WO2012047257A1 - Régulateur électromagnétique de débit, système et procédés de régulation du débit d'un fluide électriquement conducteur - Google Patents

Régulateur électromagnétique de débit, système et procédés de régulation du débit d'un fluide électriquement conducteur Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012047257A1
WO2012047257A1 PCT/US2011/001649 US2011001649W WO2012047257A1 WO 2012047257 A1 WO2012047257 A1 WO 2012047257A1 US 2011001649 W US2011001649 W US 2011001649W WO 2012047257 A1 WO2012047257 A1 WO 2012047257A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
nuclear fission
reactor
electrically conductive
flow
coolant
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/001649
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Roderick A. Hyde
Muriel Y. Ishikawa
Jon David Mcwhirter
Ashok Odedra
Joshua C. Walter
Kevan D. Weaver
Jr. Lowell L. Wood
Original Assignee
Searete Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US12/924,914 external-priority patent/US8397760B2/en
Priority claimed from US12/930,150 external-priority patent/US20120087455A1/en
Priority claimed from US12/930,152 external-priority patent/US8453330B2/en
Priority claimed from US12/930,147 external-priority patent/US8781056B2/en
Priority claimed from US12/930,149 external-priority patent/US9008257B2/en
Priority claimed from US12/930,146 external-priority patent/US8584692B2/en
Application filed by Searete Llc filed Critical Searete Llc
Publication of WO2012047257A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012047257A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
    • G21C15/00—Cooling arrangements within the pressure vessel containing the core; Selection of specific coolants
    • G21C15/24—Promoting flow of the coolant
    • G21C15/243—Promoting flow of the coolant for liquids
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B21/00—Common features of fluid actuator systems; Fluid-pressure actuator systems or details thereof, not covered by any other group of this subclass
    • F15B21/06—Use of special fluids, e.g. liquid metal; Special adaptations of fluid-pressure systems, or control of elements therefor, to the use of such fluids
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
    • G21C1/00—Reactor types
    • G21C1/02—Fast fission reactors, i.e. reactors not using a moderator ; Metal cooled reactors; Fast breeders
    • G21C1/022—Fast fission reactors, i.e. reactors not using a moderator ; Metal cooled reactors; Fast breeders characterised by the design or properties of the core
    • G21C1/026—Reactors not needing refueling, i.e. reactors of the type breed-and-burn, e.g. travelling or deflagration wave reactors or seed-blanket reactors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
    • G21C17/00—Monitoring; Testing ; Maintaining
    • G21C17/02—Devices or arrangements for monitoring coolant or moderator
    • G21C17/032—Reactor-coolant flow measuring or monitoring
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E30/00—Energy generation of nuclear origin
    • Y02E30/30—Nuclear fission reactors

Definitions

  • Electromagnetic Flow Regulator System, and Methods for Regulating Flow of an Electrically Conductive Fluid
  • the present application is related to and claims the benefit of the earliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listed application(s) (the "Related Applications") (e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC ⁇ 119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great- grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Application(s)). All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Applications, including any priority claims, is incorporated herein by reference to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.
  • This application generally relates to regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid.
  • 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.
  • FIGURE 1A is a side plan view in partial schematic form of an illustrative electromagnetic flow regulator
  • FIGURE IB is a side plan view in partial schematic form of another illustrative electromagnetic flow regulator
  • FIGURE 1C is a partial cutaway side plan view of the electromagnetic flow regulator of FIGURE IB;
  • FIGURE ID is a view taken along section line ID-ID of FIGURE 1C;
  • FIGURE IE is a magnified fragmentation view in transverse cross section of a detail of the electromagnetic flow regulator of FIGURE IB;
  • FIGURE IF is a graph of the relationship of velocity of an electrically conductive fluid, a magnetic field, and an induced electric field
  • FIGURE 1G is a partial cutaway perspective view of the electromagnetic flow regulator of FIGURE IB;
  • FIGURE 1H is a is a magnified fragmentation view in transverse cross section of another detail of the electromagnetic flow regulator of FIGURE IB;
  • FIGURE II is a graph of the relationship of induced current in an electrically conductive fluid, a magnetic field, and a resultant Lorentz force
  • FIGURE 1 J is a magnified fragmentation view in perspective cross section of another detail of the electromagnetic flow regulator of FIGURE IB;
  • FIGURE IK is a side plan view in partial cutaway schematic form of another illustrative electromagnetic flow regulator
  • FIGURE 1L is a view taken along section line 1L-1L of FIGURE IK;
  • FIGURE 1M is a view taken along section line 1M-1M of FIGURE IK;
  • FIGURE IN is a view taken along section line IN- IN of FIGURE 1M;
  • FIGURE 2A is a flowchart of an illustrative method of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid
  • FIGURES 2B-2E are flowcharts of details of the method of FIGURE 2A;
  • FIGURE 2F is a flowchart of another illustrative method of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid
  • FIGURE 2G is a flowchart of details of the method of FIGURE 2F;
  • FIGURE 2H is a flowchart of another illustrative method of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid
  • FIGURE 21 is a flowchart of details of the method of FIGURE 2H;
  • FIGURE 3A is a flowchart of an illustrative method of fabricating an electromagnetic flow regulator
  • FIGURES 3B-3K are flowcharts of details of the method of FIGURE 3A;
  • FIGURE 3L is a flowchart of another illustrative method of fabricating an electromagnetic flow regulator
  • FIGURES 3M-3P are flowcharts of details of the method of FIGURE 3L;
  • FIGURE 3Q is a flowchart of another illustrative method of fabricating an electromagnetic flow regulator
  • FIGURES 3R-3T are flowcharts of details of the method of FIGURE 3Q;
  • FIGURE 4A is a schematic illustration of an illustrative nuclear fission reactor system
  • FIGURE 4B is a top plan view in partial schematic form of an illustrative nuclear fission module
  • FIGURE 4C is a top plan view in partial schematic form of illustrative nuclear fission modules of FIGURE 4B;
  • FIGURE 4D is a top plan view in partial schematic form of other illustrative nuclear fission modules of FIGURE 4B;
  • FIGURE 4E is a top plan view in partial schematic form of other illustrative nuclear fission modules of FIGURE 4B;
  • FIGURE 4F is a top plan view in partial schematic form of an illustrative traveling wave reactor core
  • FIGURE 5A is a schematic illustration of components of an illustrative nuclear fission reactor
  • FIGURES 5B-5C are partial cutaway side plan views in partial schematic form of illustrative electromagnetic flow regulators and nuclear fission modules;
  • FIGURES 6A-6C are partial cutaway side plan views in partial schematic form of other illustrative electromagnetic flow regulators and nuclear fission modules;
  • FIGURE 6D is a partial cutaway top plan view in partial schematic form of an illustrative reactor core
  • FIGURE 6E is a partial cutaway side plan view in partial schematic form of the reactor core of FIGURE 6D;
  • FIGURE 6F is a partial cutaway top plan view in partial schematic form of another illustrative reactor core
  • FIGURES 6G is a partial cutaway side plan view in partial schematic form of the reactor core of FIGURE 6F;
  • FIGURES 6H-6J are partial cutaway top plan views in partial schematic form of other illustrative reactor cores
  • FIGURE 7A is a flowchart of an illustrative method of regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant
  • FIGURES 7B-7S are flowcharts of details of the method of FIGURE 7A;
  • FIGURE 7T is a flowchart of an illustrative method of regulating flow of another electrically conductive reactor coolant
  • FIGURES 7U-7AH are flowcharts of details of the method of FIGURE 7T;
  • FIGURE 7AI is a flowchart of an illustrative method of regulating flow of another electrically conductive reactor coolant.
  • FIGURES 7AJ-7AW are flowcharts of details of the method of FIGURE 71.
  • the present application uses formal outline headings for clarity of presentation.
  • the outline headings are for presentation purposes, and that different types of subject matter may be discussed throughout the application (e.g., device(s)/structure(s) may be described under process(es)/operations heading(s) and/or process(es)/operations may be discussed under structure(s)/process(es) headings; and/or descriptions of single topics may span two or more topic headings).
  • the use of the formal outline headings is not intended to be in any way limiting.
  • 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.
  • operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components, and/or wirelessly interactable, and/or wirelessly interacting components, and/or logically interacting, and/or logically interactable components.
  • one or more components may be referred to herein as “configured to,” “configurable to,” “operable/operative to,” “adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc.
  • “configured to,” “configurable to,” “operable/operative to,” “adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. can generally encompass active-state components and/or inactive-state components and/or standby-state components, unless context requires otherwise.
  • an illustrative electromagnetic fiow regulator 490 is provided for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid.
  • Magnetic conductors 510 are arranged in fixed relative location, such as by being attached to a frame 491.
  • the magnetic conductors 510 define therealong a fluid flow path 141 for an electrically conductive fluid through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490.
  • the magnetic conductors 510 define therethrough a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid that is substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path 141.
  • a field generation winding 570 that is capable of carrying an electrical current is electromagnetically couplable to the magnetic conductors 510 such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding 570 at the fluid inlet path.
  • the fluid inlet path may be defined by flow holes 520 that are defined in the magnetic conductors 510.
  • the fluid flow path 141 through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be defined inboard of the magnetic conductors 510.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be supplied with electrical power from a power supply 590 via an electrical circuit 580 (and its circuit segments 580a, 580b, and 580c).
  • the power supply 590 may be controlled by a control unit 610. Illustrative details of the power supply 590 and the control unit will be set forth further below.
  • electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be provided for various applications, as desired.
  • an illustrative electromagnetic flow regulator 490a that may regulate flow of the electrically conductive fluid by restricting flow of the electrically conductive fluid
  • Another illustrative electromagnetic flow regulator 490b that may regulate flow of the electrically conductive fluid by restricting flow of the electrically conductive fluid and/or forcing flow of the electrically conductive fluid, will then be discussed.
  • references made herein to the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 in the context of system-level applications and host environments also encompass the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b. That is, any reference made herein to the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 in the context of system-level applications and host environments is also a reference to the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a or the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b or both the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b.
  • the field generation winding 570 is disposed outboard of the magnetic conductors 510.
  • the field generation winding 570 may include a helical coil and in some other embodiments the field generation winding 570 may include substantially circular coils.
  • magnetic nonconductors 530 may be attached to the frame 491 and disposed between adjacent ones of the magnetic conductors 510. In such cases the fluid flow path 141 is further defined along the magnetic nonconductors 530.
  • the magnetic conductors 510 are arranged in fixed relative location, such as by being attached to the frame 491.
  • the magnetic conductors 510 define therealong the fluid flow path 141 for the electrically conductive fluid through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a.
  • the magnetic conductors 510 define therethrough the flow holes 520 that define the fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid that is substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path 141.
  • the field generation winding 570 that is capable of carrying an electrical current is disposed outboard of the magnetic conductors 510.
  • the field generation winding 570 is electromagnetically couplable to the magnetic conductors 510 such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding 570 at the fluid inlet path.
  • the fluid flow path 141 through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a may be further defined inboard of the magnetic conductors 510.
  • magnetic nonconductors 530 may be attached to the frame 491 and disposed between adjacent ones of the magnetic conductors 510.
