Wireless power level and power distribution monitoring and control system for subcritical spent fuel assembly array using removable sic neutron detector thimble tube

A power monitor system comprising:

• a power sensor system for monitoring a subcritical neutron generator, the power sensor system comprising:
• a self-powered sensor insert for measuring neutron flux levels in a spent fuel assembly of the subcritical neutron generator, the self-powered sensor insert comprising:
• an insert thimble comprising:
• a housing configured to be insertable into a guide thimble of a spent fuel assembly;
• a power generator for producing a first electrical power based on delta-radiation, wherein the power generator is positioned within the housing, wherein the first power generator comprises a material having a high neutron capture cross section;
• and
• a first electrical interface configured to output the first electrical power;
• and
• a detector assembly, the detector assembly comprising:
• a detector tube configured to be surrounded by the first power generator;
• at least one radiation detector comprising a Silicon Carbide based Schottky diode, wherein the at least one radiation detector is enclosed in the detector tube, wherein the at least one radiation detector is configured to provide a first signal in response to an incident neutron flux;
• a transmission circuit comprising a transmitter for outputting a wireless signal based on the first signal;
• and
• a second electrical interface, wherein the second electrical interface is configured to receive the first electrical power and provide a power source for the transmission circuit;
• and
• a control system comprising:
• an antenna for receiving the wireless signal;
• a signal interface, wherein an input of the signal interface is electrically connected to the antenna, wherein the signal interface is configured to output a third signal based on the wireless signal;
• and
• a controller comprising a processor configured to:
• receive the third signal;
• and
• based on the third signal, control a neutron flux outputted by an electronic neutron generator of the subcritical neutron generator.