CN103237996A - Electromagnetic flow regulators, systems, and methods for regulating flow of electrically conductive fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed embodiments include electromagnetic flow regulators for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, systems for regulating flow of the electrically conductive fluid, methods of regulating flow of the electrically conductive fluid, nuclear fission reactors, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant, and methods of regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant in the nuclear fission reactor.

Description

Electromagnetic flow regulator, system and method for regulating flow of electrically conductive fluid

Cross reference to related applications

This application is related to and claims the benefit of the earliest valid application date from the following listed applications (e.g., claims the earliest available priority date of a non-provisional patent application, or claims a provisional patent application, as well as any and all parent, grandparent, great grandparent, etc. applications of related applications based on the benefit of 35USC § 119 (e)). All subject matter of related applications, including any preferred claims, as well as any and all parents, grandparents, great grandparents, etc. applications of related applications, is incorporated herein by reference to the extent such subject matter does not contradict the subject matter herein.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application constitutes a continuation-in-part application, No. 12/924,914, OF U.S. patent application No. 10/6, filed 2010, entitled, FOR example, Roderick a. hyde, Muriel y. ishikawa, Jon d. mccreviter, Ashok oldera, Joshua c. walter, Kevan d. weaver, and Lowell l. wood, jr., entitled, "ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM and method OF REGULATING FLOW OF a conductive FLUID", which is currently pending, or an application that is to be granted a benefit on the filing date OF the present pending application.

The present application constitutes a continuation-in-part application, currently pending or otherwise entitled application OF U.S. patent application No. 12/930,151 entitled ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM AND method FOR REGULATING the FLOW OF a conductive FLUID, filed on 28.12.2010, by the U.S. patent AND trademark office (USPTO), entitled "ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM AND method," filed on U.S. patent AND trademark office, germany, german, kojic, kev, weaved d, germanic, dedodating, AND Lowell l.wood, which is filed on 28.12.2010, currently pending or otherwise entitled application FOR filing the benefit OF the filing date OF the present application.

The present application constitutes a continuation-in-part application, currently pending or otherwise entitled application OF U.S. patent application No. 12/930,146 entitled ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM AND method FOR REGULATING the FLOW OF a conductive FLUID, filed on 28.12.2010, by the U.S. patent AND trademark office (USPTO), entitled "ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM AND method," filed on U.S. patent AND trademark office, germany, german, kojic, kev, weaved d, germanic, dedodating, AND Lowell l.wood, which is filed on 28.12.2010, currently pending or otherwise entitled application FOR filing the benefit OF the filing date OF the present application.

The present application constitutes a continuation-in-part application, currently pending or otherwise entitled application OF U.S. patent application No. 12/930,152 entitled ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM AND method FOR REGULATING the FLOW OF a conductive FLUID, filed on 28.12.2010, by the U.S. patent AND trademark office (USPTO), entitled "ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM AND method," filed on U.S. patent AND trademark office, germany, german, kojic, kev, weaved d, germanic, dedodating, AND Lowell l.wood, which is filed on 28.12.2010, currently pending or otherwise entitled application FOR filing the benefit OF the filing date OF the present application.

The present application constitutes a continuation-in-part application, currently pending or otherwise entitled application OF U.S. patent application No. 12/930,150 entitled ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM AND method FOR REGULATING the FLOW OF a conductive FLUID, filed on 28.12.2010, by the U.S. patent AND trademark office (USPTO), entitled "ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM AND method," filed on U.S. patent AND trademark office, germany, german, kojic, kev, weaved d, germanic, dedodating, AND Lowell l.wood, which is filed on 28.12.2010, currently pending or otherwise entitled application FOR filing the benefit OF the filing date OF the present application.

The present application constitutes a continuation-in-part application, currently pending or otherwise entitled application OF U.S. patent application No. 12/930,149 entitled ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM AND method FOR REGULATING the FLOW OF a conductive FLUID, filed on 28.12.2010, by the U.S. patent AND trademark office (USPTO), entitled "ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM AND method," filed on U.S. patent AND trademark office, germany, german, kojic, kev, weaved d, germanic, dedodating, AND Lowell l.wood, which is filed on 28.12.2010, currently pending or otherwise entitled application FOR filing the benefit OF the filing date OF the present application.

The present application constitutes a continuation-in-part application, currently pending or otherwise entitled application OF U.S. patent application No. 12/930,147 entitled ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM AND method FOR REGULATING the FLOW OF a conductive FLUID, filed on 28.12.2010, by the U.S. patent AND trademark office (USPTO), entitled "ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM AND method," filed on U.S. patent AND trademark office, germany, german, kojic, kev, weaved d, germanic, dedodating, AND Lowell l.wood, which is filed on 28.12.2010, currently pending or otherwise entitled application FOR filing the benefit OF the filing date OF the present application.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a computer program containing USPTO asking the patent applicant to quote a serial number and a notice indicating whether the application is a continuation, partial continuation or divisional application of a parent application. For details see the following articles: kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTO office Gazette March18, 2003. The applicant entity (hereinafter referred to as "applicant") has provided above a specific reference to an application claiming priority as set forth by the regulations. The applicant understands that the legislation is clear in its specific reference language and does not require a serial number or any representation like "continue" or "partial continue" to claim priority from the us patent application. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the applicant is aware that the computer program of the USPTO has certain data input requirements, and therefore the applicant provides a specification of the relationship between the present application and its parent application as described above, it should be expressly noted that such specification is in no way to be construed as including any type of annotation and/or admission of a new subject matter in addition to the subject matter of its parent application.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid.

Disclosure of Invention

Disclosed embodiments include electromagnetic flow regulators for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, nuclear fission reactors, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant, and methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor.

In addition to the foregoing, various other method and/or apparatus aspects are shown and described in the teachings of this disclosure (e.g., in the claims and/or detailed description) and/or the drawings.

The foregoing is a summary and thus may contain simplifications, generalizations, implications, and/or omissions of detail; accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. In addition to the exemplary aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

Drawings

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter of the present disclosure, it is believed that the disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Additionally, the use of the same symbols in different drawings typically indicates similar or identical items.

FIG. 1A is a side view in partial schematic form of an exemplary electromagnetic flow regulator;

FIG. 1B is a side view in partial schematic form of another exemplary electromagnetic flow regulator;

FIG. 1C is a partial cross-sectional side view of the electromagnetic flow regulator of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 1D is a view taken along section line 1D-1D of FIG. 1C;

FIG. 1E is an enlarged fragmentary view of a cross-section of a detail of the electromagnetic flow regulator of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 1F is a graph of the relationship of velocity, magnetic field, and induced electric field of a conductive fluid;

FIG. 1G is a partially cut-away perspective view of the electromagnetic flow regulator of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 1H is an enlarged fragmentary view in cross section of another detail of the electromagnetic flow regulator of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 1I is a graph of the relationship of induced current, magnetic field, and Lorentz net force in a conductive fluid;

FIG. 1J is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective of another detail of the electromagnetic flow regulator of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 1K is a side view in partial cross-sectional schematic form of another exemplary electromagnetic flow regulator;

FIG. 1L is a view taken along section line 1L-1L of FIG. 1K;

FIG. 1M is a view taken along section line 1M-1M of FIG. 1K;

FIG. 1N is a view taken along section line 1N-1N of FIG. 1M;

FIG. 2A is a flow chart of an exemplary method of regulating flow of a conductive fluid;

2B-2E are flow diagrams of details of the method of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2F is a flow diagram of another exemplary method of regulating flow of a conductive fluid;

FIG. 2G is a flow chart of a detail of the method of FIG. 2F;

FIG. 2H is a flow chart of another exemplary method of regulating flow of a conductive fluid;

FIG. 2I is a flow chart of a detail of the method of FIG. 2H;

FIG. 3A is a flow chart of an exemplary method of manufacturing an electromagnetic flow regulator;

3B-3K are flow diagrams of details of the method of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3L is a flow chart of another exemplary method of manufacturing an electromagnetic flow regulator;

3M-3P are flow diagrams of details of the method of FIG. 3L;

FIG. 3Q is a flow chart of another exemplary method of manufacturing an electromagnetic flow regulator;

3R-3T are flow diagrams of details of the method of FIG. 3Q;

fig. 4A is a schematic illustration of an exemplary nuclear fission reactor system;

FIG. 4B is a top plan view in partial schematic form of an exemplary nuclear fission module;

FIG. 4C is a top plan view in partial schematic form of the exemplary nuclear fission module of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 4D is a top plan view in partial schematic form of the other exemplary nuclear fission module of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 4E is a top plan view, in partially schematic form, of the other exemplary nuclear fission module of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 4F is a top view, in partial schematic form, of an exemplary traveling wave reactor core;

fig. 5A is a schematic illustration of components of an exemplary nuclear fission reactor;

5B-5C are partially schematic, partially cross-sectional side views of an exemplary electromagnetic flow regulator and nuclear fission module;

6A-6C are partial cross-sectional side views in partially schematic form of other exemplary electromagnetic flow modifiers and nuclear fission modules;

FIG. 6D is a partially sectioned top view, in partially schematic form, of an exemplary reactor core;

FIG. 6E is a partial cross-sectional side view, in partial schematic form, of the reactor core of FIG. 6D;

FIG. 6F is a partially sectioned top view, in partially schematic form, of another exemplary reactor core;

FIG. 6G is a partially schematic, partially sectioned side view of the reactor core of FIG. 6F;

6H-6J are partial cutaway top views in partial schematic form of other exemplary reactor cores;

FIG. 7A is a flow chart of an exemplary method of regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant;

7B-7S are flow diagrams of details of the method of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7T is a flow chart of an exemplary method of regulating flow of another electrically conductive reactor coolant;

7U-7AH are flow diagrams of details of the method of FIG. 7T;

FIG. 7AI is a flow chart of an exemplary method of regulating flow of another electrically conductive reactor coolant; and

7AJ-7AW are flow diagrams of details of the method of FIG. 7I.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, like numerals generally refer to like parts throughout the several views unless the context dictates otherwise. The exemplary embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

In addition, the present application uses formal general headings for clarity of presentation. However, it should be understood that these general headings are for illustrative purposes and that different types of topics may be discussed throughout the application (e.g., devices/structures may be described under the process/operations heading and/or processes/operations may be discussed under the structure/process heading; and/or a description of a single topic may span two or more topic headings). Thus, the use of a formal, general heading is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Moreover, the subject matter described herein sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. Conceptually, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as "associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being "operably connected," or "operably coupled," to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably couplable," to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components, wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components, and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components.

In some cases, one or more components may be referred to herein as "configured," "configurable," "functional/functional.. useful," "applicable/adaptable," "capable," "conformable/in accordance," etc. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that "configured," configurable, "" functional.

Exemplary electromagnetic flow regulators, systems, and methods

Given by way of overview and with reference to FIG. 1A, an exemplary electromagnetic flow regulator 490 that regulates the flow of an electrically conductive fluid is provided. The magnetic conductors 510 are arranged in fixed relative positions, such as by being attached to a frame 491. The magnetic conductors 510 define a fluid flow path 141 for an electrically conductive fluid through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 therealong. The magnetic conductors 510 define a fluid inlet path for an electrically conductive fluid substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path 141 to pass therethrough. The field generation winding 570, which can carry an electrical current, can be electromagnetically coupled with the magnetic conductors 510 such that the field generation winding 570 can generate at least one magnetic field on the fluid inlet path.

In some embodiments, the fluid inlet path may be defined by a flow aperture 520 defined in the magnetic conductor 510. Additionally, the fluid flow path 141 through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be defined inboard of the magnetic conductors 510.

Power from the power supply 590 may be supplied to the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 via the circuit 580 (and its circuit segments 580a, 580b, and 580 c). In some embodiments, the power supply 590 may be controlled by the control unit 610. Exemplary details of the power supply 590 and the control unit are given further below.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be provided for various applications, as desired. As a non-limiting example, an exemplary electromagnetic flow regulator 490a that can regulate the flow of an electrically conductive fluid by restricting the flow of the electrically conductive fluid is first discussed. Another exemplary electromagnetic flow regulator 490b that can regulate the flow of the conductive fluid by restricting and/or forcing the flow of the conductive fluid is then discussed.

It should be appreciated that the electromagnetic flow regulators 490a and 490b may be used as desired for particular applications. Accordingly, system-level applications and primary environments will be described herein for the electromagnetic flow regulator 490. Thus, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490, as well as the primary environment herein for the context of system-level applications, also includes the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 b. That is, any electromagnetic flow regulator 490 in the context of system-level applications is contemplated herein, as well as primary environments that are also contemplated for either the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a or the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b, or both the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 b.

Given still by way of overview and still referring to FIG. 1A, the following information is provided as a high level introduction to some aspects of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 a. Thus, in addition to the information presented above for the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 (which need not be repeated for understanding), the following information is also provided. To this end, in various embodiments of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a, the field generating winding 570 is disposed outside of the magnetic conductors 510. In some embodiments, field generation winding 570 may comprise a spiral coil, and in some other embodiments, field generation winding 570 may comprise a substantially circular coil. In some embodiments, magnetic nonconductors 530 may be attached to frame 491 and disposed between adjacent ones of magnetic conductors 510. In such a case, the fluid flow path 141 is further defined along the magnetic nonconductor 530.

An exemplary embodiment of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a is now shown by way of non-limiting example. The magnetic conductors 510 are arranged in fixed relative positions, such as by being attached to a frame 491. The magnetic conductors 510 define a fluid flow path 141 for an electrically conductive fluid through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 therealong. The magnetic conductors 510 define a fluid inlet path for an electrically conductive fluid substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path 141 to pass therethrough. The field generation winding 570, which can carry an electrical current, can be electromagnetically coupled with the magnetic conductors 510 such that the field generation winding 570 can generate at least one magnetic field on the fluid inlet path.

Still referring to fig. 1B and still given by way of overview, in some embodiments, the fluid flow path 141 through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a may be further defined inboard of the magnetic conductor 510. In some embodiments, magnetic nonconductors 530 may be attached to frame 491 and disposed between adjacent ones of magnetic conductors 510. In such a case, the fluid flow path 141 through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a may be further defined along the magnetic nonconductor 530, such as by being defined inside the magnetic nonconductor 530. In some embodiments, field generation winding 570 may comprise a spiral coil, and in some other embodiments, field generation winding 570 may comprise a substantially circular coil.

Now that an overview has been made, the structure and operation of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a that can restrict the flow of an electrically conductive fluid will now be described.

Still referring to fig. 1B, adjacent magnetic conductors 510 carry a magnetic field 630 generated by current 600 flowing through field-generating winding 570. The magnetic conductors 510 may be made of cast iron, carbon steel, or special commercial alloys such as the permalloys Deltamax and Sendus. In one embodiment, the magnetic conductors 510 may be upright, elongated, spaced, and arranged in a generally cylindrical or tubular configuration that closely arranges the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a into the device, system, primary environment, etc., in which the flow of electrically conductive fluid is to be regulated by the electromagnetic flow regulator 49 a. Each magnetic conductor 510 may have a square, rectangular, parallelepiped, circular, and any other suitable cross-section.

Each adjacent magnetic conductor 510 defines one or more flow holes 520 for flowing an electrically conductive fluid through the magnetic conductor 510. The magnetic conductors 510 serve to concentrate the magnetic potential within or near the electrically conductive fluid flow path. It will be appreciated that the flow apertures 520 are in some portions 145 of the flow path 140. It will also be appreciated that the flow path through the interior of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a of the electrically conductive fluid is defined along the magnetic conductor 510, i.e., inboard of the magnetic conductor 510. It should be further appreciated that the incoming flow path of the electrically conductive fluid through the flow bore 520 is substantially orthogonal to the flow path through the interior of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a of the electrically conductive fluid.