  • the fluid flow path 141 through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a may be further defined along the magnetic nonconductors 530, such as by being defined inboard of the magnetic nonconductors 530.
  • the field generation winding 570 may include a helical coil and in some other embodiments the field generation winding 570 may include substantially circular coils.
  • adjacent magnetic conductors 510 conduct a magnetic field 630 that is generated by an electrical current 600 that flows through the field generation winding 570.
  • the magnetic conductors 510 may be made of cast iron, carbon steels, or specialty commercial alloys such as permalloys Deltamax and Sendust.
  • the magnetic conductors 510 may be upright, elongate, spaced-apart, and arranged in a generally cylindrical or tubular configuration for matingly disposing electromagnetic flow regulator 490a into a device, system, host environment, or the like through which flow of the electrically conductive fluid is to be regulated by the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a.
  • Each magnetic conductor 510 may have a square, rectangular, parallelpiped, circular, or any other suitable transverse cross-section.
  • Each of the adjacent magnetic conductors 10 defines one or more flow holes 520 for allowing flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the magnetic conductors 510.
  • the magnetic conductor 10 is used to concentrate the magnetic field potential within or in the vicmity of the conductive fluid flow path. It will be appreciated that the flow holes 520 are located at the 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 conductors 510 - that is, inboard of the magnetic conductors 510. It will further be appreciated that the inlet flow path of the electrically conductive fluid through the flow holes 520 is substantially orthogonal to the flow path through the interior of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a of the electrically conductive fluid.
  • the magnetic nonconductors 530 act to limit magnetic potential in areas outside the portions 145 of the electrically conductive fluid flow path 140. Proper use of magnetic conductors and non-conductors may help to maximize the magnetic field strength observed by the electrically conductive fluid in the area of the conductive fluid at the portions 145 of the flow path 140 for a given electrical current applied to the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a.
  • the magnetic nonconductors 530 may be made of Type 300 stainless steel or the like. It will be appreciated that the flow path through the interior of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a of the electrically conductive fluid is, therefore, also defined along the magnetic nonconductors 530 - that is, inboard of the magnetic nonconductors 530.
  • the selection of the number of flow holes 520 involves consideration of the electrically conductive fluid's frictional flow resistance and the ability to provide a uniform magnetic field over the length and cross sectional flow area of the portions 145 of the flow path 140. In some embodiments, multiple flow holes 520 have been chosen such that the magnetic field requirement is reduced and the frictional loses are minimized.
  • the frame 491 includes a base member 540 and a yoke 550.
  • Upper and lower ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 are attached to the frame 491.
  • the lower ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 are attached to the base member 540. Attaching the lower ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 to the base member 540 fixes 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 laterally move.
  • the base member 540 enhances vibrational and structural rigidity of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a as the electrically conductive fluid flows through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a.
  • the lower ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 may be attached to the base member 540 by a pair of location tabs 510a and 510b.
  • 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 means of attachment.
  • the disk- shaped yoke 550 fixes 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 laterally move.
  • the yoke 550 enhances vibrational and structural rigidity of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a as the relatively high-velocity electrically conductive fluid flows through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a.
  • the yoke 550 includes a first portion 550a and a second portion 550b.
  • the second portion 550b is arranged inwardly concentrically with respect to the first portion 550a.
  • 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 location tabs 550c and 550d.
  • the upper ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 may be attached to the second portion 550b of the yoke 550 by welding or by any suitable means of attachment
  • the yoke 550 may have a recess 555 for mating engagement of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a with the device, system, host environment, or the like, through which flow is to be regulated (indicated generally at 30).
  • an annular insulator portion 560 for isolating the electromagnetic circuit from the device, system, host environment, or the like 30 through which flow is to be regulated.
  • the insulator portion 560 is a dielectric (i.e., electrically nonconducting substance) and may be made from any suitable material for resisting flow of an electric current.
  • the insulator portion 560 may be made of porcelain, glass, plastic (e.g., Bakelite), rubber, acrylic, polyurethane, or the like.
  • Another purpose of the base member 540 and the yoke 550, when made from a magnetic material, is to provide magnetic containment at the top and bottom of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a.
  • the field generation winding 570 may helically surround the tubular configuration of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530.
  • the helical mduction coil 570 extends spirally along the tubular configuration defined by the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530.
  • the induction coil 570 need not helically surround the tubular configuration defined by the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530.
  • the induction coil 570 may include separate, spaced-apart induction coils 570. In such cases, each induction coil 570 encircles the tubular configuration of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530.
  • the mduction coils 570 are coupled to the magnetic conductors 510 and are interposed between and near respective ones of the flow holes 520.
  • a purpose of the induction coils 570 is to generate magnetic fields at or near respective ones of the flow holes 520.
  • the induction coils 570 may be made from any suitable electrically conductive material such as copper, silver, aluminum, or the like.
  • the induction coils 570 may include adjacent current-carrying laminations or layers.
  • the laminations include a conductor layer 575a and an adjacent insulator layer 575b arranged side-by-side in an alternating fashion. The number of turns or layers in the current-carrying layers reduces the electrical current required to produce a magnetic field of a given strength.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a may be electrically coupled to an electrical circuit 580 that defines a circuit segment 580a having a first end thereof connected to the induction coil 570 and a second end thereof connected to a circuit segment 580b.
  • the circuit 580 has a circuit segment 580c having a first end thereof connected to the circuit segment 580b and a second end thereof connected to the base member 540.
  • a power supply 590 is electrically connected to the electrical circuit 580 for supplying an electrical current to the induction coils 570.
  • the electrical current flows in the direction of directional arrows 600.
  • the power supply 590 may be a direct current output power supply with variable output voltage. Such a commercially available power supply that may be suitable for this purpose may be available from Colutron Research Corporation located in Boulder, Colorado U.S.A.
  • a control unit 610 may be electrically connected to the power supply 590 for controlling and regulating the electric current supplied by the power supply 590.
  • the magnitude of the magnetic force acting on the electrically conductive fluid is directly proportional to the output voltage of the power supply 590, such that varying the output voltage varies the magnitude of the force and flow rate of the electrically conductive fluid. In other words, increasing the output voltage increases the magnetic field and force acting on the electrically conductive fluid and decreasing the output voltage decreases the magnetic field and force acting on the electrically conductive fluid.
  • an induced electric field "E” will affect or resist an established flow of electrically conductive fluid into the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a.
  • the movement of an electrically conductive fluid through a magnetic field results in the induced electric field according to the equation:
  • 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 electrically conductive fluid (e.g., in meters per second);
  • the electric current supplied from the power supply 590 and the electrical circuit 580 to the induction coils 570 flows along the induction coils 570 generally in the direction illustrated by the directional arrows 600.
  • the magnetic field B will act generally in the direction illustrated by the directional arrow 630.
  • the magnetic field B that is indicated by the arrow 630 acts substantially perpendicularly to the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the portion 145 of the fluid flow path 140.
  • the generated Lorentz force F will act in the direction of the directional arrow 640 substantially perpendicularly to the magnetic field B indicated by the arrow 630.
  • substantially perpendicularly is defined herein to mean an orientation that is within ⁇ 45° of being precisely perpendicular. It will be appreciated that the induced vectors are maximized or minimized when placed in perpendicular arrangements. It will also be understood that practical applications may not allow perpendicular orientation. However, such orientations may still result in sufficient vector magnitudes to perform the function described herein.
  • the Lorentz force F acting in the direction of the arrow 640 will resist or otherwise oppose flow of the electrically conductive fluid as the electrically conductive fluid attempts to move through the flow holes 520. In other words, the force F applies a braking force to the electrically conductive fluid.
  • another illustrative electromagnetic flow regulator 490b may regulate flow of the electrically conductive fluid by restricting flow of the electrically conductive fluid and/or forcing flow of the electrically conductive fluid.
  • the field generation winding 570 includes conductors 910a (not shown in FIGURE 1A for purposes of clarity) that are capable of carrying electrical current and that that are disposed inboard of the magnetic conductors and conductors 910b that are capable of carrying electrical current and that are disposed outboard of the magnetic conductors.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b may include magnetic nonconductors (not shown in FIGURE 1A for purposes of clarity) that are attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent ones of the magnetic conductors. In such cases, the fluid flow path is further defined along the magnetic nonconductors, and the fluid inlet path is further defined through the magnetic nonconductors.
  • magnetic conductors 510, 890 are arranged in fixed relative location, such as by being attached to a frame 491.
  • the magnetic conductors 510, 890 define therealong a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid and define therethrough flow holes 520b that define a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid that is substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path.
  • a field generation winding 910a, 910b includes conductors 910a that are capable of carrying electrical current and that are disposed inboard of the magnetic conductors 510, 890 and conductors 910b that are capable of carrying electrical current and that are disposed outboard of the magnetic conductors 10, 890.
  • the field generation winding 910a, 910b is electromagnetically couplable to the magnetic conductors 510, 890 such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding 910a, 910b at the fluid inlet path. Illustrative details will be set forth below.
  • the frame 491 includes a casing 875 that is attached at its lower end to the base member 540 and that is attached at its upper end to the yoke 550.
  • the casing includes regions 880 of low magnetic susceptibility (that is, the magnetic nonconductors 530) and regions 890 of high magnetic susceptibility (that is, the magnetic conductors 510) as described below.
  • Flow holes 520b may be defined vertically and circumferentially around the casing 875 as follows. Each flow 520b is formed through a region 880 of low magnetic susceptibility material capable of conducting an electrical current - that is, a magnetic nonconductor 530 ⁇ and through a region 890 of high magnetic susceptibility material - that is, a magnetic conductor 510 - that are disposed on opposite sides of the flow hole 520b. Interposed between the regions 880 and 890 are respective ones of insulation segments 900. Thus, the regions 880 and 890 and the insulation segments 900 are in communication with the flow hole 520b.
  • a field generation winding is composed of current-carrying wires 910a and 910b.
  • the current-carrying wire 910a extends longitudinally along the interior of the casing 875.
  • the current- carrying wire 910b is integrally connected to the current-carrying wire 910a and extends longitudinally along the exterior of the casing 875.
  • a circuit segment 580a of an electrical circuit 580 is electrically connected to the current-carrying wire 910a and a circuit segment 580c of the electrical circuit 580 is electrically connected to the current-carrying wire 910b.
  • This configuration results in a magnetic field B that is horizontal and the current-carrying wires 910a and 910b that are vertical.
  • An electric field E is established in the vertical direction across the flow holes 520b.
  • a thin lamination or insulating layer 895 may be placed on the circumferential interior and exterior surfaces of the low magnetic susceptibility material 880 and high magnetic susceptibility material 890 to help prevent leakage of electrical current to material or areas surrounding the flow regulator 490b.
  • the current I can be reversed to either force or restrict movement of the electrically conductive fluid through the flow holes 520b.
  • the current-carrying wire 910a (disposed on the interior of the casing 875) produces a downwardly flowing current and the current- carrying wire 910b (disposed on the exterior of the casing 875) produces an upwardly flowing current.
  • Such an arrangement of the current-carrying wires 910a and 910b make a continuous magnetic field B that does not block the flow holes 520b.
