Micro nuclear reactor having a heat pipe extending into a core comprising fuel particles mixed with moderator particles, where the particles can be gravity discharged from the core through a bottom outlet
A micro nuclear reactor includes a core filled with nuclear fuel particles mixed with moderator particles. A heat pipe extends into the core and transfers heat generated by the core. A power converter receives heat from the heat pipe and converts thermal energy into electrical energy. A valve is configured to open and close an outlet located at a lower portion of the core. When the valve is open the nuclear fuel and the moderator are discharged by gravity from the core through the outlet.
1 . A nuclear reactor comprising:
a core containing granular particles of nuclear fuel mixed with granular particles of moderator material;
a heat pipe comprising an evaporator end in the core and a condenser end out of the core;
a power converter arranged to receive heat from the condenser end of the heat pipe, wherein the power converter is operable to convert thermal energy into electrical energy;
an outlet located at a lower portion of the core, wherein the outlet when open allows for gravity discharge of the nuclear fuel and the moderator material out of the core; and
a valve configured to open and close the outlet,
wherein the valve is configured to open responsive to a predetermined condition,
wherein the valve when open causes gravity discharge of the nuclear fuel and the moderator material from the core through the outlet.
2 . The nuclear reactor of claim 1 , wherein the valve is made of a material that melts upon reaching a predetermined temperature, wherein when the valve melts while closed, the outlet is opened.
3 . The nuclear reactor of claim 1 , further comprising a controller configured to control the valve to be opened and closed.
4 . The nuclear reactor of claim 1 ,
wherein the nuclear fuel comprises granular particles having two or more different sizes,
wherein the moderator material comprises granular particles having two or more different sizes.
5 . The nuclear reactor of claim 1 , wherein the power converter comprises one of
a thermoelectric generator using a thermoelectric element,
a steam turbine generator,
a gas turbine generator, or
a Stirling engine.
6 . The nuclear reactor of claim 1 , further comprising a neutron reflector surrounding the core.
7 . The nuclear reactor of claim 6 , further comprising a rotary control drum located radially within the reflector,
wherein the rotary control drum comprises a neutron absorber on one side thereof to absorb neutrons.