Interposed between adjacent ones of the magnetic conductors 510 are respective ones of the magnetic nonconductors 530. The magnetic nonconductor 530 functions to limit the magnetic potential in areas outside of some portion 145 of the conductive fluid flow path 140. The appropriate use of magnetic conductors and magnetic nonconductors can help maximize the magnetic field strength observed by the conductive fluid in the region of the conductive fluid over some portion 145 of the flow path 140 for a given current applied to the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 a. The magnetic nonconductor 530 may be made of 300 stainless steel or the like. It should be appreciated that the flow path through the interior of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a of the electrically conductive fluid is thus also defined along the magnetic nonconductor 530, i.e., inside the magnetic nonconductor 530.

It will be appreciated that the selection of the number of flow apertures 520 involves consideration of the flow friction resistance of the conductive fluid and the ability to provide a uniform magnetic field over the length and flow cross-section of the flow path 140. In some embodiments, the plurality of flow holes 520 are selected such that the magnetic field requirements are reduced and frictional losses are minimized.

Referring additionally to fig. 1C and 1D, frame 491 includes a base 540 and a yoke 550. The upper and lower ends of magnetic conductors 510 and magnetic nonconductors 530 are attached to a frame 491. The lower ends of magnetic conductors 510 and magnetic nonconductors 530 are attached to base member 540. Attaching the lower ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 to the base member 540 secures the lower ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 such that the lower ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 cannot move laterally. Thus, the base member 540 increases the vibration and structural stiffness of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a as the conductive fluid flows through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 a. More specifically, the lower ends of magnetic conductors 510 and magnetic nonconductors 530 may be attached to base member 540 by a pair of alignment tabs 510a and 510 b. However, it should be appreciated that the lower ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 may be attached to the base member 540 by welding or by any suitable attachment means.

The disc-shaped yoke 550 secures the upper ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 such that the upper ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 cannot move laterally. Thus, as the relatively high-speed conductive fluid flows through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a, the yoke 550 increases the vibration and structural stiffness of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 a. The yoke 550 includes a first portion 550a and a second portion 550 b. The second portion 550b is arranged inside concentrically with the first portion 550 a. The upper ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 are suitably attached to the second portion 550b, such as by a pair of alignment tabs 550c and 550 d. However, it should be appreciated that the upper ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 may be attached to the second portion 550b by welding or by any suitable attachment means.

In some embodiments, the yoke 550 may have a recess 555 that tightly engages the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a with a device, system, host environment, etc. (collectively referred to as 30) that regulates flow. Interposed between the first portion 550a and the second portion 550b is an annular insulator portion 560 that isolates the electromagnetic circuit from the device, system, main environment, etc. 30 that regulates flow. Insulator portion 560 is a dielectric (i.e., non-conductive substance) and may be made of any material that impedes the flow of current. In this regard, insulator portion 560 may be made of ceramic, glass, plastic (e.g., phenolic), rubber, acrylic, polyurethane, or the like. Another purpose of the base member 540 and the yoke 550, when made of magnetic material, is to provide a magnetic seal at the top and bottom of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 a.

Referring now to fig. 1B and 1C, in some embodiments, a field generation winding 570 (sometimes referred to as an induction coil) may be helically configured around the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 in a tubular configuration. In such a case, the helical induction coil 570 extends helically along the tubular configuration defined by the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductor 530. In some other embodiments, the induction coil 570 need not be helically configured around the tubular configuration defined by the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530. For example, in some other embodiments, the induction coil 570 may include separate, spaced apart induction coils 570. In such a case, each induction coil 570 surrounds a tubular configuration defined by the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530.

Regardless of the form of the field generating winding 570, the induction coil 570 is coupled to the magnetic conductors 510 and interposed between and proximate to respective ones of the flow apertures 520. The purpose of the induction coil 570 is to generate a magnetic field at or near the corresponding flow aperture of the flow aperture 520. The induction coil 570 may be made of any suitable conductive material, such as copper, silver, aluminum, and the like.

In addition, the induction coil 570 may include adjacent shut-off laminations or layers. Referring additionally to fig. 1E, the laminate includes conductor layers 575a and adjacent insulator layers 575b arranged side-by-side in an alternating fashion. The multiple turns or layers in the current-intercepting layer reduce the current required to generate a magnetic field of a given strength.

Referring to fig. 1B, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a may be electrically coupled with a circuit 580 defining a circuit segment 580a, the circuit segment 580a having a first end thereof connected with the induction coil 570 and a second end thereof connected with a circuit segment 580B. In addition, circuit 580 has a circuit segment 580c that is attached at a first end to circuit segment 580b and at a second end to base member 540. In one embodiment, power supply 590 is electrically connected to circuitry 580 such that current is supplied to induction coil 570. In this embodiment, the current flows in the direction pointing to arrow 600. The power supply 590 may be a dc output power supply with a variable output voltage. Such commercial power sources that may be suitable for this purpose are available from Colutron research corporation, Boulder, Colorado u.s.a., usa.

The control unit 610 may be electrically connected to the power supply 590 so as to control and regulate the current supplied by the power supply 590. The magnitude of the magnetic force acting on the conductive fluid is proportional to the output voltage of the power supply 590, such that varying the output voltage varies the magnitude of the magnetic force and the flow rate of the conductive fluid. In other words, increasing the output voltage may increase the magnetic field and the magnetic force acting on the conductive fluid, and decreasing the output voltage may decrease the magnetic field and the magnetic force acting on the conductive fluid.

Referring now to FIG. 1F, the induced electric field "E" will affect or prevent the established flow of the electrically conductive fluid to the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 a. The movement of the conductive fluid through the magnetic field results in an induced electric field according to the following equation:

e = v × B, equation (1)

Wherein,

b is the magnetic field vector (e.g., in tesla);

e is the induced electric field vector (e.g., in volts per meter);

v is the velocity of the conductive fluid (e.g., in meters per second);

the electric field E induces a current density J in the fluid due to the conductivity of the fluid. The current density J then produces a lorentz force density F and a total force F against the flow of the conductive fluid as shown in the following expression:

f = JXB (Lorentz's law of force) equation (2)

And

f = F × volume equation (3)

Referring additionally to fig. 1G, 1H, 1I, and 1J, current supplied to induction coil 570 from power supply 590 and circuit 580 flows along induction coil 570 generally in the direction illustrated by designated arrow 600. In this case, the magnetic field B generally acts in the direction illustrated by designated arrow 630. The magnetic field B indicated by arrow 630 acts substantially perpendicular to the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the portion 145 of the fluid flow path 140. The generated lorentz force F acts in a direction pointing towards arrow 640, substantially perpendicular to the magnetic field B indicated by arrow 630. The term "substantially perpendicular" is defined herein to mean an orientation within ± 45 ° of exactly perpendicular. It will be appreciated that the sensing vectors are maximized or minimized when arranged vertically. It should also be understood that vertical orientation may not be allowed for practical applications. However, such an orientation may still result in a vector magnitude sufficient to perform the functions described herein. As the conductive fluid attempts to flow through the flow bore 520, the lorentz force F acting in the direction of arrow 640 will resist or otherwise oppose the flow of the conductive fluid. In other words, the force F applies a braking force to the electrically conductive fluid.

Given by way of another non-limiting example, another example electromagnetic flow regulator 490b may regulate the flow of an electrically conductive fluid by restricting the flow and/or forcing the flow of the electrically conductive fluid.

Given by way of overview and referring back to FIG. 1A, the following information is provided as a high level introduction to some aspects of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 b. Thus, in addition to the information presented above for the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 (which need not be repeated for understanding), the following information is also provided. To this end, in various embodiments of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b, the field generation winding 570 includes a conductor 910a (not shown in fig. 1A for clarity) capable of carrying current and disposed inside the magnetic conductor, and a conductor 910b capable of carrying current and disposed outside the magnetic conductor. The electromagnetic flow regulator 490b may include a magnetic nonconductor (not shown in FIG. 1A for clarity) attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the magnetic conductors. In such a case, the fluid flow path is further defined along the magnetic nonconductor, and the fluid inlet path is further defined along the magnetic nonconductor.

An exemplary embodiment of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b is now shown by way of non-limiting example. Referring now to fig. 1K, 1L, 1M and 1N and by way of overview, the magnetic conductors 510, 890 are arranged in fixed relative positions, such as by being attached to a frame 491. The magnetic conductors 510, 890 define a fluid flow path 141 for the electrically conductive fluid therealong and a flow bore therethrough defining a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path. The field generating windings 910a, 910b include a conductor 910a capable of carrying current and disposed inside the magnetic conductors 510, 890 and a conductor 910b capable of carrying current and disposed outside the magnetic conductors 510, 890. The field generating windings 910a, 910b are electromagnetically coupled with the magnetic conductors 510, 890 such that the field generating windings 910a, 910b can generate at least one magnetic field on the fluid inlet path. Exemplary details will be presented below.

Frame 491 includes a housing 875 attached at its lower end to base 540 and at its upper end to yoke 550. The housing includes a region of low magnetic susceptibility 880 (i.e., magnetic nonconductor 530) and a region of high magnetic susceptibility 890 (i.e., magnetic conductor 510) as described below.

The flow holes 520b can be defined vertically and circumferentially around the housing 875 as follows. Each flow hole 520b is formed by a low magnetic susceptibility material, i.e., region 880 of magnetic nonconductor 530, and a high magnetic susceptibility material, i.e., region 890 of magnetic conductor 510, disposed on opposite sides of flow hole 520b, capable of conducting current.

Interposed between regions 880 and 890 are respective ones of the insulation segments 900. Thus, the areas 880 and 890 and the insulating segment 900 are in communication with the flow bore 520 b.

The field generating winding is comprised of current carrying wires 910a and 910 b. The current carrying wire 910a extends longitudinally along the interior of the housing 875. The current carrying wire 910b is integral with the current carrying wire 910a and extends longitudinally along the exterior of the housing 875. Circuit segment 580a of circuit 580 is electrically coupled to current-carrying conductor 910a and circuit segment 580c of circuit 580 is electrically coupled to current-carrying conductor 910 b. This configuration results in the magnetic field B being horizontal and the current carrying wires 910a and 910B being vertical. An electric field E is established across the flow hole 520b in the vertical direction.

Thin laminations or insulating layers 895 may be placed on the circumferential inner and outer surfaces of the low-susceptibility material 880 and the high-susceptibility material 890 to help prevent current leakage into the material or region surrounding the flow regulator 490 b.

The current I or electric field E may be reversed to force or restrict the movement of the conductive fluid through the flow bore 520 b. The intercepting conductor 910a (disposed inside the housing 875) generates a downward flowing current, and the intercepting conductor 910b (disposed outside the housing 875) generates an upward flowing current. The arrangement of the intercepting conductors 910a and 910B is such that a continuous magnetic field B is formed that does not obstruct the flow bore 520B.

While the current density J in equation (2) is generated in the opposite direction to the flow of the conductive fluid in the absence of an external driving force (as in flow regulator 490 a), the application of an external driving force in flow regulator 490b may increase or decrease J along either direction. The resultant force density F in equation (2), and thus likewise the resultant force F, may then be driven in a direction that either contributes to or opposes the flow.

It should be appreciated that the orientation of the electromagnetic flow regulators 490a and 490b (and their components) may be vertical (as described and illustrated herein) or horizontal as determined by the particular application. Thus, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" are used above merely to illustrate the non-limiting illustrative examples given herein. In some applications, the orientation of the electromagnetic flow regulators 490a and 490b may be perpendicular to the non-limiting orientations described and illustrated herein. It will be understood, therefore, that the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" may be interchanged, as determined by the desired orientation in a particular application.

Referring back to FIG. 1A, it should be appreciated that one system for electromagnetically regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid may include a power source that is electrically powered, such as power source 590, and an electromagnetic flow regulator 490. Another system for electromagnetically regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid may include a power source, such as power source 590, for power, and an electromagnetic flow regulator 490 a. Similarly, another system for electromagnetically regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid may include a power source that is electrically powered, such as power source 590, and an electromagnetic flow regulator 490 b. Any of the above systems may also include a controller, such as control unit 610, if desired. The power supply 590, control unit 610, and electromagnetic flow regulators 490, 490a, and 490b have been discussed above. And no unnecessary detail of their construction or operation is to be understood therefrom.

Now that exemplary details have been presented above with respect to the structure and operation of the electromagnetic flow regulators 490, 490a and 490b, various methods of electromagnetically regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid will be presented below.

Referring now to fig. 2A, provided is an exemplary method 2000 of regulating flow of a conductive fluid. The method 2000 begins at block 2002. In block 2004, an electrically conductive fluid is flowed through a fluid inlet path defined by a plurality of magnetic conductors of an electromagnetic flow regulator. Lorentz forces are generated that regulate the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path in block 2006. An electrically conductive fluid is flowed along a fluid flow path defined along a plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially orthogonal to a fluid inlet path in block 2008. The method 2000 ends in block 2010.

Referring additionally to fig. 2B, in one embodiment, generating lorentz forces to regulate the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path in block 2006 can include generating lorentz forces to impede the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path in block 2012. For example and with additional reference to fig. 2C, generating lorentz forces that impede flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path in block 2012 can include generating at least one magnetic field on the fluid inlet path by a current-carrying field generation winding disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 2014.

Referring now to fig. 2A and 2D, in another embodiment, generating lorentz forces to regulate the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path in block 2006 can include generating lorentz forces to force the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path in block 2016. For example, and with additional reference to fig. 2E, generating the lorentz force forcing the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path in block 2016 may include generating at least one magnetic field on the fluid inlet path through a first plurality of current carrying conductors disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of current carrying conductors disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 2018.

Referring now to fig. 2F, provided is an exemplary method 2100 of regulating flow of a conductive fluid. It should be appreciated that method 2100 regulates the flow of the conductive fluid by restricting the flow of the conductive fluid.

The method 2100 begins at block 2102. In block 2104, an electrically conductive fluid is flowed through a plurality of flow holes defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors in an electromagnetic flow regulator. Lorentz forces are generated that resist the flow of the conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes in block 2106. An electrically conductive fluid is flowed along a fluid flow path defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially orthogonal to the plurality of flow holes in block 2108. The method 2100 ends in block 2110.

Referring additionally to fig. 2G, generating the lorentz force that impedes the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes in block 2106 may include generating at least one magnetic field over the plurality of flow holes by a current-carrying field generation winding disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 2112.

Referring now to fig. 2H, provided is an exemplary method 2200 of regulating flow of a conductive fluid. It should be appreciated that method 2200 regulates the flow of the conductive fluid by forcing the flow of the conductive fluid.

The method 2200 begins at block 2202. At block 2204, an electrically conductive fluid is flowed through a plurality of flow holes defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors. Lorentz forces are generated that force the conductive fluid to flow through the plurality of flow holes in block 2206. An electrically conductive fluid is flowed along a fluid flow path defined along a plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially orthogonal to a plurality of flow holes in block 2208. The method 2200 ends in block 2210.

Referring additionally to fig. 2I, generating the lorentz force forcing the electrically conductive fluid to flow through the plurality of flow holes in block 2206 may include generating at least one magnetic field across the plurality of flow holes in block 2212 via a first plurality of current carrying conductors disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of current carrying conductors disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, provided is an exemplary method of making an electromagnetic flow regulator that regulates flow of an electrically conductive fluid. The method 3000 begins at block 3002. A fluid inlet path for an electrically conductive fluid is defined in block 3004 by a plurality of magnetic conductors. A plurality of magnetic conductors are attached to the frame in block 3006 such that a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid is defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path. In block 3008, a field generating winding capable of carrying an electrical current is disposed, the field generating winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generating winding on the fluid inlet path.

Referring additionally to fig. 3B, attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to the frame at block 3006 such that a fluid flow path of the electrically conductive fluid is defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path may include attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to the frame at block 3012 such that a fluid flow path of the electrically conductive fluid is defined inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path.

