Accelerator driven sub-critical core
AssigneeThe Texas A&M University System
InventorsPeter M. McIntyre, Akhdiyor Sattarov
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Abstract
Systems and methods for operating an accelerator driven sub-critical core. In one embodiment, a fission power generator includes a sub-critical core and a plurality of proton beam generators. Each of the proton beam generators is configured to concurrently provide a proton beam into a different area of the sub-critical core. Each proton beam scatters neutrons within the sub-critical core. The plurality of proton beam generators provides aggregate power to the sub-critical core, via the proton beams, to scatter neutrons sufficient to initiate fission in the sub-critical core.
Claims14
A fission power generator, comprising:
- a sub-critical core, and
- a plurality of proton beam generators, each of the proton beam generators configured to concurrently provide a proton beam into a different area of the sub-critical core;
- wherein each proton beam scatters neutrons within the sub-critical core, and the plurality of proton beam generators provide aggregate power to the sub-critical core, via the proton beams, to scatter neutrons sufficient to initiate fission in the sub-critical core;
- wherein the proton beam generators are isochronous cyclotrons, each of the cyclotrons comprising folded radio frequency cavities each cavity comprising a horizontal lobe disposed above a proton beam aperture and a horizontal lobe disposed below the proton beam aperture, wherein each lobe extends lengthwise along an orbital plane of the cyclotron.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.