20240021327. HEAT PIPE FUEL ELEMENT AND FISSION REACTOR INCORPORATING SAME, PARTICULARLY HAVING PHYLLOTAXIS SPACING PATTERN OF HEAT PIPE FUEL ELEMENTS, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE simplified abstract (BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC)

HEAT PIPE FUEL ELEMENT AND FISSION REACTOR INCORPORATING SAME, PARTICULARLY HAVING PHYLLOTAXIS SPACING PATTERN OF HEAT PIPE FUEL ELEMENTS, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

Organization Name

BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC

Inventor(s)

Benjamin D. Fisher of Lynchburg VA (US)

Craig D. Gramlich of Forest VA (US)

Ross E. Pivovar of Lynchburg VA (US)

John R. Salasin of Lynchburg VA (US)

Jonathan K. Witter of Forest VA (US)

HEAT PIPE FUEL ELEMENT AND FISSION REACTOR INCORPORATING SAME, PARTICULARLY HAVING PHYLLOTAXIS SPACING PATTERN OF HEAT PIPE FUEL ELEMENTS, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240021327 titled 'HEAT PIPE FUEL ELEMENT AND FISSION REACTOR INCORPORATING SAME, PARTICULARLY HAVING PHYLLOTAXIS SPACING PATTERN OF HEAT PIPE FUEL ELEMENTS, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a heat pipe fuel element that is used in nuclear reactors. The fuel element consists of an evaporation section, a condensing section, a capillary section, and a primary coolant. The evaporation section is connected to the condensing section through the capillary section.

In the cross-section of the evaporation section, there is a cladding layer that encloses an interior area containing a fuel body made of a fissionable fuel composition. The fuel body has an outer surface facing the cladding layer and an inner surface defining the periphery of a vaporization space in the evaporation section. The fuel body has a structure that corresponds to a mathematically-based periodic solid, such as a triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS).

The heat pipe fuel elements are arranged in a phyllotaxis pattern in the active core region of the nuclear reactor.

Potential applications of this technology:

• Nuclear reactors: The heat pipe fuel element can be used in nuclear reactors to enhance heat transfer and improve the overall efficiency of the reactor.
• Energy generation: The technology can contribute to the development of more efficient and reliable nuclear power plants, leading to increased energy generation.

Problems solved by this technology:

• Heat transfer: The heat pipe fuel element improves heat transfer within the nuclear reactor, allowing for better control of temperature and preventing overheating.
• Efficiency: The use of the heat pipe fuel element increases the efficiency of the nuclear reactor by optimizing heat transfer and reducing energy losses.

Benefits of this technology:

• Enhanced heat transfer: The heat pipe fuel element improves heat transfer efficiency, leading to better performance and increased safety of the nuclear reactor.
• Increased efficiency: The technology increases the overall efficiency of the nuclear reactor, resulting in higher energy generation and reduced operational costs.
• Improved reliability: By optimizing heat transfer and temperature control, the heat pipe fuel element enhances the reliability and stability of the nuclear reactor.

Original Abstract Submitted

a heat pipe fuel element includes an evaporation section, a condensing section, a capillary section connecting the evaporation section to the condensing section, and a primary coolant. in a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the evaporation section, the heat pipe fuel element includes a cladding layer enclosing an interior area including a fuel body formed of a fissionable fuel composition and that has an outer surface oriented toward the cladding layer and an inner surface defining a periphery of a vaporization space of the evaporation section. the fuel body has a structure with a shape corresponding to a mathematically-based periodic solid, such as a triply periodic minimal surface (tpms), and the evaporation sections of a plurality of heat pipe fuel elements are arranged in a phyllotaxis pattern (as seen in a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the active core region).