Referring now to fig. 3A and 3C, in some embodiments, arranging a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current in block 3008, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generation winding on the fluid entry path can include arranging a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 3014, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generation winding on the fluid entry path. It should be appreciated that block 3014 is performed to fabricate an embodiment of an electromagnetic flow regulator that may regulate the flow of the conducting fluid by restricting the flow of the conducting fluid.

For example and referring to fig. 3D, in some embodiments, disposing a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current outside the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 3014, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generation winding on the fluid entry path can include disposing a helical coil capable of carrying an electrical current outside the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 3016, the helical coil electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that the helical coil can generate at least one magnetic field on the fluid entry path.

As another example and referring now to fig. 3E, disposing a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current outside the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 3014, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generation winding on the fluid entry path can include disposing a plurality of substantially circular coils capable of carrying an electrical current outside the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 3018, the plurality of substantially circular coils electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that the plurality of substantially circular coils can generate the at least one magnetic field on the fluid entry path.

Referring now to fig. 3A and 3F, in some embodiments, a plurality of magnetic nonconductors may be attached to the frame in block 3020 such that ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors. Referring additionally to fig. 3G, in some embodiments, attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame in block 3020 such that disposing ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors may include attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame in block 3022 such that disposing ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors and such that further defining a fluid flow path along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

Referring now to fig. 3A and 3H, in some embodiments, arranging a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current in block 3008, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generation winding on the fluid inlet path can include arranging a first plurality of conductors inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of conductors outside the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 3024, the first and second plurality of conductors electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the first and second plurality of conductors on the fluid inlet path. It should be appreciated that block 3024 is performed to create an embodiment of an electromagnetic flow regulator that may regulate the flow of an electrically conductive fluid by restricting the flow of the electrically conductive fluid.

Referring additionally to fig. 3I, in some embodiments, a plurality of magnetic nonconductors may be attached to the frame in block 3026 such that ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors. For example, referring additionally to fig. 3J, in some embodiments, attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame in block 3026 such that several of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors may include attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame in block 3028 such that several of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors and such that a fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors. Referring additionally to fig. 3K, a fluid inlet path may be further defined through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors in block 3030.

Referring now to fig. 3L, provided is a method 3100 of making an electromagnetic flow regulator that regulates a flow of an electrically conductive fluid. It should be appreciated that method 3100 is performed to fabricate an embodiment of an electromagnetic flow regulator that can regulate the flow of an electrically conductive fluid by restricting the flow of the electrically conductive fluid.

The method 3100 begins at block 3102. A plurality of flow holes are defined through the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 3104, the plurality of flow holes defining a fluid inlet path for an electrically conductive fluid. A plurality of magnetic conductors are attached to the frame in block 3106 such that a fluid flow path of an electrically conductive fluid is defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path. A field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current is disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 3108, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generation winding over the plurality of flow holes. The method 3100 ends in block 3110.

With additional reference to fig. 3M, attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to the frame in block 3106 such that a fluid flow path of the electrically conductive fluid is defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path may include attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to the frame in block 3112 such that a fluid flow path of the electrically conductive fluid is defined inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path.

Referring to fig. 3L and 3N, a plurality of magnetic nonconductors may be attached to the frame such that ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 3114.

Referring to fig. 3L and 3O, in some embodiments, disposing a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current outside the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 3108, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generation winding over the plurality of flowholes can include disposing a helical coil capable of carrying an electrical current outside the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 3116, the helical coil electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the helical coil over the plurality of flowholes.

Referring to fig. 3L and 3P, in some other embodiments, disposing a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current outside the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 3108, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generation winding over the plurality of flowholes can include disposing a plurality of substantially circular coils capable of carrying an electrical current outside the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 3118, the plurality of substantially circular coils electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that the plurality of substantially circular coils can generate the at least one magnetic field over the plurality of flowholes.

Referring now to fig. 3Q, provided is a method 3200 of making an electromagnetic flow regulator that regulates flow of an electrically conductive fluid. It should be appreciated that method 3200 is performed to fabricate an embodiment of an electromagnetic flow regulator that can regulate the flow of an electrically conductive fluid by forcing the flow of the electrically conductive fluid.

The method 3200 begins at block 3202. A plurality of flow holes are defined through the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 3204, the plurality of flow holes defining a fluid inlet path for an electrically conductive fluid. A plurality of magnetic conductors are attached to the frame in block 3206 such that a fluid flow path of the electrically conductive fluid is defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path. At block 3208, a first plurality of conductors is disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of conductors is disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the first and second plurality of conductors electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the first and second plurality of conductors across the plurality of flowbores. The method 3200 ends in block 3210.

Referring additionally to fig. 3R, in some embodiments, a plurality of magnetic nonconductors may be attached to the frame in block 3212 such that ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors. For example and with additional reference to fig. 3S, attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame in block 3212 such that the several of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors may include attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame in block 3214 such that the several of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors and such that the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

Referring additionally to fig. 3T, a plurality of flow apertures may be further defined through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors in block 3216.

Exemplary Master Environment

It should be appreciated that embodiments of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be used in any primary environment where it is desirable to electromagnetically regulate the flow of an electrically conductive fluid. By way of example only, and not limitation, embodiments of the magnetic flow regulator 490 may be used to: regulating the flow of molten metal (e.g., zinc, lead, aluminum, iron, and magnesium) in the primary metal industry; rapidly starting and stopping the injection of molten metal into the mold of the shell; regulating the flow of liquid metal coolant to the computer chip; and adjusting the discharge rate of the molten filler wire during arc welding, etc.

Given by way of another non-limiting example, embodiments of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 can be used in a nuclear fission reactor to regulate the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant. Illustrative examples relating to the electromagnetic regulation of the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor will be discussed below.

It should be appreciated that, as discussed above, embodiments of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be used in any primary environment where it is desirable to electromagnetically regulate the flow of an electrically conductive fluid. For the sake of brevity, discussion of the primary environment will be limited to nuclear fission reactors. However, it is neither intended nor to be inferred that the applicable primary environment is limited to nuclear fission reactors.

The electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is illustrated in the following discussion and the figures for the electromagnetic flow regulator 490. It should be understood that such targeting and illustration of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is intended to include the electromagnetic flow regulators 490a and 490 b. However, for the sake of brevity, only the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is addressed and illustrated.

Exemplary Nuclear fission reactors, systems, and methods

Exemplary nuclear fission reactors, systems for regulating flow of conductive reactor coolant, and methods for regulating flow of conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor are discussed below by way of non-limiting examples. These examples will be discussed below by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation.

It may be desirable to regulate the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor using one or more electromagnetic flow regulators 490. It is well known that when a fissile nuclear species releases neutrons, heat is generated in a nuclear fission reactor. This phenomenon is used in commercial nuclear fission reactors to generate continuous heat which is in turn used for power generation.

However, the potential for thermal damage to some reactor structural materials may be increased due to "peak" temperatures (i.e., thermal channel crest factors) that may occur due to non-uniform neutron flux distributions in the reactor core. This peak temperature is in turn caused by uneven control rod/fuel rod distribution. Thermal damage may occur if the peak temperature exceeds the material limit.

Additionally, reactors operating in the fast neutron spectrum may be designed to contain a convertible fuel "blanket" material present on the core periphery. Such reactors often regenerate the fuel into a blanket material through neutron absorption. This results in an increase in power output in the periphery of the reactor as it approaches the end of the fuel cycle.

The flow of coolant through the peripheral components may be established at the beginning of the reactor fuel cycle to maintain a safe operating temperature and to compensate for power increases that occur with increased burnup during the fuel cycle. Typically, this requires that more excess coolant pumping power be used than is necessary at the beginning of the fuel cycle.

Additionally, in the case of a traveling wave nuclear fission reactor, the rate of heat production of the nuclear fission module (or assembly) may vary in relation to the proximity of the nuclear fission module to the nuclear fission deflagration wave with which the traveling wave nuclear fission reactor is operated.

Due to fuel burn-up, reactivity changes (i.e., changes in the responsiveness of the reactor) may occur. Burnup is generally defined as the energy produced per mass of fuel, and is typically expressed in units of megawatt days per metric ton of heavy metal (MWd/MTHM) or gigawatt days per metric ton of heavy metal (GWD/MTHM). More specifically, the reactivity change is related to the relative ability of the reactor to produce more or less neutrons than the exact amount required to sustain the critical chain reaction. The responsiveness of a reactor is generally characterized as the time derivative of the change in reactivity that causes the reactor to increase or decrease power exponentially, with the time constant referred to as the reactor period.

In this regard, control rods made of neutron absorbing materials are commonly used to adjust and control the reactivity of the changes. Such control rods are reciprocated into and out of the reactor core to variably control neutron absorption and thus neutron flux level and reactivity in the reactor core. The neutron flux level is depressed near the reflector rods and may be higher in regions away from the control rods. Thus, the neutron flux is not uniform across the reactor core. This results in higher fuel burn-up in those regions where neutron flux is higher.

It will be appreciated that neutron flux and power density variations are caused by a number of factors. Proximity to the control rods may or may not be a primary factor. For example, when there are no control rods nearby, the neutron flux typically drops significantly at the core boundaries. This effect, in turn, can overheat or have a peak temperature in those regions where the neutron flux is high. Such peak temperatures may undesirably shorten the operating life of the structure subjected to such peak temperatures by altering the mechanical properties of the structure. Furthermore, the reactor power density, which is proportional to the product of neutron flux and fissile macroscopic cross-section, may be limited by the ability of the core structure material to withstand such peak temperatures without damage.

Regulating the flow of reactor coolant into individual nuclear fission fuel assemblies (also sometimes referred to herein as nuclear fission modules) may help to adapt the flow of reactor coolant as desired to help achieve a more uniform temperature distribution and/or power density distribution across the reactor core. A more uniform temperature distribution and/or power density distribution across the reactor core may help reduce the likelihood of thermal damage to some reactor structural materials. In the case where the reactor coolant is an electrically conductive fluid, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be used to help regulate the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant. Some exemplary details will be discussed below by way of illustration only and not limitation.

Referring now to fig. 4A, by way of example only and not limitation, the nuclear fission reactor system 10 includes an electrically conductive reactor coolant. The nuclear fission reactor system 10 includes at least one electromagnetic flow regulator 490 (not shown in fig. 4A for clarity) to help regulate the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant. As described in more detail below, the nuclear fission reactor system 10 can be a "traveling wave" nuclear fission reactor system.

Given by way of brief overview, in some embodiments, the reactor system 10 emits electrical power that is transmitted over transmission lines (not shown) to electrical consumers. In some other embodiments, the reactor system 10 may be used to perform tests such as tests to determine the effect of temperature on reactor materials.

Referring to fig. 4A and 4B, a reactor system 10 includes a nuclear fission reactor core 20, the nuclear fission reactor core 20 including a nuclear fission fuel assembly, or, as also referred to herein, a nuclear fission module 30. The nuclear fission reactor core 20 is sealingly housed within a reactor core enclosure 40. By way of example only, and not limitation, each nuclear fission module 30 may form a hexagonal structure in cross-section as shown, such that more nuclear fission modules 30 may be packed closely together within the reactor core 20 (as compared to other shapes of nuclear fission modules 30, such as cylindrical or spherical). Each nuclear fission module 30 includes a fuel rod 50 that generates heat due to the nuclear fission chain reaction process.

Fuel rods 50 may be surrounded by fuel rod barrels 60, if desired, to increase structural rigidity of the nuclear fission module 30 and to isolate the nuclear fission modules 30 from each other when the nuclear fission module 30 is disposed in the nuclear fission reactor core 20. Isolating the nuclear fission modules 30 from each other avoids lateral cross flow of coolant between adjacent nuclear fission modules 30. Avoiding transverse cross flow of the coolant prevents transverse vibration of the nuclear fission module 30. Such lateral vibrations may otherwise increase the risk of damaging the fuel rods 50.

In addition, isolating the nuclear fission modules 30 from each other allows coolant flow to be controlled on a module-by-module basis, as described more fully below. Controlling coolant flow to each nuclear fission reactor 30 effectively manages coolant flow within the reactor core 20 as by generally directing coolant flow in accordance with a non-uniform temperature distribution in the reactor core 20. In other words, more coolant may be directed to those nuclear fission modules 30 having higher temperatures.

In some exemplary embodiments, and given by way of illustration and not limitation, during normal operation, in the case of an exemplary sodium cooled reactor, the coolant may have an approximate 5.5m³S (i.e., approximately 194 ft)³Per second) and an average nominal velocity of approximately 2.3m/s (i.e., approximately 7.55 ft/s). The fuel rods 50 are adjacent to each other, defining therebetween a coolant flow channel 80 (see fig. 4C) for flowing a coolant along the outside of the fuel rods 50. The cartridge 60 may include means to support the fuel rods 50 and to bind the fuel rods 50 together. Thus, the fuel rods 50 are bundled within the barrel 60 such that the hexagonal nuclear fission module 30 is formed. The fuel rods 50 are held in spaced relation by a wire wrap 90 (see fig. 5B) that helically surrounds and extends along the length of each fuel rod 50 in a serpentine manner, despite the fact that the fuel rods 50 are adjacent to one another.

The fuel rods 50 comprise nuclear fuel material. Some fuel rods 50 include fissionable nuclides such as, without limitation, uranium-233, uranium-235, or plutonium-239. Some fuel rods 50 may include fertile nuclides like, without limitation, thorium-232 and/or uranium-238 that may transmute via neutron capture during fission to fissionable nuclides. In some embodiments, some fuel rods 50 may include a predetermined mixture of fissile nuclides and transformable nuclides.

Referring back to fig. 4A, the reactor core 20 is disposed within the reactor pressure vessel 120 to prevent radioactive material, gas or liquid from leaking from the reactor core 20 into the surrounding biosphere. The pressure vessel 120 may be made of steel or other material of suitable size and thickness to reduce the risk of such radioactive leakage and to support the required pressure loads. Additionally, in some embodiments, a containment vessel (not shown) may sealingly enclose portions of the reactor system 10 such that the likelihood of radioactive particles, gases, or liquids leaking from the reactor core 20 to the surrounding biosphere is further reduced.

The primary loop coolant tubes 130 are coupled with the reactor core 20 such that an appropriate coolant flows through the reactor core 20 such that the reactor core 20 is cooled. The primary loop coolant tube 130 can be made of any suitable material, such as stainless steel. It should be appreciated that the primary loop coolant tube 130 may be made not only of an iron-based alloy, but also of a non-ferrous alloy, a zirconium-based alloy, or other suitable structural or composite materials, if desired.

As discussed above, the coolant carried by the primary loop coolant tube 130 is an electrically conductive fluid defined herein to have the meaning of any fluid that facilitates the passage of electrical current, for example, in some embodiments, the electrically conductive fluid may be a liquid metal such as, without limitation, sodium, potassium, lithium, lead, and mixtures thereof. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the coolant may suitably be liquid sodium (Na) metal or a sodium metal mixture such as sodium-potassium (Na-K). In some other embodiments, the coolant may be a metal alloy such as lead-bismuth (Pb-Bi). In some other embodiments, the conductive fluid may be conductive metal particles dispersed in a carrier fluid by a dispersant such as mineral oil or the like.

Depending on the particular reactor core design and operating history, the normal operating temperature of a sodium cooled reactor core may be relatively high. For example, with a 500 to 1,500MWe sodium cooled reactor and a mixed uranium-plutonium oxide fuel, the reactor core exit temperature during normal operation may range from approximately 510 ° celsius (i.e., 950 ° fahrenheit) to approximately 550 ° celsius (i.e., 1,020 ° fahrenheit). On the other hand, during a LOCA (loss of Coolant event) or LOFTA (loss of flow transient event), the fuel cladding peak temperature may reach approximately 600 Celsius (i.e., 1,110 Fahrenheit) or higher, depending on the particular reactor core design and operating history. In addition, decay heat build-up during post-LOCA or post-LOFTA conditions and during reactor shutdown may also produce unacceptable heat buildup. Thus, in some cases, it may be appropriate to control the flow to the reactor core 20 during both normal operation and post-accident situations.