  • Equation (2) While the current density J in Equation (2) is generated in a direction that opposes the flow of conducting fluid in the absence of an external driving force (such as in the flow regulator 490a), the application of an external driving force in the flow regulator 490b can increase or decrease J in either direction.
  • the resultant force density f in Equation (2), and hence likewise the resultant force F, can then be driven to a direction that either aids or opposes the flow.
  • orientation of the electromagnetic flow regulators 490a and 490b may be vertical (as described and shown herein) or horizontal, as determined by a particular application.
  • the terms “horizontal” and “vertical” are used above only to explain the nonlimiting illustrative examples presented herein.
  • the orientation of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a and/or 490b may be orthogonal to the nonlimiting orientation described and illustrated herein. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the terms “horizontal” and “vertical” may be interchanged with each other, as determined by orientations entailed in particular applications.
  • a system for electromagnetically regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid may include a source of electrical power, such as the power supply 590, and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490.
  • Another system for electromagnetically regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid may include a source of electrical power, such as the power supply 590, and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a.
  • another system for electromagnetically regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid may include a source of electrical power, such as the power supply 590, and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b.
  • Any of the above systems may also include a controller, such as the control unit 610, if desired.
  • the power supply 590, the control unit 610, and the electromagnetic flow regulators 490, 490a, and 490b have been discussed above. Details of their construction and operation need not be repeated for an understanding.
  • an illustrative method 2000 is provided for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid.
  • the method 2000 starts at a block 2002.
  • an electrically conductive fluid is flowed through a fluid inlet path that is defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors of an electromagnetic flow regulator.
  • a Lorentz force that regulates flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path is generated.
  • the electrically conductive fluid is flowed along a fluid flow path defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors and that is substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path.
  • the method 2000 stops at a block 2010.
  • generating a Lorentz force that regulates flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path at the block 2006 may include generating a Lorentz force that resists flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path at a block 2012.
  • generating a Lorentz force that resists flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path at the block 2012 may include generating at least one magnetic field at the fluid inlet path by an electrical current-carrying field generation winding disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors at a block 2014.
  • generating a Lorentz force that regulates flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path at the block 2006 may include generating a Lorentz force that forces flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path at a block 2016.
  • generating a Lorentz force that forces flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path at the block 2016 may include generating at least one magnetic field at the fluid inlet path by a first plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors that are disposed inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors that are disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors at a block 2018.
  • an illustrative method 2100 is provided for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid. It will be appreciated that the method 2100 regulates flow of an electrically conductive fluid by restricting flow of the electrically conductive fluid.
  • the method 2100 starts at a block 2102.
  • an electrically conductive fluid is flowed through a plurality of flow holes defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors in an electromagnetic flow regulator.
  • a Lorentz force that resists flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes is generated.
  • the electrically conductive fluid is flowed along a fluid flow path defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors and that is substantially orthogonal to flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes.
  • the method 2100 stops at a block 2110.
  • generating a Lorentz force that resists flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes at the block 2106 may include generating at least one magnetic field at the plurality of flow holes by an electrical current-carrying field generation winding disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors at a block 2112.
  • an illustrative method 2200 is provided for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid. It will be appreciated that the method 2200 regulates flow of an electrically conductive fluid by forcing flow of the electrically conductive fluid.
  • the method 2200 starts at a block 2202.
  • an electrically conductive fluid is flowed through a plurality of flow holes defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors.
  • a Lorentz force that forces flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes is generated.
  • the electrically conductive fluid is flowed along a fluid flow path defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors and that is substantially orthogonal to flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes.
  • the method 2200 stops at a block 2210.
  • generating a Lorentz force that forces flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes at the block 2206 may include generating at least one magnetic field at the plurality of flow holes by a first plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors that are disposed inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors that are disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors at a block 2212.
  • an illustrative method 3000 is provided for fabricating an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid.
  • the method 3000 starts at a block 3002.
  • a fluid inlet path for an electrically conductive fluid is defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors.
  • the plurality of magnetic conductors is attached to a 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.
  • a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current is disposed, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path.
  • attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to a 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 at the block 3006 may include attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to a 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 at a block 3012.
  • disposing a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path at the block 3008 may include disposing outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path at a block 3014.
  • the block 3014 is performed to fabricate embodiments of an electromagnetic flow regulator that may regulate flow of an electrically conductive fluid by restricting flow of the electrically conductive fluid.
  • disposing outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path at the block 3014 may include disposing a helical coil outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path at a block 3016.
  • disposing outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path at the block 3014 may include disposing a plurality of substantially circular coils outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path at a block 3018.
  • 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.
  • attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors at the block 3020 may include attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that 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 at a block 3022.
  • disposing a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path at the block 3008 may include disposing a first plurality of electrical conductors inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the first and second plurality of conductors being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the first and second pluralities of conductors at the fluid inlet path at a block 3024.
  • the block 3024 is performed to fabricate embodiments of an electromagnetic flow regulator that may regulate flow of an electrically conductive fluid by restricting flow of the electrically conductive fluid.
  • 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.
  • attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors at the block 3026 may include attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that 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 at a block 3028.
  • the fluid inlet path may be further defined through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.
  • a method 3100 is provided for fabricating an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid. It will be appreciated that the method 3100 is performed to fabricate embodiments of an electromagnetic flow regulator that may regulate flow of an electrically conductive fluid by restricting flow of the electrically conductive fluid.
  • the method 3100 starts at a block 3102.
  • a plurality of flow holes that defines a fluid inlet path for an electrically conductive fluid is defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors.
  • the plurality of magnetic conductors is attached to a 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.
  • a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current is disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the plurality of flow holes.
  • the method 3100 stops at a block 3110.
  • attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to a 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 at the block 3106 may include attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to a 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 at a block 3112.
  • 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.
  • disposing outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the plurality of flow holes at the block 3108 may include disposing outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors a helical coil capable of carrying an electrical current, the helical coil being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the helical coil at the plurality of flow holes at a block 3116.
  • disposing outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the plurality of flow holes at the block 3108 may include disposing outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors a plurality of substantially circular coils capable of carrying an electrical current, the plurality of substantially circular coils being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the plurality of substantially circular coils at the plurality of flow holes at a block 3118.
  • a method 3200 is provided for fabricating an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid. It will be appreciated that the method 3200 is performed to fabricate embodiments of an electromagnetic flow regulator that may regulate flow of an electrically conductive fluid by forcing flow of the electrically conductive fluid.
  • the method 3200 starts at a block 3202.
  • a plurality of flow holes that defines a fluid inlet path for an electrically conductive fluid is defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors.
  • the plurality of magnetic conductors is attached to a 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.
  • a first plurality of electrical conductors is disposed inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors is disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the first and second plurality of conductors being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the first and second pluralities of conductors at the plurality of flow holes.
  • the method 3200 stops at a block 3210.
  • 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 at a block 3212.
  • attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors at the block 3212 may include attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that 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 at a block 3214.
  • the plurality of flow holes may be further defined through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors at a block 3216.
  • embodiments of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be used in any host environment in which it is desired to electromagnetically regulate flow of an electrically conductive fluid.
  • embodiments of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be used to: regulate flow of a molten metal (e.g., zinc, lead, aluminum, iron and magnesium in the primary metals industries; rapidly start and stop a shot of molten metal into a mold for casting; regulate the flow of a liquid metal coolant to a computer chip; modulate the rate of release of molten filler wire during electric arc welding; and the like.
  • a molten metal e.g., zinc, lead, aluminum, iron and magnesium in the primary metals industries
  • rapidly start and stop a shot of molten metal into a mold for casting regulate the flow of a liquid metal coolant to a computer chip
  • modulate the rate of release of molten filler wire during electric arc welding and the like.
  • embodiments of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be used in a nuclear fission reactor to regulate flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant.
  • Illustrative examples related to electromagnetically regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor will be discussed below.
  • embodiments of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be used in any host environment in which it is desired to electromagnetically regulate flow of an electrically conductive fluid.
  • discussions of host environments will be limited to that of a nuclear fission reactor.
  • no limitation of applicable host environments to that of a nuclear fission reactor is intended and should not be inferred.
  • heat is produced in a nuclear fission reactor when neutrons are liberated by fissile nuclides. This phenomenon is used in a commercial nuclear fission reactor to produce continuous heat that, in turn, is used to generate electricity.
  • peak temperature i.e., hot channel peaking factor
  • This peak temperature is, in turn, due to heterogeneous control rod/fuel rod distribution. Heat damage may occur if the peak temperature exceeds material limits.
  • reactors operating in the fast neutron spectrum may be designed to have a fertile fuel "breeding blanket" material present at the core periphery. Such reactors will tend to breed fuel into the breeding blanket material through neutron absorption. This results in an increasing power output in the reactor periphery as the reactor approaches the end of a fuel cycle.
  • Flow of coolant through the peripheral assemblies at the beginning of a reactor fuel cycle can be established to maintain a safe operating temperature and compensate for the increase in power which will occur as bum-up increases during the fuel cycle. Typically, this requires that excess coolant pumping power be used at the beginning of a fuel cycle than is needed.
  • the heat generation rate of a nuclear fission module may change with respect to proximity of the nuclear fission module to a nuclear fission deflagration wave associated with operating the traveling wave nuclear fission reactor.
  • a reactivity change (i.e., change in the responsiveness of the reactor) may be produced because of fuel bumup.
  • Burnup is typically defined as the amount of energy generated per unit mass of fuel and is usually expressed in units of megawatt-days per metric tonne of heavy metal (MWd/MTHM) or gigawatt-days per metric tonne of heavy metal (GWd/MTHM). More specifically, reactivity change is related to the relative ability of the reactor to produce more or less neutrons than the exact amount needed to sustain a critical chain reaction.
  • Responsiveness of a reactor is typically characterized as the time derivative of a reactivity change causing the reactor to increase or decrease in power exponentially where the time constant is known as the reactor period.
  • control rods made of neutron absorbing material are typically used to adjust and control the changing reactivity.
  • Such control rods are reciprocated in and out of the reactor core to variably control neutron absorption and thus the neutron flux level and reactivity in the reactor core.
  • the neutron flux level is depressed in the vicinity of the control rod and potentially higher in areas remote from the control rod.
  • the neutron flux is not uniform across the reactor core. This results in higher fuel burnup in those areas of higher neutron flux.
  • neutron flux and power density variations are due to many factors. Proximity to a control rod may or may not be the primary factor. For example, the neutron flux typically drops significantly at core boundaries when no nearby control rod is present. This effect, in turn, may cause overheating or peak temperatures in those areas of higher neutron flux. Such peak temperatures may undesirably reduce the operational life of structures subjected to such peak temperatures by altering the mechanical properties of the structures. Also, reactor power density, which is proportional to the product of the neutron flux and the fission macroscopic cross-section, may be limited by the ability of core structural materials to withstand such peak temperatures without damage.
