Heat exchanger assemblies having embedded sensors
Heat exchanger assemblies are provided that can include: a heat exchanger housing; at least one primary conduit operably coupled to the heat exchanger housing and configured to convey a primary heat exchange fluid; at least one secondary conduit operably coupled to the heat exchanger housing and configured to convey a secondary heat exchange fluid; at least one thermal interface between the primary and secondary fluids; and at least one sensor operably engaged with the thermal interface. Heat exchanger assemblies including molten salt, liquid metal, or water/steam as part of the heat exchange fluids of the heat exchanger assembly are provided. The heat exchanger assemblies can include: at least one thermal interface between primary and secondary heat exchange fluids of the heat exchanger assembly; and a sensor operably engaged with the at least one interface.
1. A heat exchanger assembly including molten salt, liquid metal, or water/steam as part of the heat exchange fluids of the heat exchanger assembly, the assembly comprising:
at least one thermal interface configured as a wall of a conduit between primary and secondary heat exchange fluids of the heat exchanger assembly;
a sensor operably engaged with the at least one thermal interface; and
a fission reactor operably coupled to the heat exchanger assembly.
2. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 1 wherein the sensor is integrated into the wall of the secondary conduit.
3. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 1 wherein the sensor is engaged with a secondary fluid exposed surface of the wall of the secondary conduit.
4. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 1 further comprising a sensor housing defining a space about the sensor.
5. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 4 further comprising a sensor conduit extending through the wall of the primary conduit to the space within the sensor housing.
6. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 4 wherein the processing circuitry is operably coupled to the sensor via one or more wires extending to the sensor within the sensor housing.
7. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 1 wherein one or both of the primary and/or secondary heat exchange fluids is one or both of lead, sodium or other low-melt metal.
8. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 1 wherein one or both of the primary and/or secondary heat exchange fluids is a molten salt.
9. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 1 wherein one or both of the primary and/or secondary heat exchange fluids is water or steam.
10. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 1 wherein the fission reactor utilizes a fuel molten salt.
11. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 10 wherein the heat exchanger assembly utilizes a coolant molten salt.