As briefly described above, the temperature distribution in the reactor core 20 varies as a function of position. In this regard, the temperature distribution in the reactor core 20 may closely follow the spatial distribution of power density in the reactor core 20. It should be appreciated that the power density near the center of the reactor core 20 is generally higher than near the periphery of the reactor core 20 — especially in the presence of a suitable neutron reflecting layer or neutron regenerative "blanket" around the periphery of the reactor core 20. Thus, it is anticipated that the coolant flow parameters of the nuclear fission module 30 near the periphery of the reactor core 20 will be less than the coolant flow parameters of the nuclear fission module 30 near the center of the reactor core 20, especially at the beginning of the core life.

Thus, in such a case, it is not necessary to provide the same or uniform coolant mass flow rate for each nuclear fission module 30. As described in detail below, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is provided to vary the coolant flow to the individual nuclear fission modules 30 depending on the location of the nuclear fission module 30 in the reactor core 20 and/or depending on desired reactor operating parameters.

Still referring to fig. 4A and as a brief overview, the heated coolant flows along the coolant flow line or flow path 140 to the intermediate heat exchanger 150 and into the cavity 160 associated with the intermediate heat exchanger 150. After flowing into the cavity 160, the coolant continues through the primary loop pipe 130. The coolant exiting the cavity 160 is cooled due to the heat transfer that occurs in the intermediate heat exchanger 150. A pump 170 is coupled to the primary loop pipe 130 and is in fluid communication with the reactor coolant. The pump 170 pumps the reactor coolant through the primary loop tube 130, through the reactor core 20, along the coolant flow path 140, into the intermediate heat exchanger 150, and into the cavity 160.

Details regarding the coupling of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 will be discussed later. In general, in embodiments where the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is configured as an electromagnetic flow regulator 490a, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a can restrict the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant from the pump 170. The electromagnetic flow regulator 40a may create all or part of the pressure drop conventionally created using throttling. The use of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a may help to reduce, or in some cases, eliminate, the dependence of the pressure drop on the throttling.

In other embodiments where the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is configured as an electromagnetic flow regulator 490b, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b may help establish, accelerate, or maintain a flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant, or may be used to restrict the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

It will thus be appreciated that the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be configured as an electromagnetic flow regulator 490a to restrict flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant from the pump 170 to the respective nuclear fission module 30, or as an electromagnetic flow regulator 490b to controllably supplement or restrict flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant from the pump 170 to the respective nuclear fission module 30.

In some embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b may be configured to provide all or a portion of the flow established by the pump 170. In this regard, the pump 170 and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b may be operated simultaneously or separately to provide and regulate the flow of coolant to the reactor core 20 and the respective nuclear fission module 30.

Still referring to fig. 4A, a secondary loop pipe 180 is provided to remove heat from the intermediate heat exchanger 150. The secondary loop pipe 180 includes a secondary "hot" leg segment 190 and a secondary "cold" leg segment 200. The secondary cold leg segment 200 is integral with the secondary hot leg segment 190 such that a closed loop is formed. The secondary loop pipe 180 contains a fluid which may suitably be liquid sodium or a mixture of liquid sodium. The secondary hot leg segment 190 extends from the intermediate heat exchanger 150 to a steam generator 210. In some embodiments, the steam generator 210 may be configured as a steam generator and superheater combination.

After passing through the steam generator 210, the coolant flowing through the secondary loop pipe 180 and out of the steam generator 210 is at a lower temperature and enthalpy than before entering the steam generator 210 due to heat transfer occurring in the steam generator 210. After passing through the steam generator 210, the coolant is pumped by a pump 220 along the "cold" leg segment 200 extending to the intermediate heat exchanger 150. Transferring heat from the coolant flow path 140 to the secondary loop pipe 180.

The body of water 230 disposed in the steam generator 210 has a predetermined temperature and pressure. The fluid flowing through the secondary hot leg segment 190 transfers its heat to the body of water 230 that is at a lower temperature than the fluid flowing through the secondary hot leg segment 190. As the fluid flowing through the secondary hot leg segment 190 transfers its heat to the body of water 230, a portion of the body of water 230 will vaporize to steam 240 at a predetermined temperature and pressure within the steam generator 210. The steam 240 then passes through a steam line 250 that is in vapor communication with the steam 240 at one end and in liquid communication with the body of water 230 at the other end. The rotatable turbine 260 is coupled to the steam line 250 such that the turbine 260 rotates as the steam 240 passes therethrough. An electrical generator 270, coupled to the turbine 260, such as by a rotatable turbine main shaft 280, generates electricity as the turbine 260 rotates. Additionally, a condenser 290 is coupled to the steam line 250 and receives the steam through the turbine 260. The condenser 290 condenses the steam 240 into liquid water and transfers any waste heat to a heat sink 300, such as a cooling tower or the like, associated with the condenser 290. Liquid water condensed by the condenser 290 is pumped from the condenser 290 to the steam generator 210 along the steam line 256 by the pump 310 interposed between the condenser 290 and the steam generator 210.

It should be understood that the reactor system discussed above is given by way of non-limiting example. The reactor system 10 and its details are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation.

It should be appreciated that the nuclear fission module 30 may be arranged within the reactor core 20 in any configuration, if desired. For example, in various embodiments, the nuclear fission modules 30 may be arranged to define a hexagonal-shaped configuration, a cylindrical-shaped configuration, a parallelepiped-shaped configuration, and so on.

Referring to FIG. 4C, regardless of the configuration selected for the reactor core 20, each of the isolation, longitudinally extending, and longitudinally movable control rods 360 is disposed within a control rod guide tube or sheath (not shown). The control rods 360 are symmetrically disposed within selected ones of the nuclear fission modules 30, extending along the length of a predetermined number of the nuclear fission modules 30. A control rod 360, shown disposed in a predetermined number of the nuclear fission modules 30, controls the neutron fission reaction occurring within the nuclear fission module 30. In other words, the control rods 360 comprise a suitable neutron absorbing material having an acceptably large neutron capture or absorption cross section. In this regard, the absorbing material may be a metal or metalloid such as, without limitation, lithium, silver, indium, cadmium, boron, cobalt, hafnium, dysprosium, gadolinium, samarium, erbium, europium, and mixtures thereof, or a compound or alloy such as, without limitation, silver-indium-cadmium, boron carbide, zirconium diboride, titanium diboride, hafnium diboride, gadolinium titanate, dysprosium titanate, and mixtures thereof.

The control rods 360 controllably provide negative reactivity to the reactor core 20. The control rods 360 provide reactivity management capabilities to the reactor core 20. In other words, the control rods 360 are able to control the neutron flux distribution across the reactor core 20, thus affecting the temperature distribution across the reactor core 20.

Referring to fig. 4D and 4E, in some embodiments, the nuclear fission module 30 need not be neutron-active. In other words, the nuclear fission module 30 need not contain any fissile material. In this case, the nuclear fission module 30 may be a pure transformable component or a pure reflective component or a combination of both. In this regard, the nuclear fission module 30 may be a regenerative nuclear fission module including a regenerative rod 370 (FIG. 4D) containing nuclear regenerative material or a reflective nuclear fission module including a reflective rod 380 (FIG. 4E) containing nuclear reflective material.

In some other embodiments, the nuclear fission module 30 may contain the fuel rods 50 in combination with the regeneration rod 370 (FIG. 4D) or the reflector rod 380 (FIG. 4E).

Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the nuclear fission module 30 may include any suitable combination of nuclear fuel rods 50, control rods 360, regeneration rods 370, and reflector rods 380.

Regardless of whether fuel rods 50 are included in the nuclear fission module 30, the fertile nuclear regenerant material in the regenerable rods 370 may include, without limitation, thorium-232 and/or uranium-238. Furthermore, regardless of whether the fuel rods 50 are included in the nuclear fission module 30, the reflective material may include materials such as, without limitation, beryllium (Be), tungsten (W), vanadium (V), depleted or natural uranium (U), thorium (Th), lead alloys, and mixtures thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 4F, regardless of the configuration selected for the nuclear fission reactor core 20, the nuclear fission reactor core 20 may be configured as a traveling wave nuclear fission reactor core. In this regard, the isotopically enriched nuclear fission igniter 400, which may include nuclear fission material such as, without limitation, U-233, U-235 or Pu-239, is suitably located in any desired location within the reactor core 20. By way of example only, and not limitation, in the parallelepiped configuration shown, the igniter 400 may be located near a first end 350 opposite a second end 355 of the reactor core 20. The igniter 400 releases neutrons. Neutrons released by igniter 400 are captured by fissile and/or convertible material within nuclear fission module 30, initiating a fission chain reaction. If desired, the igniter 400 may be removed once the fission chain reaction becomes self-sustaining.

The igniter 400 initiates a three-dimensional traveling wave 410 (sometimes referred to as a propagating or combustion wave) having a width "x". When the igniter 400 releases its neutrons causing "ignition," the combustion wave 410 travels outwardly from the igniter 400 toward the second end 355 of the reactor core 20, such that a traveling or propagating combustion wave 40 is formed. Thus, each nuclear fission module 30 receives at least a portion of the traveling burn wave 410 as the burn wave 410 propagates through the reactor core 20.

The velocity of traveling burn wave 410 may or may not be constant. Thus, the speed at which combustion wave 410 propagates may be controlled. For example, longitudinally moving a control rod 360 (not shown in FIG. 4F for clarity) in a predetermined or programmed manner may drive or reduce the neutron reactivity of fuel rods 50 (not shown in FIG. 4F for clarity) disposed in the nuclear fission module 30 downward. In this way, the neutron reactivity of the fuel rods 50 currently being fired at the location of the combustion wave 410 may be driven down or reduced relative to the neutron reactivity of the "unburnt" fuel rods 50 that are ahead of the combustion wave 410.

This result gives the combustion wave propagation direction indicated by arrow 420. Controlling reactivity in this manner increases the propagation rate of the combustion wave 410 subject to the operating constraints of the reactor core 20. For example, increasing the propagation rate of the burn wave 410 may help to control burnup above a minimum required for propagation and below a maximum set by neutron fluence limits in part through the reactor core structural materials. Such control of traveling wave propagation is described in the following patent documents: us patent application No. 12/384,669, filed on 6.4.2009 AND entitled CHARLES e.ahlfeld, JOHN ROGERS GILLELAND, RODERICK a.hyde, MURIEL y.ishikawa, DAVID g.mcalees, NATHAN p.myhrvold, CHARLES WHITMER, low l.wood, jr. AND GEORGE b.zimmerman, AND entitled "TRAVELING WAVE NUCLEAR fisilonereactor, FUEL association, AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING burnup therein", is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The basic principles of a traveling wave nuclear fission reactor are disclosed in more detail in the following patent documents: U.S. patent application No. 11/605,943 entitled "NUCLEAR POWER REACTOR FOR LONG-TERM OPERATION" filed on 28.2006, 11.month, 28, inventors roderic y.ishikawa, natran p.myhrvold and low l.wood, jr., and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Referring now to fig. 5A and 5B, each nuclear fission module 30 is mounted on a horizontally extending reactor core lower support plate 430. Only three adjacent nuclear fission modules 30 are shown, but it should be understood that there may be more or fewer nuclear fission modules 30 in the reactor core 20. The reactor core lower support plate 430 suitably extends across the bottom of all of the core fission modules 30.

The reactor core lower support plate 430 has a counterbore 440 therethrough. The countersink 440 has an open end 450 for inflow of coolant. Extending horizontally across the top or exit portions of all of the nuclear fission modules 30 and removably connected to all of the nuclear fission modules 30 is a reactor core upper support plate 460 covering all of the nuclear fission modules 30. The reactor core upper support plate 460 may also define a flow channel 470 through which coolant flows.

As discussed above, it is desirable to control the temperature of the reactor core 20 and the nuclear fission module 30 independently of the configuration selected for the reactor core 20. For example, if the peak temperature exceeds a material limit, the likelihood of selecting a reactor core structural material as thermally damaging may increase. Such peak temperatures may undesirably shorten the operating life of structures subjected to such peak temperatures by altering the mechanical properties of the structure, particularly those properties associated with thermal creep. In addition, reactor power density is limited in part by the ability of the core structure material to withstand high peak temperatures without damage. Furthermore, controlling the reactor core temperature may be important for successful tests such as tests to determine the effect of temperature on reactor materials.

Additionally, nuclear fission modules 30 disposed on or near the center of the reactor core 20 may generate more heat than nuclear fission modules 30 disposed on or near the periphery of the reactor core 20. Thus, uniform coolant mass flow rates are not adequately supplied across the reactor core 20 because higher heat flux nuclear fission modules 30 near the center of the reactor core 20 will involve higher coolant mass flow rates than nuclear fission modules 30 near the periphery of the reactor core 20, especially at the beginning of the core life.

Referring now to fig. 4A, 5A and 5B, the primary loop pipe 130 delivers reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module 30 along a coolant flow path or streamline indicated by directional flow arrows 140. The primary coolant then continues along the coolant flow path 140 and through the open end 450 formed in the lower core support plate 430. The lower core support plate 430 may also form part of the core inlet flow plenum. As described in more detail below, the reactor coolant may be used to remove heat from or cool selected ones of the nuclear fission modules 30, such as the nuclear fission module 30 disposed in the traveling wave nuclear fission reactor core at or near the location of the traveling burn wave 410 (not shown in fig. 4A, 5A, or 5B) within the traveling wave nuclear fission module core. In other words, in some cases, the selection of a nuclear fission module 30 may be detected or otherwise arranged based at least in part on whether it is found within the nuclear fission module 30, near the nuclear fission module 30 or in a location relative to the nuclear fission module 30, as described in more detail below.

With additional reference to fig. 4F, to regulate the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a selected one of the nuclear fission modules 30, an electromagnetic flow regulator 490 and an associated control system are coupled to at least one of the nuclear fission modules 30. It is again emphasized that although the discussion and illustration is directed to the electromagnetic flow regulator 490, unless specifically noted otherwise, the discussion and illustration is intended to encompass the electromagnetic flow regulators 490a and 490 b. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be integral with the nuclear fission module 30. In some other embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be coupled to the lower support plate 430.

In some embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is adapted to supply a correspondingly smaller amount of coolant to the nuclear fission module 30 when a smaller amount of the burn wave 410 (i.e., a lower intensity of the burn wave 410) is present within the nuclear fission module 30 or at a location relative to the nuclear fission module 30. On the other hand, in some embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is adapted to supply a correspondingly greater amount of coolant to the nuclear fission module 30 when a greater amount of the burn wave 410 (i.e., a higher intensity of the burn wave 410) is present within the nuclear fission module 30 or at least at a location relative to the nuclear fission module 30. The presence and intensity of the combustion wave 410 may be identified by one or more suitable parameters, such as, without limitation: a temperature within or associated with nuclear fission module 30; neutron flux within or associated with nuclear fission module 30; neutron fluence within the nuclear fission module 30 or associated with the nuclear fission module 30; power levels within the nuclear fission module 30; characteristic isotopes within the nuclear fission module 30; pressure within the nuclear fission module 30; a flow rate of the conductive fluid within the nuclear fission module 30; a rate of heat production within nuclear fission module 30; width "x" of combustion wave 410; and/or other suitable operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module 30.

Referring additionally to fig. 5C, in some embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be adapted to operate in response to operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module 30. In such embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 not only controls the flow of coolant in response to the location of the burn wave 410 relative to the nuclear fission module 30, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 also controls the flow of coolant in response to certain operating parameters associated with the reactor core 20 and the nuclear fission module 30. In this regard, at least one sensor 500 may be disposed within or proximate to the nuclear fission module 30 to sense a status of the operational parameter.

For example, the operating parameter sensed by the sensor 500 may be a current temperature associated with the nuclear fission module 30. To sense temperature, sensor 500 may be a thermocouple device or temperature sensor available from Thermocoax corporation, Alpharetta, Georgia U.S. A, Georgia.