  • Regulating flow of reactor coolant into individual nuclear fission fuel assemblies can help tailor flow of reactor coolant as desired to help achieve a more uniform temperature profile and/or power density profile across the reactor core. A more uniform temperature profile or power density profile across the reactor core can help lessen the possibility of heat damage to some reactor structural materials.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be used to help regulate flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.
  • the nuclear fission reactor system 10 includes at least one electromagnetic flow regulator 490 (not shown in FIGURE 4A for purposes of clarity) to help regulate flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.
  • the nuclear fission reactor system 10 may be a "traveling wave" nuclear fission reactor system.
  • the reactor system 10 generates electricity that is transmitted over transmission lines (not shown) to users of the electricity.
  • the reactor system 10 may be used to conduct tests, such as tests to determine effects of temperature on reactor materials.
  • the reactor system 10 includes a nuclear fission reactor core 20 that includes nuclear fission fuel assemblies or, as also referred to herein, nuclear fission modules 30.
  • the nuclear fission reactor core 20 is sealingly housed within a reactor core enclosure 40.
  • each nuclear fission module 30 may form a hexagonally shaped structure in transverse cross-section, as shown, so that more nuclear fission modules 30 may be closely packed together within the reactor core 20 (as compared to other shapes for the nuclear fission module 30, such as cylindrical or spherical shapes).
  • Each nuclear fission module 30 includes fuel rods 50 for generating heat due to the nuclear fission chain reaction process.
  • the fuel rods 50 may be surrounded by a fuel rod canister 60, if desired, for adding structural rigidity to the nuclear fission modules 30 and for segregating the nuclear fission modules 30 one from another the when nuclear fission modules 30 are disposed in the nuclear fission reactor core 20. Segregating the nuclear fission modules 30 one from another avoids transverse coolant cross flow between adjacent nuclear fission modules 30. Avoiding transverse coolant cross flow prevents transverse vibration of the nuclear fission modules 30. Such transverse vibration might otherwise increase risk of damage to the fuel rods 50.
  • controlling coolant flow to individual nuclear fission modules 30 efficiently manages coolant flow within the reactor core 20, such as by directing coolant flow substantially according to the 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 temperature.
  • the coolant may have an average nominal volumetric flow rate of approximately 5.5 m /sec (i.e., approximately 194 cubic ft /sec) and an average nominal velocity of approximately 2.3 m/sec (i.e., approximately 7.55 ft/sec) in the case of an illustrative sodium cooled reactor during normal operation.
  • the fuel rods 50 are adjacent one to another and define a coolant flow channel 80 (see FIGURE 4C) therebetween for allowing flow of coolant along the exterior of the fuel rods 50.
  • the canister 60 may include means (not shown) for supporting and for tying the fuel rods 50 together.
  • the fuel rods 50 are bundled together within the canister 60 so as to form the hexagonal nuclear fission modules 30. Although the fuel rods 50 are adjacent to each other, the fuel rods 50 are maintained in a spaced-apart relationship by a wire wrapper 90 (see FIGURE 5B) that surrounds and extends spirally along the length of each fuel rod 50 in a serpentine fashion.
  • a wire wrapper 90 see FIGURE 5B
  • the fuel rods 50 include nuclear fuel material. Some of the fuel rods 50 include a fissile nuclide, such as without limitation uranium-235, uranium-233, or plutonium-23 . Some of the fuel rods 50 may include a fertile nuclide, such as without limitation thorium-232 and/or uranium-238, which may be transmuted via neutron capture during the fission process into fissile nuclides. In some embodiments some of the fuel rods 50 may include a predetermined mixture of fissile and fertile nuclides.
  • the reactor core 20 is disposed within a reactor pressure vessel 120 for preventing leakage of radioactive materials, gasses or liquids from the reactor core 20 to the surrounding biosphere.
  • the pressure vessel 120 may be made of steel or other material of suitable size and thickness to reduce risk of such radiation leakage and to support required pressure loads.
  • a containment vessel (not shown) may sealingly surround parts of the reactor system 10 for further reducing possibility of leakage of radioactive particles, gasses or liquids from the reactor core 20 to the surrounding biosphere.
  • a primary loop coolant pipe 130 is coupled to the reactor core 20 for allowing a suitable coolant to flow through the reactor core 20 in order to cool the reactor core 20.
  • the primary loop coolant pipe 130 may be made from any suitable material, such as stainless steel. It will be appreciated that, if desired, the primary coolant loop pipe 130 may be made not only from ferrous alloys, but also from non-ferrous alloys, zirconium-based alloys or other suitable structural materials or composites
  • the coolant carried by primary loop coolant pipe 130 is an electrically conductive fluid, which is defined herein to mean any fluid that facilitates the passage of electrical current.
  • the electrically conductive fluid may be a liquid metal such as without limitation sodium, potassium, lithium, lead and mixtures thereof.
  • the coolant may suitably be a liquid sodium (Na) metal or sodium metal mixture, such as sodium-potassium (Na-K).
  • the coolant may be a metal alloy, such as lead-bismuth (Pb-Bi).
  • the electrically conductive fluid may have electrically conductive metal particles dispersed in a carrier fluid by means of a dispersant, such as mineral oil or the like.
  • normal operating temperature of a sodium-cooled reactor core may be relatively high.
  • the reactor core outlet temperature during normal operation may range from approximately 510° Celsius (i.e., 950° Fahrenheit) to approximately 550° Celsius (i.e., 1,020° Fahrenheit).
  • peak fuel cladding temperatures may reach about 600° Celsius (i.e. 1,110° Fahrenheit) or more, depending on reactor core design and operating history.
  • decay heat build-up during post-LOCA or post- LOFTA scenarios and also during suspension of reactor operations may produce unacceptable heat accumulation. In some cases, therefore, it is appropriate to control coolant flow to the reactor core 20 during both normal operation and post accident scenarios.
  • the temperature profile in the reactor core 20 varies as a function of location.
  • the temperature distribution in the reactor core 20 may closely follow the power density spatial distribution in the reactor core 20.
  • the power density near the center of the reactor core 20 is generally higher than the power density near the periphery of the reactor core 20 ⁇ particularly in the presence of a suitable neutron reflector or neutron breeding "blanket" surrounding the periphery of the reactor core 20.
  • coolant flow parameters for the nuclear fission modules 30 near the periphery of the reactor core 20 would be less than coolant flow parameters for the nuclear fission modules 30 near the center of the reactor core 20, especially at the beginning of core life.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is provided to vary coolant flow to individual nuclear fission modules 30 depending on location of the nuclear fission modules 30 in the reactor core 20 and/or depending on desired reactor operating parameters.
  • the heat-bearing coolant flows along a coolant flow stream or flow path 140 to an intermediate heat exchanger 150 and into a plenum volume 160 associated with the intermediate heat exchanger 150. After flowing into the plenum volume 160, the coolant continues through the primary loop pipe 130. The coolant leaving plenum volume 160 has been cooled due to the heat transfer occurring 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 pipe 130, through the reactor core 20, along the coolant flow path 140, into the intermediate heat exchanger 150, and into the plenum volume 160.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a is capable of restricting flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant from the pump 170.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a may develop all or a portion of the pressure drop conventionally developed using flow orificing. Use of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a can help reduce or, in some cases, may help eliminate pressure drop dependence from orificing.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b can help to establish, accelerate, or maintain flow velocity of the electrically conductive reactor coolant or can be used to restrict flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 can be configured as the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a to restrict flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant from the pump 170 to individual nuclear fission modules 30 or as the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b to either controllably supplement or restrict flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant from the pump 170 to individual nuclear fission modules 30.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b can be configured to provide all or a portion of the flow established by the pump 170.
  • the pump 170 and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b can operate simultaneously or individually to provide and regulate coolant flow to the reactor core 20 and individual nuclear fission modules 30.
  • a secondary loop pipe 180 is provided for removing heat from the intermediate heat exchanger 150.
  • the secondary loop pipe 180 includes a secondary "hot" leg pipe segment 190 and a secondary "cold” leg pipe segment 200.
  • the secondary cold leg pipe segment 200 is integrally formed with the secondary hot leg pipe segment 190 so as to form a closed loop.
  • the secondary loop pipe 180 contains a fluid, which suitably may be liquid sodium or a liquid sodium mixture.
  • the secondary hot leg pipe segment 190 extends from the intermediate heat exchanger 150 to a steam generator 210.
  • the steam generator 210 may be configured as a steam generator and superheater combination.
  • the coolant flowing through the secondary loop pipe 180 and exiting the steam generator 210 is at a lower temperature and enthalpy than before entering the steam generator 210 due to the heat transfer occurring within the steam generator 210.
  • the coolant is pumped by a pump 220 along the "cold" leg pipe segment 200, which extends into the intermediate heat exchanger 150 for transferring heat from the coolant flow path 140 to the secondary loop pipe 180.
  • a body of water 230 disposed in the steam generator 210 has a predetermined temperature and pressure.
  • the fluid flowing through the secondary hot leg pipe segment 190 will transfer its heat to the body of water 230, which is at a lower temperature than the fluid flowing through the secondary hot leg pipe segment 190.
  • the steam 240 will then travel through a steam line 250 which has one end thereof in vapor communication with the steam 240 and another end thereof in liquid communication with the body of water 230.
  • a rotatable turbine 260 is coupled to the steam line 250, such that turbine the 260 rotates as the steam 240 passes therethrough.
  • An electrical generator 270 which is coupled to the turbine 260, such as by a rotatable turbine shaft 280, generates electricity as the turbine 260 rotates.
  • a condenser 290 is coupled to the steam line 250 and receives the steam passing through the turbine 260.
  • the condenser 290 condenses the steam 240 to liquid water and passes any waste heat to a heat sink 300, such as a cooling tower or the like, which is associated with the condenser 290.
  • the liquid water condensed by the condenser 290 is pumped along the steam line 250 from the condenser 290 to the steam generator 210 by a pump 310 interposed between the condenser 290 and the steam generator 210.
  • nuclear fission modules 30 may be arranged within the reactor core 20 in any configuration as desired.
  • the nuclear fission modules 30 may be arranged to define a hexagonally shaped configuration, a cylindrically-shaped configuration, a parallelpiped shaped configuration, or the like.
  • control rods 360 are each disposed within a control rod guide tube or cladding (not shown).
  • the control rods 360 are symmetrically disposed within selected nuclear fission modules 30 and extend the length of a predetermined number of nuclear fission modules 30.
  • the control rods 360 which are shown disposed in a predetermined number of the nuclear fission modules 30, control the neutron fission reaction occurring in nuclear fission modules 30.
  • the control rods 360 include a suitable neutron absorber material having an acceptably high neutron capture or absorption cross- section.
  • the absorber 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 will controllably supply negative reactivity to the reactor core 20.
  • the control rods 360 provide a reactivity management capability to the reactor core 20.
  • the control rods 360 are capable of controlling the neutron flux profile across the reactor core 20 and thus influence the temperature profile across the reactor core 20.
  • the nuclear fission module 30 need not be neutronically 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 purely fertile assembly or a purely reflective assembly or a combination of both. In this regard, the nuclear fission module 30 may be a breeder nuclear fission module including breeder rods 370 (FIGURE 4D) containing nuclear breeding material or a reflective nuclear fission module including reflector rods 380 (FIGURE 4E) containing a reflective material.
