor fully contained in a single vessel;
- operating the transportable nuclear generator in one of the following modes:
- (1) according to a regenerative Brayton power cycle to generate electricity using an inert gas as a working fluid;
- (2) according to a Rankine power cycle to generate electricity when water is used as a working fluid.
A method of refueling a transportable nuclear generator comprising a reactor power module, a power conversion module, and a power generation module, that are configured to be thermal-hydraulically coupled to one another to form an operational nuclear reactor, the method comprising:
- removing a first reactor power module having fresh or spent nuclear fuel;
- and
- replacing the first reactor power module with a second reactor power module having fresh nuclear fuel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.