As another example, the operational parameter sensed by the sensor 500 may be neutron flux in the nuclear fission module 30. To sense the neutron flux, the sensor 500 may be a "PN 9EB 20/25" neutron flux proportional counting detector, such as is available from Central House, Surrey, England, UK, and the like.

As another example, the operating parameter sensed by the sensor 500 may be a characteristic isotope in the nuclear fission module 30. The characteristic isotope may be a fission product, an activated isotope, a transmutation product produced by regeneration, or other characteristic isotope.

As another example, the operating parameter sensed by the sensor 500 may be the neutron fluence in the nuclear fission module 30. As is well known, neutron fluence is defined as the neutron flux integrated over a certain period of time, representing the number of neutrons passing through a single area within that period of time.

As another example, the operating parameter sensed by sensor 500 may be fission module pressure. In some embodiments, the sensed fission module pressure may be a dynamic fluid pressure. Given by way of illustration and not limitation, the fission module pressure may be a dynamic fluid pressure of approximately 10 bar (i.e., approximately 145 psi) for an exemplary sodium-cooled reactor during normal operation, or approximately 138 bar (i.e., approximately 2000 psi) for an exemplary pressurized "light" water-cooled reactor.

In some other embodiments, the fission module pressure sensed by sensor 500 may be a static fluid pressure or a fission product pressure. To sense dynamic or static fluid pressures, sensor 500 may be a custom designed pressure sensor available from camman measurement systems, inc.

As another example, the operational parameter sensed by sensor 500 may be a flow rate of the conductive fluid within the nuclear fission module 30. In such an embodiment, sensor 500 may be a suitable flowmeter, such as the "BLANCETT 1100 turbine flowmeter," available from instrumentation located in Williston, Vermont U.S. A.

It will be appreciated that the pressure or mass flow sensors are located throughout the operating nuclear reactor system, as in the primary loop coolant tubes 130 or the secondary loop coolant tubes 180, in addition to being located within or near the nuclear fission module 30. Such sensors are used to detect flow conditions throughout the coolant system.

Additionally, the operating parameters to be sensed by the sensor 500 may be determined by suitable computer-based algorithms (not shown).

In some embodiments, the operating parameters may be selected by an operator-initiated action. In such embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 can be modified in response to any suitable operating parameter determined by an operator.

In some other embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 can be modified in response to operating parameters selected by a suitable feedback control system. For example, in such embodiments, such a feedback control system may sense changes in temperature and sensitively modify coolant flow in response to temperature changes with power distribution. Such control may be performed autonomously by means of a suitable feedback control established between the sensing instrument and the electromagnetic flow regulator control system.

In some other embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 can be modified in response to operating parameters determined by an automated control system. As an example, in such embodiments, the electromagnetic flow modulation may be modified to provide unimpeded flow to the nuclear fission module 30 during a core shutdown event caused by an accident situation such as a loss of off-plant power, or the like. In this way, conditions of natural circulation flow may be established in a passive manner via the automatic control system, particularly during periods of loss of power to the electromagnetic flow regulator 490. Additionally, in some embodiments, the automated control system may include a power source that may be provided to the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b to maintain forced flow backup power in response to an incident such as a loss of off-plant power.

Further, in some embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 can be modified in response to changes in decay heat. In this regard, decay heat is reduced at the "tail" of the combustion wave 410. Detection of the presence of the tail of the combustion wave 410 is used to reduce the coolant flow rate over time to account for the reduction in decay heat found at the "tail" of the combustion wave 410. This is particularly the case when the nuclear fission module 30 resides behind the burn wave 410. In this case, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be modified in response to changes in decay heat output of the nuclear fission module 30 as the distance of the nuclear fission module 30 relative to the burn wave 410 changes. Sensing the state of such operating parameters may facilitate proper control and modification of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490, and thus the temperature in the reactor core 20.

In some embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is capable of controlling or regulating the flow of coolant in accordance with the time at which the traveling burn wave 410 reaches and/or leaves the nuclear fission module 30. Further, in some embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is capable of controlling or regulating the flow of the coolant as a function of the time that the traveling burn wave 410 approaches the nuclear fission module 30, is near the nuclear fission module 30, or is generally at a location relative to the nuclear fission module 30. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is also capable of controlling or regulating the flow of coolant according to the width x of the combustion wave 410.

In such embodiments, as the burn wave 410 passes through the nuclear fission module 30, the arrival and departure of the burn wave 410 may be detected by sensing any one or more of the operating parameters discussed above. For example, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be capable of controlling or regulating the flow of coolant in accordance with the temperature sensed in the nuclear fission module 30, in which case the temperature may indicate the presence of a nearby propagating or traveling burn wave 410. As another example, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be capable of controlling or regulating the flow of coolant in accordance with a temperature sensed in the nuclear fission module 30, in which case the temperature may be indicative of the stationary burn wave 410.

The nuclear fission module 30 to receive the variable flow is selected based on a desired value of the operating parameter in the nuclear fission module 30 commensurate with the value of the operating parameter actually sensed in the nuclear fission module 30. As described in greater detail presently, the fluid flow to the nuclear fission module 30 is adjusted such that the actual value of the operating parameter substantially coincides with a desired value of the operating parameter (e.g., plus or minus 5% coincidence in terms of the operating parameter).

In such embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is capable of controlling or regulating the flow of coolant in accordance with the actual value of the operating parameter sensed by the sensor 500 commensurate with a predetermined desired value of the operating parameter. An appreciable mismatch between the actual and desired values of the operating parameter may be the reason for adjusting the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 so that the actual value substantially coincides with the desired value.

Thus, the use of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be arranged to achieve variable coolant flow on a module-by-module (and, in some cases, fuel assembly-by-fuel assembly basis). This enables coolant flow across the reactor core 20 to be varied according to the location of the burn wave 410 or the actual value of the operating parameter commensurate with the desired value of the operating parameter in the reactor core 20.

It should be appreciated that the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be coupled with the nuclear fission module 30 in any manner desired for a particular application. To this end, the following presents a few illustrative examples by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation.

Referring to fig. 6A, in some embodiments, each electromagnetic flow regulator 490 diverts at least a portion of the electrically conductive fluid along at least one diversion flow path 700 extending from each electromagnetic flow regulator 490 to a respective one of the nuclear fission modules 30. The flow of electrically conductive fluid from each electromagnetic flow regulator 490 will diverge and flow along conduits 710a and 710b and directly into the nuclear fission module 30 vertically aligned with the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 and above the electromagnetic flow regulator 490.

If desired, a valve 720, such as a backflow prevention valve, may be disposed in each of the conduits 710a and 710b to control the flow of the conductive fluid in the conduits 710a and 710 b. Each valve 720 may be selectively controlled by the control unit 610.

Only three nuclear fission modules 30 and only one pair of conduits 710a and 710b are shown coupled to respective electromagnetic flow regulators 490. It should be understood, however, that there may be any number of nuclear fission modules 30 and conduits 710a and 710b coupled to respective electromagnetic flow regulators 490 if desired. It will therefore be appreciated that a single electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be used to supply the electrically conductive fluid to more than one nuclear fission module 30.

Referring to FIG. 6B, in some other embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 causes the flow of the electrically conductive fluid to bypass the selected nuclear fission module 30. In such embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 diverts at least a portion of the electrically conductive fluid so as to bypass the selected nuclear fission module 30. The electromagnetic flow regulator 490 displaces at least a portion of the electrically conductive fluid along the displacement flow path 740. That is, the flow of electrically conductive fluid will diverge from each electromagnetic flow regulator 490, flowing along a pair of conduits 750a and 750b, so as to bypass the selected nuclear fission module 30.

If desired, a valve 760, such as a back-flow prevention valve, may be disposed in each of the conduits 750a and 750b to control the flow of conductive fluid in the conduits 750a and 750 b. Each valve 760 may be selectively controlled by the control unit 610. Each of the conduits 750a and 750b terminates on the upper chamber 770. The upper chamber 770 combines the flow of electrically conductive fluid from the conduits 750a and 750b such that a single flow line 140 is supplied to the intermediate heat exchanger 150 (fig. 4A).

In FIG. 6B, only three nuclear fission modules 30, only three electromagnetic flow regulators 490, only one pair of valves 760 and only one pair of conduits 750a and 750B are shown. It should be understood, however, that any number and combination of nuclear fission modules 30, electromagnetic flow regulator 490, valve 760 and conduits 750a and 750b may be present, if desired. It will thus be appreciated that the electrically conductive fluid may bypass any desired number of the nuclear fission modules 30.

Referring to FIG. 6C, in some embodiments, an electromagnetic flow regulator 490 selectively controls the flow of electrically conductive fluid to the respective nuclear fission module 30. In such embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 diverts at least a portion of the electrically conductive fluid such that the coolant flow is directed to the individual nuclear fission modules 30.

The electromagnetic flow regulator 490 transfers at least a portion of the electrically conductive fluid along the transfer flow path 790a and along the transfer flow path 790 b. The transfer flow path 790b may be oriented to direct fluid flow in a direction opposite to the direction of flow in the transfer flow path 790 a. In this regard, the conductive fluid enters the lower chamber 800 along the flow path 140.

A conduit 810a in flow communication with the conductive fluid in the lower chamber 800 receives the conductive fluid from the lower chamber 800 and directs the conductive fluid along a transfer flow path 790 a. The conduit 810b is also in flow communication with the conductive fluid in the lower chamber 800 and is configured to return the conductive fluid to the lower chamber 800 along the transfer flow path 790 b. The conduit 810a terminates in an intermediate chamber 830 that supplies a conductive fluid to the electromagnetic flow regulator 490.

A valve 840a, such as a back-flow prevention valve, may be disposed in the conduit 810a to control the flow of coolant in the conduit 810 a. Another valve 840b, such as a back flow prevention valve, may be disposed in the conduit 810b to control the flow of the conductive fluid in the conduit 810 b. Another valve 840c, such as a back flow prevention valve, may be interposed between the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 and the nuclear fission module 30 to control the flow of electromagnetic fluid from the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 to the nuclear fission module 30.

Each of the valves 840a, 840b and 840c may be selectively controlled by the control unit 610. In this regard, when valves 840a and 840c are opened by control unit 610 and valve 840b is closed, the conductive fluid is free to flow through conduit 810a, into intermediate chamber 830, and then to nuclear fission module 30. When valve 840c is closed by control unit 601 and valves 840a and 840b are open, the conductive fluid will not flow to nuclear fission module 30. In this latter case, the conductive fluid is returned to the lower chamber 800.

In some embodiments, a conduit 842, which may have a backflow prevention valve 844 disposed therein, may be provided in fluid communication with the electrically conductive fluid in the lower chamber 800. Conduit 842 terminates on intermediate chamber 830. When the valve 844 is opened, the electrically conductive fluid is supplied to the intermediate chamber 830 and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490, and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 in turn supplies the electrically conductive fluid to the nuclear fission module 30. When the valve 844 is closed, no conductive fluid is supplied to the intermediate chamber 830 and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490, and therefore no conductive fluid is supplied to the nuclear fission module 30.

Only three nuclear fission modules 30, only three electromagnetic flow regulators 490, only conduits 810a, 810b, and 842b, and only valves 840a, 840b, 840c, and 844 are shown. It should be understood, however, that any number and combination of nuclear fission modules 30, electromagnetic flow regulator 490, conduits 810a, 810b, and 842b, and valves 840a, 840b, 840c, and 844 may be present, if desired. It will thus be appreciated that the electrically conductive fluid may flow from the lower chamber 800 to any number of selected nuclear fission modules 30, or from any number of selected nuclear fission modules 30 back to the lower chamber 800.

Referring to fig. 6D and 6E, in some embodiments, the reactor core 20 defines a single coolant flow region 930 assigned to the entire reactor core 20. The entry cavity 940 is coupled with the reactor core 20. The electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is coupled with the reactor core 20 and has a coolant flow opening 950 in fluid communication with the inlet chamber 940. Thus, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 supplies the electrically conductive fluid to the inlet chamber 940. The conductive fluid will fill into the chamber 940 and then flow to the nuclear fission module 30 in the coolant flow area 930. In such an embodiment, a single electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may regulate the flow of the electrically conductive coolant to all of the nuclear fission modules 30 in the reactor core 20.

Referring to fig. 6F and 6G, in some embodiments, reactor core 20 includes coolant flow zones 960a, 960b, 960c, 960d, 960e, 960F, and 960G. Adjacent coolant flow regions may be separated by a partition 970, if desired. The separator 970 may be made of a material having a small absorption cross section for neutrons so that interference with the fission chain reaction process is reduced.

In this regard, the partition 970 may be made of the following materials: pure aluminum; and a suitable aluminum alloy, such as aluminum alloy 1050, which aluminum alloy 1050 contains about 0.4% by weight iron; about 0.25% by weight silicon; about 0.05% by weight titanium; about 0.05% by weight magnesium; about 0.05% by weight manganese; about 0.05% by weight copper; and the remainder aluminum. The partition 970 may also be made of stainless steel containing about 0.55% by weight of carbon; about 0.90% by weight manganese; about 0.05% by weight of sulfur; about 0.40% by weight phosphorus; and about 98.46% iron.

The coolant flow zones defined by the partitions 970 allow an operator of the reactor system to adapt coolant flow on a reactor core-by-reactor core basis rather than having individual electromagnetic flow regulators 490 coupled with individual nuclear fission modules 30.

Still referring to fig. 6F and 6G, access chamber 980 is coupled with respective ones of coolant flow zones 960a, 960b, 960c, 960d, 960e, 960F and 960G, such as by conduits 1000a, 1000b, 1000c, 1000d, 1000e, 1000F and 1000G. The conduits 1000a, 1000b, 1000c, 1000d, 1000e, 1000f and 1000g are in turn coupled to respective electromagnetic flow regulators 490. Thus, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is coupled to the respective coolant flow zones 960a, 960b, 960c, 960d, 960e, 960f and 960 g.

Each electromagnetic flow regulator 490 has a coolant flow opening 1005 in fluid communication with an inlet chamber 980. Thus, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 supplies the electrically conductive fluid to the inlet chamber 980. The conductive fluid will fill into the chamber 980 and then flow to the nuclear fission module 30 in the coolant flow areas 960a, 960b, 960c, 960d, 960e, 960f and 960 g. The conductive fluid may flow from at least some of the electromagnetic flow regulators 490 via associated conduits 1000a, 1000b, and 1000c extending from the electromagnetic flow regulators 490 to their respective inlet chambers 980.

Referring to fig. 6H, in some embodiments, reactor core 20 includes coolant flow zones 1020a, 1020b, and 1020 c. If desired, adjacent coolant flow regions can be separated by a partition 1030 having low neutron absorption, as described above. Electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is coupled to respective coolant flow regions 1020a, 1020b, and 1020c, such as by respective inlet chambers, which may have a configuration substantially similar to that shown in fig. 6G. Each electromagnetic flow regulator 490 has a conduit 1040a, 1040b, and 1040c in fluid communication with a respective inlet chamber. Thus, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 supplies the electrically conductive fluid to the inlet chamber. The conductive fluid will fill into the chamber and then flow to the nuclear fission module 30 in the coolant flow areas 1020a, 1020b, and 1020 c.

Referring to fig. 6I, in some embodiments, the reactor core 20 defines coolant flow zones 1060a, 1060b, 1060c, 1060d, 1060e, and 1060 f. If desired, adjacent coolant flow regions may be separated by a divider 1070 having low neutron absorption, as described above.

The electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is coupled to the respective coolant flow regions 1060a, 1060b, 1060c, 1060d, 1060e, and 1060f, as through the respective inlet chambers. The electromagnetic flow regulator 490 has respective coolant flow conduits 1080a, 1080b, 1080c, 1080d, 1080e, and 1080f in fluid communication with respective inlet chambers. Thus, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 supplies the electrically conductive fluid to the inlet chamber. The conductive fluid will fill into the chamber and then flow to the nuclear fission module 30 in the coolant flow zone 1060a, 1060b, 1060c, 1060d, 1060 e.