  • the nuclear fission module 30 may contain fuel rods 50 in combination with the breeder rods 370 (FIGURE 4D) or the reflector rods 380 (FIGURE 4E).
  • the nuclear fission module 30 may include any suitable combination of nuclear fuel rods 50, control rods 360, breeding rods 370, and reflector rods 380.
  • the fertile nuclear breeding material in the breeding rods 370 may include without limitation thorium-232 and/or uranium-238.
  • the reflector material may include a material such as without limitation beryllium (Be), tungsten (W), vanadium (V), depleted or natural uranium (U), thorium (Th), lead alloys and mixtures thereof.
  • the nuclear fission reactor core 20 may be configured as a traveling wave nuclear fission reactor core.
  • a nuclear fission igniter 400 which may include isotopic enrichment of nuclear fissionable material such as without limitation, U-233, U-235 or Pu-239, is suitably located in any desired location within the reactor core 20.
  • the igniter 400 may be located near a first end 350 that is opposite a second end 355 of the reactor core 20. Neutrons are released by the igniter 400.
  • the neutrons that are released by the igniter 400 are captured by fissile and/or fertile material within the nuclear fission modules 30 to initiate the fission chain reaction.
  • the igniter 400 may be removed once the fission chain reaction becomes self-sustaining, if desired.
  • the igniter 400 initiates a three-dimensional, traveling wave 410 (sometimes referred to as a propagating wave or a burn wave) having a width "x".
  • traveling wave 410 sometimes referred to as a propagating wave or a burn wave
  • the burn wave 410 travels outwardly from the igniter 400 toward the second end 355 of the reactor core 20, so as to form the traveling or propagating burn wave 410.
  • each nuclear fission module 30 is capable of accepting at least a portion of the traveling burn wave 410 as the burn wave 410 propagates through the reactor core 20.
  • Speed of the traveling burn wave 410 may be constant or non-constant.
  • the speed at which the burn wave 410 propagates can be controlled.
  • longitudinal movement of the control rods 360 (not shown in FIGURE 4F for clarity purposes) in a predetermined or programmed manner can drive down or lower neutronic reactivity of the fuel rods 50 (not shown in FIGURE 4F for clarity purposes) that are disposed in the nuclear fission modules 30.
  • neutronic reactivity of the fuel rods 50 that are presently being burned at the location of the burn wave 410 can be driven down or lowered relative to neutronic reactivity of "unburned" fuel rods 50 ahead of the burn wave 410.
  • 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, it being understood that a greater or lesser number of nuclear fission modules 30 may be present in the reactor core 20.
  • the reactor core lower support plate 430 suitably extends across a bottom portion of all of the nuclear fission modules 30.
  • the reactor core lower support plate 430 has a counter bore 440 therethrough.
  • the counter bore 440 has an open end 450 for allowing flow of coolant thereinto.
  • Horizontally extending across a top portion or exit portion of all of the nuclear fission modules 30 and removably connected to all of the nuclear fission modules 30 may be a reactor core upper support plate 460 that caps all of the nuclear fission modules 30.
  • the reactor core upper support plate 460 also may define flow slots 470 for allowing flow of coolant therethrough.
  • reactor core 20 it is desirable to control the temperature of the reactor core 20 and the nuclear fission modules 30 therein, regardless of the configuration selected for reactor core 20.
  • possibility of heat damage to reactor core structural materials may be increased if the peak temperature exceeds material limits.
  • peak temperatures may undesirably reduce the operational life of structures subjected to peak temperatures by altering the mechanical properties of the structures, particularly those properties relating to thermal creep.
  • reactor power density is limited, in part, by the ability of core structural materials to withstand high peak temperatures without damage.
  • controlling reactor core temperature may be important for successfully conducting tests, such as tests to determine effects of temperature on reactor materials.
  • the nuclear fission modules 30 disposed at or near the center of the reactor core 20 may generate more heat than the nuclear fission modules 30 disposed at or near the periphery of the reactor core 20. Therefore, it would be inefficient to supply a uniform coolant mass flow rate across the reactor core 20 because higher heat flux nuclear fission modules 30 near the center of the reactor core 20 would involve a higher coolant mass flow rate than the nuclear fission modules 30 near the periphery of the reactor core 20, particularly at the beginning of core life.
  • the primary loop pipe 130 delivers reactor coolant to the nuclear fission modules 30 along a coolant flow path or fluid stream indicated by directional flow arrows 140.
  • the primary coolant then continues along the coolant flow path 140 and through an open end 450 that is formed in the core lower support plate 430.
  • the core lower support plate 430 may also form a portion of a core inlet flow plenum.
  • the reactor coolant can be used to remove heat from or cool selected ones of the nuclear fission modules 30, such as nuclear fission modules 30 disposed in a traveling wave nuclear fission reactor core at the location or vicinity of traveling burn wave 410 (not shown in FIGURES 4A, 5A, or 5B) within the traveling wave nuclear fission reactor core.
  • the nuclear fission module 30 may be selected, at least in part, on the basis of whether or not the burn wave 410 is located, detected, or otherwise is disposed within or in the vicinity of or at a location relative to the nuclear fission module 30, as described in more detail below.
  • an electromagnetic flow regulator 490 and associated control system is coupled to at least one nuclear fission module 30.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be integrally connected to the nuclear fission module 30. In some other embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be connected to the lower support plate 430.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is adapted to supply a relatively lesser amount of coolant to the nuclear fission module 30 when a lesser amount of the burn wave 410 (i.e., lesser intensity of the burn wave 410) is present within or at a location relative to the nuclear fission module 30.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is adapted to supply a relatively greater amount of coolant to the nuclear fission module 30 when a greater amount of the burn wave 410 (i.e., greater intensity of the burn wave 410) is present within or at least at a location relative to the nuclear fission module 30.
  • Presence and intensity of the burn wave 410 may be identified by any one or more suitable parameter, such as without limitation temperature within or relative to the nuclear fission module 30, neutron flux within or relative to the fission module 30, neutron fluence within or relative to the fission module 30, power level within the nuclear fission module 30, a characteristic isotope within the nuclear fission module 30, pressure within the nuclear fission module 30, flow rate of the electrically conductive fluid within the nuclear fission module 30, heat generation rate within the nuclear fission module 30, a width "x" of the burn wave 410, and/or other suitable operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module 30.
  • suitable parameter such as without limitation temperature within or relative to the nuclear fission module 30, neutron flux within or relative to the fission module 30, neutron fluence within or relative to the fission module 30, power level within the nuclear fission module 30, a characteristic isotope within the nuclear fission module 30, pressure within the nuclear fission module 30, flow rate of the electrically conductive fluid within the nuclear fission module 30,
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be adapted to be operated in response to an operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module 30.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 not only does the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 control flow of the coolant in response to the location of the burn wave 410 relative to the nuclear fission modules 30, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 also controls flow of the coolant in response to certain operating parameters associated with the reactor core 20 and the nuclear fission module 30.
  • at least one sensor 500 may be disposed in or near the nuclear fission module 30 to sense status of the operating parameter.
  • the operating parameter sensed by the sensor 500 may be a current temperature associated with the nuclear fission module 30.
  • the sensor 500 may be a thermocouple device or temperature sensor that may be available from Thermocoax, Incorporated located in Alpharetta, Georgia U.S.A.
  • the operating parameter sensed by the sensor 500 may be neutron flux in the nuclear fission module 30.
  • the sensor 500 may be a "PN9EB20/25" neutron flux proportional counter detector or the like, such as may be available from Centronic House, Surrey, England.
  • 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 transmuted product produced by breeding or other characteristic isotope.
  • the operating parameter sensed by the sensor 500 may be neutron fluence in the nuclear fission module 30.
  • neutron fluence is defined as the neutron flux integrated over a certain time period and represents the number of neutrons per unit area that passed during that time period.
  • the operating parameter sensed by the sensor 500 may be fission module pressure.
  • the sensed fission module pressure fission module pressure may be a dynamic fluid pressure.
  • fission module pressure may be a dynamic fluid pressure of approximately 10 bars (i.e., approximately 145 psi) for an illustrative sodium cooled reactor or approximately 138 bars (i.e., approximately 2000 psi) for an illustrative pressurized "light" water cooled reactor during normal operation.
  • fission module pressure that is sensed by the sensor 500 may be a static fluid pressure or a fission product pressure.
  • the sensor 500 may be a custom-designed pressure detector that may be available from Kaman Measuring Systems, Incorporated located in Colorado Springs, Colorado U.S.A.
  • the operating parameter sensed by the sensor 500 may be flow rate of the electrically conductive fluid within the nuclear fission module 30.
  • the sensor 500 may be a suitable flow meter such as a "BLANCETT 1100 TURBINE FLOW METER", available from Instrumart, Incorporated located in Williston, Vermont U.S.A.
  • pressure or mass flow sensors are located throughout operating nuclear reactor systems, such as in the primary loop coolant pipe 130 or the secondary loop coolant pipe 180, in addition to being located within or in the vicinity of the nuclear fission module 30. Such a sensor will be used to detect flow conditions throughout the coolant system.
  • the operating parameter to be sensed by the sensor 500 may be determined by a suitable computer-based algorithm (not shown).
  • the operating parameter may be selected by operator-initiated action.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is capable of being modified in response to any suitable operating parameter determined by a human operator.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is capable of being modified in response to an operating parameter selected by a suitable feedback control system.
  • a suitable feedback control system may sense changes in temperature and modify coolant flow in response to a changing temperature-sensitive power distribution.
  • Such control could be performed autonomously with suitable feedback controls established between the sensing instrumentation and an electromagnetic flow regulator control system.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is capable of being modified in response to an operating parameter determined by an automated control system.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulation may be modified to provide unimpeded flow to the nuclear fission modules 30 during a core shut-down event initiated by an accident scenario, such as a loss of off-site power or the like.
  • an accident scenario such as a loss of off-site power or the like.
  • the automated control system may include a source of back-up electrical power which can be provided to the electromagnetic flow regulators 490b to maintain forced flow in response to accidents such as loss of off-site power.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is capable of being modified in response to a change in decay heat.
  • decay heat decreases in the "tail" of the burn wave 410. Detection of the presence of the tail of the burn wave 410 is used to decrease coolant flow rate over time to account for the decrease in decay heat found in the tail of the burn wave 410. This is particularly the case when the nuclear fission module 30 resides behind the burn wave 410.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 can 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 from the burn wave 410 changes. Sensing status of such operating parameters can facilitate suitable control and modification of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 and thus suitable control and modification of temperature in the reactor core 20.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is capable of controlling or regulating flow of the coolant according to timing of when the traveling burn wave 410 arrives at and/or departs from the nuclear fission module 30. Also, in some embodiments the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is capable of controlling or regulating flow of the coolant according to timing of when the traveling burn wave 410 is proximate to, in the vicinity of, or 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 flow of the coolant according to the width x of the burn wave 410.
  • arrival and departure of the burn wave 410 may be detected by sensing any one or more of the operating parameters discussed above.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be capable of controlling or regulating flow of the coolant according to temperature sensed in the nuclear fission module 30, in which case the temperature may be indicative of the nearby presence of the propagating or traveling burn wave 410.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be capable of controlling or regulating flow of the coolant according to temperature sensed in the nuclear fission module 30, in which case the temperature may be indicative of a stationary burn wave 410.
  • the nuclear fission module 30 that is to receive the variable flow is selected on the basis of the desired value for the operating parameter in the nuclear fission module 30 compared to the value of the operating parameter that is actually sensed in the nuclear fission module 30. As described in more detail presently, fluid flow to the nuclear fission module 30 is adjusted to bring the actual value for the operating parameter into substantial agreement (e.g., plus or minus 5% agreement in terms of the operating parameter) with the desired value for the operating parameter.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is capable of controlling or regulating flow of the coolant according to the actual value of the operating parameter sensed by the sensor 500 compared to a predetermined desired value for the operating parameter.
  • An appreciable mismatch between the actual value and the desired value of the operating parameter may be a reason to adjust the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 to bring the actual value into substantial agreement with the desired value.
  • 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 allows coolant flow to be varied across the reactor core 20 according to the location of the burn wave 410 or the actual values of operating parameters compared to desired values of operating parameters in the reactor core 20.
  • electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be coupled to the nuclear fission modules 30 in any manner as desired for a particular application. To that end, several illustrative examples will be set forth below by way of illustration only and not of limitation.
  • an individual electromagnetic flow regulator 490 diverts at least one portion of the electrically conductive fluid along at least one of diversion flow pathways 700 that extend from the individual electromagnetic flow regulator 490 to respective ones of the nuclear fission modules 30. Flow of the electrically conductive fluid from the individual electromagnetic flow regulator 490 will bifurcate and flow along conduits 710a and 710b as well as flow directly into the nuclear fission module 30 that is vertically aligned with and located above electromagnetic flow regulator 490.
  • a valve 720 such as a backflow prevention valve, may be disposed in each of the conduits 710a and 710b for controlling flow of the electrically conductive fluid in conduits 710a and 710b, if desired.
  • Each of the valves 720 may be selectively controllable by the control unit 610. Only three nuclear fission modules 30 and only a pair of the conduits 710a and 710b are shown as being coupled to the individual electromagnetic flow regulator 490. However, it will be appreciated that there may be any number of the nuclear fission modules 30 and conduits 710a and 710b coupled to the individual electromagnetic flow regulator 490 as desired. Therefore, it will be appreciated that a single electromagnetic flow regulator 490 can be used to supply electrically conductive fluid to more than one nuclear fission module 30.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 allows flow of the electrically conductive fluid to bypass selected nuclear fission modules 30.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 diverts at least one portion of the electrically conductive fluid, so as to bypass selected nuclear fission modules 30.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 diverts at least one portion of the electrically conductive fluid along diversion flow pathways 740. That is, flow of the electrically conductive fluid will bifurcate from each electromagnetic flow regulator 490 and flow along a pair of conduits 750a and 750b for bypassing the selected nuclear fission modules 30.
  • a valve 760 such as a backflow prevention valve, may be disposed in each of the conduits 750a and 750b for controlling flow of the electrically conductive fluid in the conduits 750a and 750b, if desired.
  • Each of the valves 760 may be selectively controllable by the control unit 610.
  • Each of the conduits 750a and 750b terminates in an upper plenum 770.
  • the upper plenum 770 combines the flow of the electrically conductive fluid from the conduits 750a and 750b so that a single flow stream 140 is supplied to intermediate heat exchanger 150 (FIGURE 4A).
  • FIGURE 6B only three nuclear fission modules 30, only three electromagnetic flow regulators 490, only a pair of the valves 760, and only a pair of the conduits 750a and 750b are shown. However, it will be appreciated that there may be any number and combination of fission modules 30, electromagnetic flow regulators 490, valves 760, and conduits 750a and 750b as desired. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the electrically conductive fluid may bypass any desired number of nuclear fission modules 30.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 selectively controls flow of the electrically conductive fluid to individual nuclear fission modules 30.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 diverts at least one portion of the electrically conductive fluid, so as to direct coolant flow to individual nuclear fission modules 30.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 diverts at least one portion of the electrically conductive fluid along a diversion flow pathway 790a and along a diversion flow pathway 790b.
  • the diversion flow pathway 790b may be oriented to conduct fluid flow in a direction opposite the direction of fluid flow in the diversion flow pathway 790a.
  • the electrically conductive fluid enters a lower plenum 800 along the flow path 140.
  • a conduit 810a that is in fluid communication with the electrically conductive fluid in the lower plenum 800 receives the electrically conductive fluid from the lower plenum 800 and conducts the electrically conductive fluid along the diversion flow pathway 790a.
  • a conduit 810b is also in fluid communication with the electrically conductive fluid in the lower plenum 800 and is configured to return the electrically conductive fluid to the lower plenum 800 along the diversion flow pathway 790b.
  • the conduit 810a terminates in an intermediate plenum 830 from which flow of the electrically conductive fluid is supplied to the electromagnetic flow regulator 490.
  • a valve 840a such as a backflow prevention valve, may be disposed in the conduit 810a for controlling coolant flow in the conduit 810a.
  • Another valve 840b such as a backflow prevention valve, may be disposed in the conduit 810b for controlling flow of the electrically conductive fluid in the conduit 810b.
  • Another valve 840c such as a backflow prevention valve, is interposed between the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 and the nuclear fission module 30 for controlling flow of the electromagnetic fluid from the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 to the nuclear fission module 30.
  • Each of valves 840a, 840b and 840c may be selectively controllable by means of the control unit 610.
  • the electrically conductive fluid will freely flow through the conduit 810a, into the intermediate plenum 830, and then to the nuclear fission module 30.
  • the electrically conductive fluid will not flow to the nuclear fission module 30. In this latter instance, the electrically conductive fluid is returned to the lower plenum 800.
  • 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 plenum 800.
  • the conduit 842 terminates in the intermediate plenum 830.
  • the valve 844 When the valve 844 is open, the electrically conductive fluid is supplied to the intermediate plenum 830 and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490, which in turn supplies the electrically conductive fluid to the nuclear fission module 30.
  • the valve 844 is closed, the electrically conductive fluid is not supplied to the intermediate plenum 830 and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490, and hence the electrically conductive fluid is not supplied to the nuclear fission module 30.
  • the reactor core 20 defines a single coolant flow zone 930 assigned to the entirety of the reactor core 20.
  • An inlet plenum 940 is coupled to the reactor core 20.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is coupled to the reactor core 20 and has a coolant flow opening 950 in fluid communication with the inlet plenum 940.
  • electromagnetic flow regulator 490 will supply the electrically conductive fluid into the inlet plenum 940.
  • the electrically conductive fluid will fill the inlet plenum 940 and then flow to the nuclear fission modules 30 located in the coolant flow zone 930.
  • a single electromagnetic flow regulator 490 can regulate the flow of electrically conductive coolant to all nuclear fission modules 30 in the reactor core 20.
  • the reactor core 20 includes coolant flow zones 960a, 960b, 960c, 960d, 960e, 960f, and 960g.
  • Adjacent coolant flow zones may be separated by a partition 970, if desired.
  • the partition 970 may be made from a material having a low absorption cross section for neutrons in order to reduce interference with the fission chain reaction process.
  • the partition 970 may be made from pure aluminum; a suitable aluminum alloy, such as aluminum alloy No. 1050 comprising iron of about 0.40 weight percent; silicon of about 0.25 weight percent; titanium of about 0.05 weight percent; magnesium of about 0.05 weight percent; manganese of about 0.05 weight percent; copper of about 0.05 weight percent; and the remainder being pure aluminum.
  • the partition 970 may also be made from stainless steel comprising carbon of about 0.55 weight percent; manganese of about 0.90 weight percent; sulfur of about 0.05 weight percent; phosphorus of about 0.04 weight percent; and iron of about 98.46 percent.
  • the coolant flow zones which are defined by the partitions 970, allow an operator of the reactor system 10 to tailor coolant flow on a reactor core zone-by-zone basis rather than having individual electromagnetic flow regulators 490 coupled to individual nuclear fission modules 30.
  • inlet plenums 980 are coupled to respective ones of the coolant flow zones 960a, 960b, 960c, 960d, 960e, 960f, and 960g, such as by conduits 1000a, 1000b, 1000c, lOOOd, lOOOe, lOOOf, and lOOOg.
  • the conduits 1000a, 1000b, 1000c, lOOOd, lOOOe, lOOOf, and lOOOg are, in turn, coupled to respective electromagnetic flow regulators 490.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulators 490 are coupled to respective coolant flow zones 960a, 960b, 960c, 960d, 960e, 960f, and 960g.
  • Each electromagnetic flow regulator 490 has a coolant flow opening 1005 in fluid communication with the inlet plenum 980. Hence, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 will supply the electrically conductive fluid into the inlet plenum 980. The electrically conductive fluid will fill the inlet plenum 980 and then flow to the nuclear fission modules 30 located in the coolant flow zones 960a, 960b, 960c, 960d, 960e, 960f, and 960g. The electrically conductive fluid may flow from at least some of the electromagnetic flow regulators 490 via the associated conduits 1000a, 1000b, and 1000c that extend from the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 to their respective inlet plenums 980.
  • the reactor core 20 includes coolant flow zones 1020a, 1020b, and 1020c. Adjacent coolant flow zones may be separated by a partition 1030 that is of low neutron absorptivity as described above, if desired.
  • Electromagnetic flow regulators 490 are coupled to respective coolant flow zones 1020a, 1020b, and 1020c, such as by respective inlet plenums, which may have a configuration substantially similar to that shown in FIGURE 6G.
  • Each electromagnetic flow regulator 490 has conduits 1040a, 1040b, and 1040c in fluid communication with the respective inlet plenums. Hence, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 will supply the electrically conductive fluid into the inlet plenums.
  • the electrically conductive fluid will fill the inlet plenums and then flow to the nuclear fission modules 30 located in the coolant flow zones 1020a, 1020b, and 1020c.
  • the reactor core 20 defines coolant flow zones 1060a, 1060b, 1060c, 1060d, 1060e, and 1060f. Adjacent coolant flow zones may be separated by a partition 1070 that is of low neutron absorptivity as described above, if desired.
  • Electromagnetic flow regulators 490 are coupled to respective coolant flow zones 1060a, 1060b, 1060c, 1060d, 1060e, and 1060f, such as by respective inlet plenums.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulators 490 have respective coolant flow conduits 1080a, 1080b, 1080c, 1080d, 1080e, and 1080f in fluid communication with the respective inlet plenums.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 will supply the electrically conductive fluid into the inlet plenums.
  • the electrically conductive fluid will fill the inlet plenums and then flow to the nuclear fission modules 30 located in the coolant flow zones 1060a, 1060b, 1060c, 1060d, 1060e, and 1060f.
  • the nuclear fission reactor core 20 defines non-partitioned flow zones 1100c and 1 lOOd that are partitioned from flow zones 1100a and 1100b.