Referring to fig. 6J, in some embodiments, the nuclear fission reactor core 20 defines undivided flow zones 1100c and 1100d spaced from flow zones 1100a and 1100 b. The electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is coupled to the respective coolant flow zones 1100a, 1100b, 1100c, and 1100d as through the respective inlet chambers. The electromagnetic flow regulators 490 have respective coolant flow openings 1120a, 1120b, 1120c, 1120d, 1120e, 1120f, 1120g, 1120h, and 1120i in fluid communication with their respective coolant flow zones 1100a, 1100b, 1100c, and 1100 d. Thus, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 supplies the electrically conductive fluid to the coolant flow zones 1100a, 1100b, 1100c, and 1100 d. The electrically conductive fluid will fill into the chamber and then flow to the nuclear fission module 30 in the coolant flow areas 11100a, 1100b, 1100c, and 1100 d.

It should be appreciated that one system for electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant may include a power source that is electrically powered, such as power source 590, and an electromagnetic flow regulator 490. Another system for electromagnetically regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid may include a power source, such as power source 590, for power, and an electromagnetic flow regulator 490 a. Similarly, another system for electromagnetically regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid may include a power source that is electrically powered, such as power source 590, and an electromagnetic flow regulator 490 b. Any of the above systems may also include a controller, such as control unit 610, and/or a sensor, such as sensor 500, if desired. The power supply 590, control unit 610, sensor 500, and electromagnetic flow regulators 490, 490a, and 490b have been discussed above. And no unnecessary detail of their construction or operation is to be understood therefrom.

Now that exemplary details have been presented above with respect to the structure and operation of the electromagnetic flow regulators 490, 490a, and 490b, and with respect to various nuclear fission reactors including the electromagnetic flow regulators 490, 490a, and 490b, various methods of electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant will be presented below.

Referring now to fig. 7A, provided is an exemplary method 7000 of regulating flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor. The method 7000 begins at block 7002. Electrically conductive reactor coolant is flowed to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor in block 7004. The flow of the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module is electromagnetically regulated in block 7006 using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module. The method 7000 ends in block 7008.

Referring additionally to fig. 7B, electromagnetically modulating flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow modulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in block 7006 may include flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant through a reactor coolant inlet path defined by a plurality of electrically conductive bodies in block 7010. Electromagnetically regulating the flow of the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in block 7006 may further include generating lorentz forces regulating the flow of the conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path in block 7012. Electromagnetically regulating the flow of the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in block 7006 may further include flowing the conductive reactor coolant along a reactor coolant flow path defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially orthogonal to the reactor coolant inlet path in block 7014.

Referring additionally to fig. 7C, in some embodiments, generating lorentz forces to modulate the flow of the conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path in block 7012 may include generating lorentz forces to inhibit the flow of the conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path in block 7016. For example and with additional reference to fig. 7D, generating lorentz forces that impede flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path in block 7016 may include generating at least one magnetic field on the reactor coolant inlet path by an electric-carrying field-generating winding disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 7018.

In some other embodiments and referring now to fig. 7A, 7B, and 7E, generating lorentz forces to modulate the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path in block 7012 can include generating lorentz forces to force the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path in block 7020. For example, and with additional reference to fig. 7F, generating lorentz forces that force the electrically conductive reactor coolant to flow through the reactor coolant inlet path in block 7020 can include generating at least one magnetic field on the reactor coolant inlet path in block 7022 via a first plurality of current-carrying conductors disposed on an inner side of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of current-carrying conductors disposed on an outer side of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

Referring now to fig. 7A and 7G, in some other embodiments, at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant can be diverted in block 7024.

For example and with additional reference to fig. 7H, in some other embodiments, diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant in block 7024 can include diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of the plurality of nuclear fission modules in block 7026.

As another example and referring now to fig. 7A, 7G, and 7I, in some other embodiments, diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant in block 7024 can include diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path that bypasses the nuclear fission module in block 7028.

As another example and referring now to fig. 7A, 7G, and 7J, in some other embodiments, diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant in block 7024 can include diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diverting flow path having a first direction and a second direction in block 7030.

Referring now to fig. 7A and 7K, in some embodiments, at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module may be sensed in block 7032.

In some such cases and with additional reference to fig. 7L, electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module utilizing the electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in block 7006 may include electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module utilizing the electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module and responsive to an operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module in block 7034.

The operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module may include any parameter as desired. In various embodiments, the operating parameters may include, without limitation, temperature, neutron flux, neutron fluence, characteristic isotopes, pressure, and/or flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

In some other embodiments and with reference to fig. 7A and 7M, flowing the conductive reactor coolant into the nuclear fission reactor in block 7004 can include flowing the conductive reactor coolant into the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor in block 7036, the nuclear fission module associated with a burn wave existing at a location relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width.

Referring additionally to fig. 7N, in some such cases electromagnetically modulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using the electromagnetic flow modulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at block 7006 may include electromagnetically modulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using the electromagnetic flow modulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module at block 7038. For example and with additional reference to fig. 7O, electromagnetically modulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module in block 7038 may include electromagnetically modulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in response to a width of the burn wave in block 7040 with an electromagnetic flow modulator coupled to the nuclear fission module.

Referring now to fig. 7A and 7P, in some embodiments, flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor in block 7004 may include flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow area in block 7042.

Referring now to fig. 7A and 7Q, in some embodiments, flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor in block 7004 may include flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone in block 7044.

Referring now to fig. 7A and 7R, in some embodiments, causing conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor in block 7004 may include causing conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones in block 7046.

Referring now to fig. 7A and 7S, in some embodiments, causing an electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor in block 7004 may include causing an electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core in block 7048, the reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by respective ones of a plurality of partitions.

Referring now to fig. 7T, provided is an exemplary method 7100 of regulating flow of conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor. The method 7100 begins at block 7102. In block 7104, an electrically conductive reactor coolant is flowed to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor. The flow of the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module is electromagnetically regulated at block 7106 with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module. Electromagnetically regulating flow of the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module includes flowing the conductive reactor coolant through a plurality of flow holes defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in block 7106. Electromagnetically regulating the flow of the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module further includes generating a lorentz force that resists the flow of the conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes, using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in block 7106. Electromagnetically regulating the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module further includes flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a reactor coolant flow path defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially orthogonal to the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in block 7106. The method 7100 ends in block 7108.

Referring additionally to fig. 7U, in some embodiments, generating lorentz forces that impede the flow of the conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes in block 7106 may include generating at least one magnetic field over the plurality of flow holes by a current-carrying field generating winding disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 7110.

Referring now to fig. 7T and 7V, in some other embodiments, at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant can be diverted in block 7112.

For example and with additional reference to fig. 7W, in some embodiments, diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant in block 7112 may include diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant in block 7114 along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of the plurality of nuclear fission modules.

As another example and referring now to fig. 7T, 7V, and 7X, in some other embodiments, diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant in block 7112 may include diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path that bypasses the nuclear fission module in block 7116.

As another example and referring now to fig. 7T, 7V, and 7Y, in some other embodiments, diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant in block 7112 can include diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diverting flow path having a first direction and a second direction in block 7118.

Referring now to fig. 7T and 7Z, in some embodiments, at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module may be sensed in block 7120.

Referring additionally to fig. 7AA, in such cases electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module utilizing the electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at block 7106 may include electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module utilizing the electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module and responsive to an operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module at block 7122.

The operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module may include any parameter as desired. In various embodiments, the operating parameters may include, without limitation, temperature, neutron flux, neutron fluence, characteristic isotopes, pressure, and/or flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

In some other embodiments and with reference to fig. 7T and 7AB, flowing a conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor in block 7104 can include flowing a conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor, the nuclear fission module associated with a burn wave existing at a location relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width in block 7124.

Referring additionally to fig. 7AC, in some such cases electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using the electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in block 7124 may include electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using the electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in block 7126 in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module. For example and with additional reference to fig. 7AD, electromagnetically modulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module in block 7126 with an electromagnetic flow modulator coupled with the nuclear fission module may include electromagnetically modulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow modulator coupled with the nuclear fission module in response to a width of the burn wave in block 7128.

Referring now to fig. 7T and 7AE, in some embodiments, causing conductive reactor coolant to flow to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor in block 7104 may include causing conductive reactor coolant to flow to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow zone in block 7130.

Referring now to fig. 7T and 7AF, in some embodiments, flowing a conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor in block 7104 can include flowing a conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone in block 7132.

Referring now to fig. 7T and 7AG, in some embodiments, flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor in block 7104 may include flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones in block 7134.

Referring now to fig. 7T and 7AH, in some embodiments, causing conductive reactor coolant to flow to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor in block 7104 may include causing conductive reactor coolant to flow to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core in block 7136, the reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow regions separated by respective ones of a plurality of partitions.

Referring now to fig. 7I, provided is an exemplary method 7200 of regulating flow of conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor. The method 7200 begins at block 7202. In block 7204, an electrically conductive reactor coolant is flowed to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor. The flow of the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module is electromagnetically regulated in block 7206 with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module. Electromagnetically regulating flow of the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module includes flowing the conductive reactor coolant through a plurality of flow holes defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in block 7206. Electromagnetically regulating the flow of the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module further includes generating a lorentz force forcing the conductive reactor coolant to flow through the plurality of flow holes using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in block 7206. Electromagnetically regulating the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module further includes flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a reactor coolant flow path defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially orthogonal to the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flowholes using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in block 7206. The method 7200 ends in block 7208.

Referring additionally to fig. 7AJ, in some embodiments, generating lorentz forces that force the electrically conductive reactor coolant to flow through the plurality of flow holes in block 7206 may include generating at least one magnetic field over the plurality of flow holes in block 7210 via a first plurality of current-carrying conductors disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of current-carrying conductors disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

Referring now to fig. 7AI and 7AK, in some other embodiments, at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant may be diverted in block 7212.

For example and with additional reference to fig. 7AL, in some embodiments, diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant in block 7212 can include diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of the plurality of nuclear fission modules in block 7214.

As another example and referring now to fig. 7AI, 7AK, and 7AM, in some other embodiments, diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant in block 7212 may include diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path that bypasses the nuclear fission module in block 7216.

As another example and referring now to fig. 7AI, 7AK, and 7AN, in some other embodiments, diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant in block 7212 may include diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diverting flow path having a first direction and a second direction in block 7218.

Referring now to fig. 7AI and 7AO, in some embodiments, at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module may be sensed in block 7220.

Referring additionally to fig. 7AP, in such case electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using the electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in block 7206 may include electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using the electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module and responsive to an operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module in block 7222.

The operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module may include any parameter as desired. In various embodiments, the operating parameters may include, without limitation, temperature, neutron flux, neutron fluence, characteristic isotopes, pressure, and/or flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

In some other embodiments and with reference to fig. 7AI and 7AQ, flowing a conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor in block 7204 can include flowing a conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor, the nuclear fission module associated with a burn wave existing at a location relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width in block 7224.

Referring additionally to fig. 7AR, in some such cases electromagnetically modulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using the electromagnetic flow modulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in block 7224 may include electromagnetically modulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using the electromagnetic flow modulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module in block 7226. For example and with additional reference to fig. 7AS, electromagnetically modulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module in block 7226 using an electromagnetic flow modulator coupled to the nuclear fission module may include electromagnetically modulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow modulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to a width of the burn wave in block 7228.

Referring now to fig. 7AI and 7AT, in some embodiments, causing conductive reactor coolant to flow to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor in block 7204 may include causing conductive reactor coolant to flow to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow area in block 7230.

Referring now to fig. 7AI and 7AU, in some embodiments, causing conductive reactor coolant to flow to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor in block 7204 may include causing conductive reactor coolant to flow to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone in block 7232.

Referring now to fig. 7AI and 7AV, in some embodiments, causing conductive reactor coolant to flow to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor in block 7204 may include causing conductive reactor coolant to flow to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones in block 7234.

Referring now to fig. 7AI and 7AW, in some embodiments, causing conductive reactor coolant to flow to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor in block 7204 may include causing conductive reactor coolant to flow to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core in block 7236, the reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by respective ones of a plurality of partitions.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the discussion that accompanies them are examples that serve to clarify the concept, and that various configuration variations may be envisaged. Thus, as used herein, the specific examples presented and the accompanying discussion are intended to represent their more general categories. In general, use of any particular example is intended to represent a class thereof, and non-inclusion of particular components (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be construed as limiting.

Further, it should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the foregoing specific example processes, apparatus, and/or techniques represent more general processes, apparatus, and/or techniques that are taught elsewhere herein, such as in the claims submitted herewith and/or elsewhere in the application.

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the verb term "to comprise" should be interpreted as the verb "to include, but is not limited to," the verb term "to include" should be interpreted as the verb "to include at least," the verb term "to include" should be interpreted as the verb "to include, but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, even if the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"), the use of such phrases should not be interpreted to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation; the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Moreover, in those instances where a convention analogous to "A, B, at least one of C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having ordinary skill in the art would understand the convention to be used (e.g., "a system containing A, B, at least one of C" would include but not be limited to systems that contain A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "A, B, or at least one of C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having ordinary skill in the art would understand the convention to use (e.g., "a system containing A, B, or at least one of C" would include but not be limited to systems that contain a alone, B alone, C alone, a and B together, a and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B and C together, etc.). It will also be understood by those within the art that the presence of a disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, will be understood to have the potential to include one of those terms, either of those terms, or both terms, unless the context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase "a or B" should generally be understood to include the possibility of "a", "B" or "a and B".

With respect to the appended claims, it should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the operations listed herein may generally be performed in any order. Further, while the various operational flows are presented in a sequential order, it should be appreciated that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those illustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaving, truncating, reordering, incrementing, preparing, complementing, simultaneous, inverse, or other derivative orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Moreover, terms such as "sensitive to," "related to," or other past adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such derivatives, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Furthermore, the various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the claims.

Some aspects of the subject matter described herein are presented in the following numbered clauses:

1. an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the electromagnetic flow regulator comprising:

a plurality of magnetic conductors arranged in fixed relative positions, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid therealong and defining a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path for passage therethrough; and

a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generation winding on the fluid inlet path.

2. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 1, wherein the fluid inlet path is further defined by a plurality of flow holes defined in the plurality of magnetic conductors.

3. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 1, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

4. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 1, wherein the field generating winding is disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

5. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 4, wherein the field generating winding comprises a helical coil.

6. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 4, wherein the field generating winding comprises a plurality of substantially circular coils.

7. The electromagnetic flow regulator according to clause 4, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

8. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 7, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

9. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 1, wherein the field generation winding includes a first plurality of conductors disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of conductors disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

10. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 9, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

11. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 10, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

12. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 10, wherein the fluid inlet path is further defined through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

13. An electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the electromagnetic flow regulator comprising:

a frame;

a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid therealong and defining a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path for passage therethrough; and

a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current and disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generation winding on the fluid inlet path.

14. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 13, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

15. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 13, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

16. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 15, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

17. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 16, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined inboard of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

18. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 13, wherein the field generating winding comprises a helical coil.

19. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 13, wherein the field generating winding comprises a plurality of substantially circular coils.

20. An electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the electromagnetic flow regulator comprising:

a frame;

a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid therealong and defining a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path for passage therethrough; and

a field generation winding including a first plurality of conductors disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of conductors disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generation winding on the fluid inlet path.

21. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 20, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

22. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 21, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

23. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 22, wherein the fluid inlet path is further defined through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

24. The electromagnetic flow regulator of clause 23, wherein the plurality of flow apertures are further defined through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

25. A system for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the system comprising:

a source of electrical power; and

an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the electromagnetic flow regulator being electrically connectable to the source of electrical power, the electromagnetic flow regulator comprising:

a plurality of magnetic conductors arranged in fixed relative positions, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid therealong and defining a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path for passage therethrough; and

a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding electrically connectable to a power source of the electrical power, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding on the fluid inlet path.

26. The system of clause 25, wherein the fluid inlet path is further defined by a plurality of flow holes defined in the plurality of magnetic conductors.

27. The system of clause 25, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

28. The system of clause 25, wherein the field generating winding is disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

29. The system of clause 28, wherein the field generating winding comprises a helical coil.

30. The system of clause 28, wherein the field generating winding comprises a plurality of substantially circular coils.

31. The system of clause 28, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

32. The system of clause 31, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

33. The system of clause 25, wherein the field generating winding comprises a first plurality of conductors disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of conductors disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

34. The system of clause 33, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

35. The system of clause 34, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

36. The system of clause 34, wherein the fluid inlet path is further defined through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

37. A system for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the system comprising:

a source of electrical power; and

an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the electromagnetic flow regulator being electrically connectable to the source of electrical power, the electromagnetic flow regulator comprising:

a frame;

a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid therealong and defining a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path for passage therethrough; and

a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current and disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding electrically connectable to a power source of the electrical power, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding on the fluid inlet path.

38. The system of clause 37, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

39. The system of clause 37, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

40. The system of clause 39, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

41. The system of clause 40, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined inboard of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

42. The system of clause 37, wherein the field generating winding comprises a helical coil.

43. The system of clause 37, wherein the field generating winding comprises a plurality of substantially circular coils.

44. A system for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the system comprising:

a source of electrical power; and

an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the electromagnetic flow regulator comprising:

a frame;

a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid therealong and defining a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path for passage therethrough; and

a field generation winding comprising a first plurality of conductors disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of conductors disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding electrically connectable with a source of the electrical power, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding on the fluid inlet path.

45. The system of clause 44, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

46. The system of clause 45, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

47. The system of clause 45, wherein the fluid inlet path is further defined through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

48. The system of clause 47, wherein the plurality of flow holes are further defined through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

49. A method of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the method comprising:

flowing an electrically conductive fluid through a fluid inlet path defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors;

generating a lorentz force that modulates the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path; and

an electrically conductive fluid is caused to flow along a fluid flow path defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path.

50. The method of clause 49, wherein generating the lorentz force that regulates the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path comprises generating the lorentz force that resists the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path.

51. The method of clause 50, wherein generating the lorentz force that impedes the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path comprises generating at least one magnetic field on the fluid inlet path by a current-carrying field-generating winding disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

52. The method of clause 49, wherein generating the lorentz force that regulates the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path comprises generating the lorentz force that forces the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path.

53. The method of clause 52, wherein generating the lorentz force forcing the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path comprises generating at least one magnetic field on the fluid inlet path through a first plurality of current-carrying conductors disposed on an inner side of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of current-carrying conductors disposed on an outer side of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

54. A method of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the method comprising:

flowing an electrically conductive fluid through a plurality of flow holes defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors;

generating a lorentz force that resists the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow apertures; and

an electrically conductive fluid is caused to flow along a fluid flow path defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially orthogonal to the plurality of flow holes.

55. The method of clause 54, wherein generating the lorentz force that inhibits the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes comprises generating at least one magnetic field over the plurality of flow holes by a current-carrying field-generating winding disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

56. A method of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the method comprising:

flowing an electrically conductive fluid through a plurality of flow holes defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors;

generating a lorentz force that forces the electrically conductive fluid to flow through the plurality of flow holes; and

an electrically conductive fluid is caused to flow along a fluid flow path defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially orthogonal to the plurality of flow holes.

57. The method of clause 56, wherein generating the lorentz force forcing the electrically conductive fluid to flow through the plurality of flow holes comprises generating at least one magnetic field across the plurality of flow holes via a first plurality of current carrying conductors disposed on an inner side of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of current carrying conductors disposed on an outer side of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

58. A method of manufacturing an electromagnetic flow regulator that regulates flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the method comprising:

defining a fluid inlet path for an electrically conductive fluid through a plurality of magnetic conductors;

mounting a plurality of magnetic conductors in a fixed relative position such that a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid is defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path; and

a field generating winding capable of carrying an electrical current is arranged, the field generating winding being electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generating winding on the fluid inlet path.

59. The method of clause 58, wherein defining a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid with the plurality of magnetic conductors comprises defining a plurality of flow holes for the electrically conductive fluid with the plurality of magnetic conductors.

60. The method of clause 58, wherein attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to the frame such that a fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path comprises attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to the frame such that a fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is defined inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path.

61. The method of clause 58, wherein disposing a field-generating winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field-generating winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field-generating winding on the fluid inlet path comprises disposing a field-generating winding capable of carrying an electrical current outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field-generating winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field-generating winding on the fluid inlet path.

62. The method of clause 61, wherein disposing a field-generating winding capable of carrying an electrical current outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field-generating winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field-generating winding on the fluid inlet path comprises disposing a helical coil capable of carrying an electrical current outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the helical coil electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the helical coil on the fluid inlet path.

63. The method of clause 61, wherein disposing a field generation winding capable of carrying an electric current outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generation winding on the fluid inlet path comprises disposing a plurality of substantially circular coils capable of carrying an electric current outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the plurality of substantially circular coils electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the plurality of substantially circular coils on the fluid inlet path.

64. The method of clause 58, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors are attached to the frame such that ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

65. The method of clause 64, wherein attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that the ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors comprises attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that the ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors and such that the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

66. The method of clause 58, wherein disposing a field generating winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generating winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generating winding on the fluid inlet path comprises disposing a first plurality of conductors inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and disposing a second plurality of conductors outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the first and second plurality of conductors electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the first and second plurality of conductors on the fluid inlet path.

67. The method of clause 66, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors are attached to the frame such that ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

68. The method of clause 67, wherein attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that the ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors comprises attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that the ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors and such that the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

69. The method of clause 67, further comprising:

the fluid inlet path is further defined through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

70. A method of manufacturing an electromagnetic flow regulator that regulates flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the method comprising:

defining a plurality of flow holes through the plurality of magnetic conductors, the plurality of flow holes defining a fluid inlet path for an electrically conductive fluid;

attaching a plurality of magnetic conductors to the frame such that a fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path; and

a field generating winding capable of carrying an electrical current is arranged outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generating winding being electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding over the plurality of flow holes.

71. The method of clause 70, wherein attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to the frame such that a fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path comprises attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to the frame such that a fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is defined inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path.

72. The method of clause 70, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors are attached to the frame such that ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

73. The method of clause 70, wherein disposing a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generation winding across the plurality of flowholes comprises disposing a helical coil capable of carrying an electrical current outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the helical coil electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the helical coil across the plurality of flowholes.

74. The method of clause 70, wherein disposing a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generation winding across the plurality of flowholes comprises disposing a plurality of substantially circular coils capable of carrying an electrical current outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the plurality of substantially circular coils electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that the plurality of substantially circular coils can generate at least one magnetic field across the plurality of flowholes.

75. A method of manufacturing an electromagnetic flow regulator that regulates flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the method comprising:

defining a plurality of flow holes through the plurality of magnetic conductors, the plurality of flow holes defining a fluid inlet path for an electrically conductive fluid;

attaching a plurality of magnetic conductors to the frame such that a fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path; and

a first plurality of conductors is disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of conductors is disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the first and second plurality of conductors electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the first and second plurality of conductors across the plurality of flow holes.

76. The method of clause 75, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors are attached to the frame such that ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

77. The method of clause 76, wherein attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that the ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors comprises attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that the ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors and such that the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

78. The method of clause 70, further comprising:

further defining a plurality of flow holes through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors

79. A nuclear fission reactor, comprising:

a nuclear fission module;

an electromagnetic flow regulator operatively coupled with the nuclear fission module; and

a control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, the electromagnetic flow regulator being responsive to the control unit.

80. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 79, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator includes:

a plurality of magnetic conductors arranged in fixed relative positions, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining a reactor coolant flow path of an electrically conductive reactor coolant therealong and defining a reactor coolant inlet path of the electrically conductive reactor coolant therethrough substantially orthogonal to the reactor coolant flow path; and

a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that the field generation winding can generate at least one magnetic field on the reactor coolant inlet path.

81. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 80, wherein the reactor coolant inlet path is further defined by a plurality of flow holes defined in the plurality of magnetic conductors.

82. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 80, wherein the reactor coolant flow path is further defined inside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

83. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 80, wherein the field generating winding is disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

84. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 83, wherein the field generating winding includes a helical coil.

85. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 83, wherein the field generating winding includes a plurality of substantially circular coils.

86. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 83, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

87. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 86, wherein the reactor coolant flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

88. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 80, wherein the field generating winding includes a first plurality of conductors disposed on an inner side of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of conductors disposed on an outer side of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

89. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 88, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

90. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 89, wherein the reactor coolant flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

91. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 89, wherein the reactor coolant inlet path is further defined by a plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

92. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 79, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to transfer at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

93. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 92, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of the plurality of nuclear fission modules.

94. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 92, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path that bypasses the nuclear fission module.

95. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 92, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

96. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 79, further comprising:

at least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

97. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 96, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is responsive to at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

98. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 97, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a temperature.

99. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 97, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a neutron flux.

100. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 97, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron fluence.

101. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 97, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes power.

102. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 97, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a characteristic isotope.

103. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 97, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes pressure.

104. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 97, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

105. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 79, wherein the nuclear fission module is associated with a burn wave existing at a location relative to the nuclear fission reactor, the burn wave having a width.

106. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 105, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to regulate flow of the conductive reactor coolant in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module.

107. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 105, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to regulate the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant in response to a width of the combustion wave.

108. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 79, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow area.

109. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 108, wherein the coolant flow region is assigned an electromagnetic flow regulator.

110. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 79, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow area.

111. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 110, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to the single coolant flow region.

112. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 79, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.

113. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 112, wherein a single electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow regions.

114. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 112, wherein a plurality of electromagnetic flow modulators are assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow regions.

115. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 79, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by respective ones of a plurality of partitions.

116. A nuclear fission reactor, comprising:

a nuclear fission module;

an electromagnetic flow regulator operatively coupled with the nuclear fission module, the electromagnetic flow regulator comprising:

a frame;

a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining a reactor coolant flow path of the electrically conductive reactor coolant therealong and defining a reactor coolant inlet path of the electrically conductive reactor coolant therethrough substantially orthogonal to the reactor coolant flow path; and

a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current and disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that the field generation winding can generate at least one magnetic field on the reactor coolant inlet path; and

a control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, the electromagnetic flow regulator being responsive to the control unit.

117. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 116, wherein the reactor coolant flow path is further defined inside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

118. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 116, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

119. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 118, wherein the reactor coolant flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

120. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 119, wherein the reactor coolant flow path is further defined inside the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

121. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 116, wherein the field generating winding includes a helical coil.

122. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 116, wherein the field generating winding includes a plurality of substantially circular coils.

123. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 116, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to transfer at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

124. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 123, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of the plurality of nuclear fission modules.

125. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 123, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path that bypasses the nuclear fission module.

126. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 123, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

127. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 116, further comprising:

at least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

128. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 127, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is responsive to at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

129. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 128, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a temperature.

130. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 128, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a neutron flux.

131. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 128, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron fluence.

132. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 128, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes power.

133. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 128, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a characteristic isotope.

134. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 128, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes pressure.

135. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 128, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

136. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 116, wherein the nuclear fission module is associated with a burn wave existing at a location relative to the nuclear fission reactor, the burn wave having a width.

137. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 136, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to regulate flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant over at least a portion of the flow path in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module.

138. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 136, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to regulate flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant over at least a portion of the flow path in response to the width of the combustion wave.

139. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 116, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow area.

140. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 139, wherein the coolant flow region is assigned an electromagnetic flow regulator.

141. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 116, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow area.

142. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 142, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to the single coolant flow region.

143. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 116, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.

144. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 143, wherein a single electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow regions.

145. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 143, wherein a plurality of electromagnetic flow modulators are assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow regions.

146. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 116, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by respective ones of a plurality of partitions.

147. A nuclear fission reactor, comprising:

a nuclear fission module;

an electromagnetic flow regulator operatively coupled with the nuclear fission module, the electromagnetic flow regulator comprising:

a frame;

a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining a reactor coolant flow path of the electrically conductive reactor coolant therealong and defining a reactor coolant inlet path of the electrically conductive reactor coolant therethrough substantially orthogonal to the reactor coolant flow path; and

a field generation winding comprising a first plurality of conductors disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of conductors disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that the field generation winding can generate at least one magnetic field on the reactor coolant inlet path; and

a control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, the electromagnetic flow regulator being responsive to the control unit.

148. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 147, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

149. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 148, wherein the reactor coolant flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

150. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 149, wherein the reactor coolant inlet path is further defined by a plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

151. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 150, wherein the plurality of flowholes are further defined through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

152. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 147, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator diverts at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

153. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 152, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator diverts at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of the plurality of nuclear fission modules.

154. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 152, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator diverts at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path that bypasses the nuclear fission module.

155. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 152, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator diverts at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

156. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 147, further comprising:

at least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

157. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 156, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is responsive to at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

158. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 157, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a temperature.

159. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 157, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a neutron flux.

160. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 157, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron fluence.

161. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 157, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes power.

162. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 157, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a characteristic isotope.

163. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 157, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes pressure.

164. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 157, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

165. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 147, wherein the nuclear fission module is associated with a burn wave existing at a location relative to the nuclear fission reactor, the burn wave having a width.

166. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 165, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator regulates flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant over the plurality of flowholes in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module.

167. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 165, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator regulates the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant over the plurality of flow holes in response to a width of the combustion wave.

168. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 147, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow area.

169. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 168, wherein the coolant flow region is assigned an electromagnetic flow regulator.

170. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 147, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow area.

171. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 170, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to the single coolant flow region.

172. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 147, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow areas.

173. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 172, wherein a single electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow regions.

174. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 172, wherein a plurality of electromagnetic flow modulators are assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow regions.

175. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 147, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow areas separated by respective ones of a plurality of partitions.

176. A system for regulating flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant, the system comprising:

an electromagnetic flow regulator that regulates flow of the conductive reactor coolant, the electromagnetic flow regulator configured to be operatively coupled with the nuclear fission module; and

a control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, the electromagnetic flow regulator being responsive to the control unit.

177. The system of clause 176, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator comprises:

a plurality of magnetic conductors arranged in fixed relative positions, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining a reactor coolant flow path of an electrically conductive reactor coolant therealong and defining a reactor coolant inlet path of the electrically conductive reactor coolant therethrough substantially orthogonal to the reactor coolant flow path; and

a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that the field generation winding can generate at least one magnetic field on the reactor coolant inlet path.

178. The system of clause 177, wherein the reactor coolant inlet path is further defined by a plurality of flow holes defined in the plurality of magnetic conductors.

179. The system of clause 177, wherein the reactor coolant flow path is further defined inside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

180. The system of clause 177, wherein the field-generating winding is disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

181. The system of clause 180, wherein the field generating winding comprises a helical coil.

182. The system of clause 180, wherein the field generating winding comprises a plurality of substantially circular coils.

183. The system of clause 180, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

184. The system of clause 183, wherein the reactor coolant flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

185. The system of clause 177, wherein the field-generating winding comprises a first plurality of conductors disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of conductors disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

186. The system of clause 185, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

187. The system of clause 186, wherein the reactor coolant flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

188. The system of clause 186, wherein the reactor coolant inlet path is further defined by a plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

189. The system of clause 176, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

190. The system of clause 189, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of the plurality of nuclear fission modules.