  • Electromagnetic flow regulators 490 are coupled to respective coolant flow zones 1100a, 1100b, 1100c, and HOOd, such as by respective inlet conduits.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulators 490 have respective coolant flow openings 1120a, 1120b, 1120c, 1120d, 1120e, 1120f, 1120g, 1120hh and 1120i in fluid communication with their respective coolant flow zones 1100a, 1100b, 1100c, and HOOd.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 will supply the electrically conductive fluid into the coolant flow zones 1100a, 1100b, 1100c, and HOOd.
  • the electrically conductive fluid will fill the inlet plenums and then flow to the nuclear fission modules 30 located in the coolant flow zones 1100a, 1100b, 1100c, and HOOd.
  • a system for electromagnetically regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant may include a source of electrical power, such as the power supply 590, and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490.
  • Another system for electromagnetically regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid may include a source of electrical power, such as the power supply 590, and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a.
  • another system for electromagnetically regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid may include a source of electrical power, such as the power supply 590, and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b.
  • Any of the above systems may also include a controller, such as the control unit 610, and/or a sensor, such as the sensor 500, if desired.
  • the power supply 590, the control unit 610, the sensor 500, and the electromagnetic flow regulators 490, 490a, and 490b have been discussed above. Details of their construction and operation need not be repeated for an understanding. Now that illustrative details have been set forth above regarding construction and operation of the electromagnetic flow regulators 490, 490a, and 490b, and regarding various nuclear fission reactors that include the electromagnetic flow regulators 490, 490a, and 490b, various methods for electromagnetically regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant will be set forth.
  • a method 7000 for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor.
  • the method 7000 starts at a block 7002.
  • electrically conductive reactor coolant is flowed to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor.
  • flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant is electromagnetically regulated to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module.
  • the method 7000 stops at a block 7008.
  • electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at the block 7006 may include flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant through a reactor coolant inlet path that is defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors at a block 7010. Electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at the block 7006 may also include generating a Lorentz force that regulates flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path at a block 7012.
  • Electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at the block 7006 may also include flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a reactor coolant flow path defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors and that is substantially orthogonal to the reactor coolant inlet path at a block 2014.
  • generating a Lorentz force that regulates flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path at the block 7012 may include generating a Lorentz force that resists flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path at a block 7016.
  • generating a Lorentz force that resists flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path at the block 7016 may include generating at least one magnetic field at the reactor coolant inlet path by an electrical current- carrying field generation winding disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors at a block 7018.
  • generating a Lorentz force that regulates flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path at the block 7012 may include generating a Lorentz force that forces flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path at a block 7020.
  • generating a Lorentz force that forces flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path at the block 7020 may include generating at least one magnetic field at the reactor coolant inlet path by a first plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors that are disposed inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors that are disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors at a block 7022.
  • At least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant may be diverted at a block 7024.
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant at the block 7024 may include diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow pathways extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of a plurality of the nuclear fission modules at a block 7026.
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant at the block 7024 may include diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow pathway bypassing the nuclear fission module at a block 7028.
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant at the block 7024 may include diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow pathway having a first direction and a second direction at a block 7030.
  • At least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module may be sensed at a block 7032.
  • electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at the block 7006 may include electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module and responsive to the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module at a block 7034.
  • the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module may include any parameter as desired.
  • the operating parameter may include without limitation temperature, neutron flux, neutron fluence, a characteristic isotope, pressure, and/or flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor at the block 7004 may include flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor, the nuclear fission module being associated with a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width, at a block 7036.
  • electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at the block 7036 may include electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the burn wave present at the location relative to the nuclear fission module at a block 7038.
  • electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the burn wave present at the location relative to the nuclear fission module at the block 7038 may include electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the width of the burn wave at a block 7040.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor at the block 7004 may include flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow zone at a block 7042.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor at the block 7004 may include flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone at a block 7044.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor at the block 7004 may include flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones at a block 7046.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor at the block 7004 may include flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to 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 at a block 7048.
  • an illustrative method 7100 is provided for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor.
  • the method 7100 starts at a block 7102.
  • electrically conductive reactor coolant is flowed to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor.
  • flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module is electromagnetically regulated with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module.
  • Electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at the block 7106 includes flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant through a plurality of flow holes defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors. Electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at the block 7106 also includes generating a Lorentz force that resists flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes.
  • Electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at the block 7106 also includes flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a reactor coolant flow path defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors and that is substantially orthogonal to flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes.
  • the method 7100 stops at a block 7108.
  • generating a Lorentz force that resists flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes at the block 7106 may include generating at least one magnetic field at the plurality of flow holes by an electrical current-carrying field generation winding disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors at a block 7110.
  • At least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant may be diverted at a block 7112.
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant at the block 7112 may include diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow pathways extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of a plurality of the nuclear fission modules at a block 7114.
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant at the block 7112 may include diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow pathway bypassing the nuclear fission module at a block 7116.
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant at the block 7112 may include diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow pathway having a first direction and a second direction at a block 7118.
  • At least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module may be sensed at a block 7120.
  • electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at the block 7106 may include electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module and responsive to the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module at a block 7122.
  • the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module may include any parameter as desired.
  • the operating parameter may include without limitation temperature, neutron flux, neutron fluence, a characteristic isotope, pressure, and/or flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor at the block 7104 may include flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor, the nuclear fission module being associated with a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width, at a block 7124.
  • electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at the block 7124 may include electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the burn wave present at the location relative to the nuclear fission module at a block 7126.
  • electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the burn wave present at the location relative to the nuclear fission module at the block 7126 may include electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the width of the burn wave at a block 7128.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor at the block 7104 may include flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow zone at a block 7130.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor at the block 7104 may include flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone at a block 7132.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor at the block 7104 may include flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones at a block 7134.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor at the block 7104 may include flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to 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 at a block 7136.
  • an illustrative method 7200 is provided for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor.
  • the method 7200 starts at a block 7202.
  • electrically conductive reactor coolant is flowed to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor.
  • flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module is electromagnetically regulated with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module.
  • Electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at the block 7206 includes flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant through a plurality of flow holes defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors. Electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at the block 7206 also includes generating a Lorentz force that forces flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes.
  • Electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at the block 7206 also includes flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a reactor coolant flow path defined along the plurality of magnetic conductors and that is substantially orthogonal to flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes.
  • the method 7200 stops at a block 7208.
  • generating a Lorentz force that forces flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes at the block 7206 may include generating at least one magnetic field at the plurality of flow holes by a first plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors that are disposed inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors that are disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors at a block 7210.
  • At least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant may be diverted at a block 7212.
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant at the block 7212 may include diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow pathways extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of a plurality of the nuclear fission modules at a block 7214.
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant at the block 7212 may include diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow pathway bypassing the nuclear fission module at a block 7216.
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant at the block 7212 may include diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow pathway having a first direction and a second direction at a block 7218.
  • At least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module may be sensed at a block 7220.
  • electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at the block 7206 may include electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module and responsive to the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module at a block 7222.
  • the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module may include any parameter as desired.
  • the operating parameter may include without limitation temperature, neutron flux, neutron fluence, a characteristic isotope, pressure, and/or flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor at the block 7204 may include flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor, the nuclear fission module being associated with a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width, at a block 7224.
  • electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at the block 7224 may include electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the burn wave present at the location relative to the nuclear fission module at a block 7226.
  • electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the burn wave present at the location relative to the nuclear fission module at the block 7226 may include electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the width of the burn wave at a block 7228.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor at the block 7204 may include flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow zone at a block 7230.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor at the block 7204 may include flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone at a block 7232.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor at the block 7204 may include flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones at a block 71342.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor at the block 7204 may include flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to 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 at a block 7236.
  • 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 location, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining therealong a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid and defining therethrough a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid that is substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path;
  • a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path.
  • An electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the electromagnetic flow regulator comprising:
  • a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining therealong a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid and defining therethrough a plurality of flow holes that define a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid that is substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path;
  • a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current and disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path.
  • An electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, the electromagnetic flow regulator comprising:
  • a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining therealong a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid and defining therethrough a plurality of flow holes that define a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid that is substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path;
  • a field generation winding including a first plurality of electrical conductors that are disposed inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors that are disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path.
  • a system for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid 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 including:
  • a plurality of magnetic conductors arranged in fixed relative location, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining therealong a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid and defining therethrough a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid that is substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path;
  • a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electrically connectable to the source of electrical power, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path.
  • the field generation winding includes a first plurality of electrical conductors that are disposed inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors that are disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors.
  • a system for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid 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 including:
  • a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining therealong a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid and defining therethrough a plurality of flow holes that define a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid that is substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path;
  • a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current and disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding being electrically connectable to the source of electrical power, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path.
  • a system for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid comprising: a source of electrical power; and
  • an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator including:
  • a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining therealong a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid and defining therethrough a plurality of flow holes that define a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid that is substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path;
  • a field generation winding including a first plurality of electrical conductors that are disposed inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors that are disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding being electrically connectable to the source of electrical power, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path.
  • a method of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid comprising: flowing an electrically conductive fluid through a fluid inlet path that is defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors;
  • generating a Lorentz force that resists flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path includes generating at least one magnetic field at the fluid inlet path by an electrical current-carrying field generation winding disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors.
  • generating a Lorentz force that regulates flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path includes generating a Lorentz force that forces flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path.
  • generating a Lorentz force that forces flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path includes generating at least one magnetic field at the fluid inlet path by a first plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors that are disposed inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors that are disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors.
  • a method of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid comprising: flowing an electrically conductive fluid through a plurality of flow holes defined through a plurality of magnetic conductors;
  • a method of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid 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 flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes includes generating at least one magnetic field at the plurality of flow holes by a first plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors that are disposed inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors that are disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors.
  • a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path.
  • attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to a 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 includes attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to a 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.
  • the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path includes disposing outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path.
  • the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path includes disposing a helical coil outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path.
  • the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path includes disposing a plurality of substantially circular coils outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path.
  • attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors includes attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that 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.
  • the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the fluid inlet path includes disposing a first plurality of electrical conductors inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the first and second plurality of conductors being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the first and second pluralities of conductors at the fluid inlet path.
  • attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors includes attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that 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.
  • attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to a 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 includes attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to a 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.
  • the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the plurality of flow holes includes disposing a helical coil outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the plurality of flow holes.
  • the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the plurality of flow holes includes disposing a plurality of substantially circular coils outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being
  • a method of fabricating an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid comprising:
  • attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that ones of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic conductors includes attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that 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.
  • a nuclear fission reactor comprising:
  • an electromagnetic flow regulator operatively coupled to the nuclear fission module
  • control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, the electromagnetic flow regulator being responsive to the control unit.