191. The system of clause 189, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path that bypasses the nuclear fission module.

192. The system of clause 189, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diverted flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

193. The system of clause 176, further comprising:

at least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

194. The system of clause 193, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is responsive to at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

195. The system of clause 194, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a temperature.

196. The system of clause 194, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron flux.

197. The system of clause 194, wherein the operational parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron fluence.

198. The system of clause 194, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module comprises power.

199. The system of clause 194, wherein the operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module include characteristic isotopes.

200. The system of clause 194, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module comprises pressure.

201. The system of clause 194, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a flow rate of the conductive reactor coolant.

202. The system of clause 176, wherein the nuclear fission module is associated with a burn wave existing at a location relative to the nuclear fission reactor, the burn wave having a width.

203. The system of clause 202, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator regulates flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant over at least a portion of the flow path in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module.

204. The system of clause 202, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator regulates flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant over at least a portion of the flow path in response to a width of the combustion wave.

205. The system of clause 176, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.

206. The system of clause 205, wherein an electromagnetic flow regulator is designated for the coolant flow region.

207. The system of clause 176, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.

208. The system of clause 207, wherein an electromagnetic flow regulator is designated for the single coolant flow zone.

209. The system of clause 176, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.

210. The system of clause 209, wherein a single electromagnetic flow regulator is designated for each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

211. The system of clause 209, wherein a plurality of electromagnetic flow regulators are assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

212. The system of clause 176, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by respective ones of a plurality of partitions.

213. A system for regulating flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant, the system comprising:

an electromagnetic flow regulator that regulates flow of the conductive reactor coolant, the electromagnetic flow regulator configured to be operatively coupled with the nuclear fission module, the electromagnetic flow regulator comprising:

a frame;

a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining a reactor coolant flow path of the electrically conductive reactor coolant therealong and defining a reactor coolant inlet path of the electrically conductive reactor coolant therethrough substantially orthogonal to the reactor coolant flow path; and

a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current and disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that the field generation winding can generate at least one magnetic field on the reactor coolant inlet path; and

a control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, the electromagnetic flow regulator being responsive to the control unit.

214. The system of clause 213, wherein the reactor coolant flow path is further defined inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

215. The system of clause 214, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

216. The system of clause 215, wherein the reactor coolant flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

217. The system of clause 216, wherein the reactor coolant flow path is further defined inboard of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

218. The system of clause 213, wherein the field generating winding comprises a helical coil.

219. The system of clause 213, wherein the field generating winding comprises a plurality of substantially circular coils.

220. The system of clause 213, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

221. The system of clause 220, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of the plurality of nuclear fission modules.

222. The system of clause 220, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path that bypasses the nuclear fission module.

223. The system of clause 222, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

224. The system of clause 213, further comprising:

at least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

225. The system of clause 224, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is responsive to at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

226. The system of clause 225, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a temperature.

227. The system of clause 225, wherein the operational parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron flux.

228. The system of clause 225, wherein the operational parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron fluence.

229. The system of clause 225, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes power.

230. The system of clause 225, wherein the operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module include characteristic isotopes.

231. The system of clause 225, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes pressure.

232. The system of clause 225, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a flow rate of the conductive reactor coolant.

233. The system of clause 213, wherein the nuclear fission module is associated with a burn wave existing at a location relative to the nuclear fission reactor, the burn wave having a width.

234. The system of clause 233, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator regulates flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant over at least a portion of the flow path in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module.

235. The system of clause 233, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator regulates flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant over at least a portion of the flow path in response to the width of the combustion wave.

236. The system of clause 213, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.

237. The system of clause 236, wherein an electromagnetic flow regulator is designated for the coolant flow region.

238. The system of clause 213, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.

239. The system of clause 238, wherein an electromagnetic flow regulator is designated for the single coolant flow zone.

240. The system of clause 213, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.

241. The system of clause 240, wherein a single electromagnetic flow regulator is designated for each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

242. The system of clause 240, wherein a plurality of electromagnetic flow regulators are assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

243. The system of clause 213, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by respective ones of a plurality of partitions.

244. A system for regulating flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant, the system comprising:

an electromagnetic flow regulator that regulates flow of the conductive reactor coolant, the electromagnetic flow regulator configured to be operatively coupled with the nuclear fission module, the electromagnetic flow regulator comprising:

a frame;

a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining a reactor coolant flow path of the electrically conductive reactor coolant therealong and defining a reactor coolant inlet path of the electrically conductive reactor coolant therethrough substantially orthogonal to the reactor coolant flow path; and

a field generation winding comprising a first plurality of conductors disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of conductors disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that the field generation winding can generate at least one magnetic field on the reactor coolant inlet path; and

a control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, the electromagnetic flow regulator being responsive to the control unit.

245. The system of clause 244, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

246. The system of clause 245, wherein the reactor coolant flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

247. The system of clause 246, wherein the reactor coolant inlet path is further defined by a plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

248. The system of clause 247, wherein the plurality of flow apertures are further defined through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

249. The system of clause 244, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

250. The system of clause 249, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of the plurality of nuclear fission modules.

251. The system of clause 249, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path that bypasses the nuclear fission module.

252. The system of clause 249, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is adapted to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

253. The system of clause 244, further comprising:

at least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

254. The system of clause 253, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is responsive to at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

255. The system of clause 254, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module comprises a temperature.

256. The system of clause 254, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron flux.

257. The system of clause 254, wherein the operational parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron fluence.

258. The system of clause 254, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module comprises power.

259. The system of clause 254, wherein the operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module include characteristic isotopes.

260. The system of clause 254, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module comprises pressure.

261. The system of clause 254, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a flow rate of the conductive reactor coolant.

262. The system of clause 244, wherein the nuclear fission module is associated with a burn wave existing at a location relative to the nuclear fission reactor, the burn wave having a width.

263. The system of clause 262, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator regulates flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant over at least a portion of the flow path in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module.

264. The system of clause 262, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator regulates flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant over at least a portion of the flow path in response to a width of the combustion wave.

265. The system of clause 244, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.

266. The system of clause 265, wherein an electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to the coolant flow region.

267. The system of clause 244, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.

268. The system of clause 267, wherein an electromagnetic flow regulator is designated for the single coolant flow zone.

269. The system of clause 244, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.

270. The system of clause 269, wherein a single electromagnetic flow regulator is designated for each of the plurality of coolant flow regions.

271. The system of clause 269, wherein a plurality of electromagnetic flow regulators are assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow regions.

272. The system of clause 244, further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by respective ones of a plurality of partitions.

273. A method of regulating flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor, the method comprising:

flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor; and

the flow of the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module is electromagnetically regulated using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module.

274. The method of clause 273, wherein electromagnetically regulating flow of the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes:

flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant through a reactor coolant inlet path defined by a plurality of magnetic conductors;

generating a lorentz force that modulates the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path; and

flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant along a reactor coolant flow path defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially orthogonal to the reactor coolant inlet path.

275. The method of clause 274, wherein generating the lorentz force that modulates the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path comprises generating the lorentz force that resists the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path.

276. The method of clause 275, wherein generating the lorentz force that inhibits the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path comprises generating at least one magnetic field on the reactor coolant inlet path by an electric-current-carrying field-generating winding disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

277. The method of clause 274, wherein generating the lorentz force that modulates the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path comprises generating the lorentz force that forces the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path.

278. The method of clause 277, wherein generating the lorentz force forcing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to flow through the reactor coolant inlet path comprises generating at least one magnetic field on the reactor coolant inlet path through a first plurality of current carrying conductors disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of current carrying conductors disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

279. The method of clause 273, further comprising:

transferring at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

280. The method of clause 279, wherein diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant comprises diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of the plurality of nuclear fission modules.

281. The method of clause 279, wherein diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant includes diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path that bypasses the nuclear fission module.

282. The method of clause 279, wherein diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant comprises diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diverting flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

283. The method of clause 273, further comprising:

at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module is sensed.

284. The method of clause 283, wherein electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using the electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using the electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module and responsive to an operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

285. The method of clause 284, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes temperature.

286. The method of clause 284, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron flux.

287. The method of clause 284, wherein the operational parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron fluence.

288. The method of clause 284, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes power.

289. The method of clause 284, wherein the operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module include characteristic isotopes.

290. The method of clause 284, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes pressure.

291. The method of clause 284, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a flow rate of the conductive reactor coolant.

292. The method of clause 273, wherein flowing the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor includes flowing the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor, the nuclear fission module associated with a burn wave existing at a location relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width.

293. The method of clause 292, wherein electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module.

294. The method of clause 293, wherein electromagnetically modulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow modulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically modulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in response to a width of the burn wave using an electromagnetic flow modulator coupled to the nuclear fission module.

295. The method of clause 273, wherein flowing the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission modules in the nuclear fission reactor includes flowing the conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow area.

296. The method of clause 295, wherein an electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to the coolant flow region.

297. The method of clause 273, wherein flowing the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor includes flowing the conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.

298. The method of clause 297, wherein an electromagnetic flow regulator is designated for the single coolant flow zone.

299. The method of clause 273, wherein flowing the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor includes flowing the conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.

300. The method of clause 299, wherein a single electromagnetic flow regulator is designated for each of the plurality of coolant flow regions.

301. The method of clause 299, wherein a plurality of electromagnetic flow regulators are assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

302. The method of clause 273, wherein flowing the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor includes flowing the conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow regions separated by respective ones of a plurality of partitions.

303. A method of regulating flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor, the method comprising:

flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor; and

electromagnetically regulating flow of conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module, comprising:

flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant through a plurality of flow holes defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors;

generating a lorentz force that resists flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes; and

flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant along a reactor coolant flow path defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially orthogonal to a flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes.

304. The method of clause 303, wherein generating the lorentz force that inhibits the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes comprises generating at least one magnetic field over the plurality of flow holes by an electric-current-carrying field-generating winding disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

305. The method of clause 303, further comprising:

transferring at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

306. The method of clause 305, wherein diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant includes diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of the plurality of nuclear fission modules.

307. The method of clause 305, wherein diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant includes diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path that bypasses the nuclear fission module.

308. The method of clause 305, wherein diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant includes diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diverting flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

309. The method of clause 303, further comprising:

at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module is sensed.

310. The method of clause 309, wherein electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using the electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module and responsive to an operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

311. The method of clause 310, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module comprises a temperature.

312. The method of clause 310, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron flux.

313. The method of clause 310, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron fluence.

314. The method of clause 310, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module comprises power.

315. The method of clause 310, wherein the operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module include characteristic isotopes.

316. The method of clause 310, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module comprises pressure.

317. The method of article 310, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a flow rate of the conductive reactor coolant.

318. The method of clause 303, wherein flowing the conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor comprises flowing the conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor, the nuclear fission module associated with a burn wave existing at a location relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width.

319. The method of clause 318, wherein electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module.

320. The method of clause 318, wherein electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in response to a width of the burn wave using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module.

321. The method of clause 303, wherein flowing the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission modules in the nuclear fission reactor comprises flowing the conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow area.

322. The method of clause 321, wherein an electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to the coolant flow region.

323. The method of clause 303, wherein flowing the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor comprises flowing the conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.

324. The method of clause 323, wherein an electromagnetic flow regulator is designated for the single coolant flow region.

325. The method of clause 303, wherein flowing the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor comprises flowing the conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.

326. The method of clause 325, wherein a single electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow regions.

327. The method of clause 325, wherein a plurality of electromagnetic flow regulators are assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

328. The method of clause 303, wherein flowing the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor comprises flowing the conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow regions separated by respective ones of a plurality of partitions.

329. A method of regulating flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor, the method comprising:

flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor; and

electromagnetically regulating flow of conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module, comprising:

flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant through a plurality of flow holes defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors;

generating a lorentz force that forces the electrically conductive reactor coolant to flow through the plurality of flow holes; and

flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant along a reactor coolant flow path defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially orthogonal to a flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes.

330. The method of clause 329, wherein generating the lorentz force forcing the conductive reactor coolant to flow through the plurality of flow holes comprises generating at least one magnetic field across the plurality of flow holes through a first plurality of current-carrying conductors disposed on an inner side of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of current-carrying conductors disposed on an outer side of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

331. The method of clause 329, further comprising:

transferring at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

332. The method of clause 331, wherein diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant includes diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of the plurality of nuclear fission modules.

333. The method of clause 331, wherein diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant includes diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path that bypasses the nuclear fission module.

334. The method of clause 331, wherein diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant includes diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diverting flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

335. The method of clause 329, further comprising:

at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module is sensed.

336. The method of clause 335, wherein electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module and responsive to an operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

337. The method of clause 336, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module comprises a temperature.

338. The method of clause 336, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron flux.

339. The method of clause 336, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron fluence.

340. The method of clause 336, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module comprises power.

341. The method of clause 336, wherein the operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module include characteristic isotopes.

342. The method of clause 336, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module comprises pressure.

343. The method of clause 336, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a flow rate of the conductive reactor coolant.

344. The method of clause 329, wherein flowing conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor, the nuclear fission module associated with a burn wave existing at a location relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width.

345. The method of clause 344, wherein electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module.

346. The method of clause 345, wherein electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically regulating the flow of conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in response to a width of the burn wave using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module.

347. The method of clause 329, wherein flowing conductive reactor coolant to nuclear fission modules in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow area.

348. The method of clause 347, wherein an electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to the coolant flow region.

349. The method of clause 329, wherein flowing conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.

350. A method as described in clause 349, wherein an electromagnetic flow regulator is designated for the single coolant flow region.

351. The method of clause 329, wherein flowing conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.

352. The method of clause 351, wherein a single electromagnetic flow regulator is designated for each of the plurality of coolant flow regions.

353. The method of clause 351, wherein a plurality of electromagnetic flow regulators are designated for each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

354. The method of clause 329, wherein flowing the conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor includes flowing the conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow regions separated by respective ones of a plurality of partitions.

Claims (24)

1. An electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the electromagnetic flow regulator comprising:

a plurality of magnetic conductors arranged in fixed relative positions, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid therealong and defining a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path for passage therethrough; and

a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generation winding on the fluid inlet path.

2. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 1, wherein the fluid inlet path is further defined by a plurality of flow holes defined in the plurality of magnetic conductors.

3. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

4. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 1, wherein the field generation winding is disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

5. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 4, wherein the field generation winding comprises a helical coil.

6. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 4, wherein the field generation winding includes a plurality of substantially circular coils.

7. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 4, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

8. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 7, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined along a plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

9. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 1, wherein the field generation winding includes a first plurality of conductors disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of conductors disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

10. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 9, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

11. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 10, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined along a plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

12. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 10, wherein the fluid inlet path is further defined through a plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

13. An electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the electromagnetic flow regulator comprising:

a frame;

a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid therealong and defining a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path for passage therethrough; and

a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current and disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generation winding on the fluid inlet path.

14. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 13, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

15. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 13, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

16. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 15, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined along a plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

17. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 16, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined inboard of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

18. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 13, wherein the field generating winding comprises a helical coil.

19. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 13, wherein the field generation winding includes a plurality of substantially circular coils.

20. An electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the electromagnetic flow regulator comprising:

a frame;

a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid therealong and defining a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path for passage therethrough; and

a field generation winding including a first plurality of conductors disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of conductors disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding electromagnetically couplable with the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generation winding on the fluid inlet path.

21. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 20, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

22. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 21, wherein the fluid flow path is further defined along a plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

23. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 22, wherein the fluid inlet path is further defined through a plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

24. The electromagnetic flow regulator of claim 23, wherein a plurality of flow orifices are further defined through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

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