  • a plurality of magnetic conductors arranged in fixed relative location, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining therealong a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive reactor coolant and defining therethrough a reactor coolant inlet path for the electrically conductive reactor coolant that is substantially orthogonal to the reactor coolant flow path; and a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the reactor coolant inlet path.
  • At least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.
  • the nuclear fission reactor of clause 97 wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.
  • the nuclear fission reactor of clause 79 wherein the nuclear fission module is associated with a bum wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module, the bum wave having a width.
  • the nuclear fission reactor of clause 79 further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.
  • the nuclear fission reactor of 79 further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a nuclear fission reactor comprising :
  • a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining therealong a reactor coolant flow path for an electrically conductive reactor coolant and defining therethrough a plurality of flow holes that define a reactor coolant inlet path for the electrically conductive reactor coolant that is substantially orthogonal to the reactor coolant flow path;
  • a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current and disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the reactor coolant inlet path;
  • control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, the electromagnetic flow regulator being responsive to the control unit.
  • At least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.
  • the nuclear fission reactor of clause 116 further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.
  • the nuclear fission reactor of clause 116 further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a nuclear fission reactor comprising :
  • a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining therealong a reactor coolant flow path for an electrically conductive reactor coolant and defining therethrough a plurality of flow holes that define a reactor coolant inlet path for the electrically conductive reactor coolant that is substantially orthogonal to the reactor coolant flow path;
  • a field generation winding including a first plurality of electrical conductors that are disposed inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors that are disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the reactor coolant inlet path;
  • control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, the electromagnetic flow regulator being responsive to the control unit.
  • At least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.
  • the burn wave associated with a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width.
  • the nuclear fission reactor of clause 147 further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.
  • the nuclear fission reactor of clause 147 further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.
  • 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 zones. 173. The nuclear fission reactor of clause 172, wherein a single electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.
  • 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 zones separated by respective ones of a plurality of partitions.
  • a system for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant comprising:
  • an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant, the electromagnetic flow regulator being configured to be operatively coupled to a nuclear fission module;
  • control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, the electromagnetic flow regulator being responsive to the control unit.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator includes: a plurality of magnetic conductors arranged in fixed relative location, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining therealong a reactor coolant flow path for the electrically conductive reactor coolant and defining therethrough a reactor coolant inlet path for the electrically conductive reactor coolant that is substantially orthogonal to the reactor coolant flow path; and
  • a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the reactor coolant inlet path.
  • At least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.
  • the electromagnetic flow regulator is responsive to the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.
  • nuclear fission module includes temperature.
  • nuclear fission module includes neutron flux.
  • nuclear fission module includes neutron fluence.
  • nuclear fission module includes power.
  • nuclear fission module includes a characteristic isotope.
  • nuclear fission module includes pressure.
  • nuclear fission module includes flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.
  • the system of 176 further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.
  • a system for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant comprising:
  • an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant, the electromagnetic flow regulator being configured to be operatively coupled to a nuclear fission module, the electromagnetic flow regulator including:
  • a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining therealong a reactor coolant flow path for an electrically conductive reactor coolant and defining therethrough a plurality of flow holes that define a reactor coolant inlet path for the electrically conductive reactor coolant that is substantially orthogonal to the reactor coolant flow path;
  • a field generation winding capable of carrying an electrical current and disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the reactor coolant inlet path;
  • control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, the electromagnetic flow regulator being responsive to the control unit.
  • At least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.
  • nuclear fission module includes temperature.
  • nuclear fission module includes neutron flux.
  • nuclear fission module includes neutron fluence.
  • nuclear fission module includes power. 230. The system of clause 225, wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a characteristic isotope.
  • nuclear fission module includes pressure.
  • nuclear fission module includes flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.
  • an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant, the electromagnetic flow regulator being configured to be operatively coupled to a nuclear fission module, the electromagnetic flow regulator including:
  • a plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors defining therealong a reactor coolant flow path for an electrically conductive reactor coolant and defining therethrough a plurality of flow holes that define a reactor coolant inlet path for the electrically conductive reactor coolant that is substantially orthogonal to the reactor coolant flow path;
  • a field generation winding including a first plurality of electrical conductors that are disposed inboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors that are disposed outboard of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generation winding being electromagnetically couplable to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generatable by the field generation winding at the reactor coolant inlet path;
  • control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, the electromagnetic flow regulator being responsive to the control unit.
  • At least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.
  • nuclear fission module includes temperature.
  • nuclear fission module includes neutron flux.
  • nuclear fission module includes neutron fluence.
  • nuclear fission module includes power.
  • nuclear fission module includes a characteristic isotope.
  • nuclear fission module includes pressure.
  • nuclear fission module includes flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.
  • a method of regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor comprising:
  • electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes:
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant includes diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow pathways extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of a plurality of the nuclear fission modules.
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant includes diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow pathway bypassing the nuclear fission module.
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant includes diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow pathway having a first direction and a second direction.
  • electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module and responsive to the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor, the nuclear fission module being associated with a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width.
  • electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the burn wave present at the location relative to the nuclear fission module.
  • electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the burn wave present at the location relative to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the width of the burn wave.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.
  • a single electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to 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.
  • a method of regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor comprising:
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant includes diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow pathways extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of a plurality of the nuclear fission modules.
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant includes diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow pathway bypassing the nuclear fission module.
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant includes diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow pathway having a first direction and a second direction.
  • electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module and responsive to the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor, the nuclear fission module being associated with a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width.
  • electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the burn wave present at the location relative to the nuclear fission module.
  • electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the burn wave present at the location relative to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the width of the burn wave.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to 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.
  • a method of regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor comprising:
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant includes diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diversion flow pathways extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to respective ones of a plurality of the nuclear fission modules.
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant includes diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow pathway bypassing the nuclear fission module.
  • diverting at least one portion of an electrically conductive reactor coolant includes diverting the at least one portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow pathway having a first direction and a second direction.
  • electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module and responsive to the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.
  • nuclear fission module includes pressure.
  • nuclear fission module includes flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor, the nuclear fission module being associated with a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width.
  • electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the burn wave present at the location relative to the nuclear fission module.
  • electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the burn wave present at the location relative to the nuclear fission module includes electromagnetically regulating flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module with an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the width of the burn wave.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules defining a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.
  • flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor includes flowing electrically conductive reactor coolant to 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.

Abstract

L'invention concerne, dans certains de ses modes de réalisation, des régulateurs électromagnétiques de débit destinés à réguler le débit d'un fluide électriquement conducteur, des systèmes destinés à réguler le débit d'un fluide électriquement conducteur, des procédés de régulation du débit d'un fluide électriquement conducteur, des réacteurs à fission nucléaire, des systèmes de régulation du débit d'un fluide électriquement conducteur de refroidissement de réacteur et des procédés de régulation du débit d'un fluide électriquement conducteur de refroidissement de réacteur dans un réacteur à fission nucléaire.
PCT/US2011/001649 2010-10-06 2011-09-23 Régulateur électromagnétique de débit, système et procédés de régulation du débit d'un fluide électriquement conducteur WO2012047257A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (14)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/924,914 2010-10-06
US12/924,914 US8397760B2 (en) 2010-10-06 2010-10-06 Electromagnetic flow regulator, system, and methods for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid
US12/930,150 US20120087455A1 (en) 2010-10-06 2010-12-28 Electromagnetic flow regulator, system, and methods for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid
US12/930,152 US8453330B2 (en) 2010-10-06 2010-12-28 Electromagnet flow regulator, system, and methods for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid
US12/930,147 US8781056B2 (en) 2010-10-06 2010-12-28 Electromagnetic flow regulator, system, and methods for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid
US12/930,152 2010-12-28
US12/930,151 2010-12-28
US12/930,147 2010-12-28
US12/930,151 US8430129B2 (en) 2010-10-06 2010-12-28 Electromagnetic flow regulator, system, and methods for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid
US12/930,149 US9008257B2 (en) 2010-10-06 2010-12-28 Electromagnetic flow regulator, system and methods for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid
US12/930,149 2010-12-28
US12/930,146 2010-12-28
US12/930,150 2010-12-28
US12/930,146 US8584692B2 (en) 2010-10-06 2010-12-28 Electromagnetic flow regulator, system, and methods for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid

Publications (1)

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WO2012047257A1 true WO2012047257A1 (fr) 2012-04-12

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PCT/US2011/001637 WO2012047256A2 (fr) 2010-10-06 2011-09-23 Régulateur de débit électromagnétique, système et procédés pour réguler le débit d'un fluide électroconducteur
PCT/US2011/001654 WO2012067636A1 (fr) 2010-10-06 2011-09-23 Régulateur de débit électromagnétique, système, et procédés permettant de réguler le débit d'un fluide électroconducteur
PCT/US2011/001653 WO2012047261A1 (fr) 2010-10-06 2011-09-23 Régulateur de débit électromagnétique, système et procédés de régulation de débit d'un fluide électroconducteur
PCT/US2011/001652 WO2012047260A2 (fr) 2010-10-06 2011-09-23 Régulateur de débit électromagnétique, système et procédés pour réguler le débit d'un fluide électroconducteur
PCT/US2011/001651 WO2012047259A2 (fr) 2010-10-06 2011-09-23 Régulateur de débit électromagnétique, système et procédés pour réguler le débit d'un fluide électroconducteur
PCT/US2011/001650 WO2012047258A1 (fr) 2010-10-06 2011-09-23 Régulateur de débit électromagnétique, système et procédés pour réguler le débit d'un fluide électroconducteur
PCT/US2011/001649 WO2012047257A1 (fr) 2010-10-06 2011-09-23 Régulateur électromagnétique de débit, système et procédés de régulation du débit d'un fluide électriquement conducteur

Family Applications Before (6)

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PCT/US2011/001637 WO2012047256A2 (fr) 2010-10-06 2011-09-23 Régulateur de débit électromagnétique, système et procédés pour réguler le débit d'un fluide électroconducteur
PCT/US2011/001654 WO2012067636A1 (fr) 2010-10-06 2011-09-23 Régulateur de débit électromagnétique, système, et procédés permettant de réguler le débit d'un fluide électroconducteur
PCT/US2011/001653 WO2012047261A1 (fr) 2010-10-06 2011-09-23 Régulateur de débit électromagnétique, système et procédés de régulation de débit d'un fluide électroconducteur
PCT/US2011/001652 WO2012047260A2 (fr) 2010-10-06 2011-09-23 Régulateur de débit électromagnétique, système et procédés pour réguler le débit d'un fluide électroconducteur
PCT/US2011/001651 WO2012047259A2 (fr) 2010-10-06 2011-09-23 Régulateur de débit électromagnétique, système et procédés pour réguler le débit d'un fluide électroconducteur
PCT/US2011/001650 WO2012047258A1 (fr) 2010-10-06 2011-09-23 Régulateur de débit électromagnétique, système et procédés pour réguler le débit d'un fluide électroconducteur

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KR (3) KR101889573B1 (fr)
CN (3) CN103250033B (fr)
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KR101889573B1 (ko) 2018-08-17
WO2012047256A2 (fr) 2012-04-12
WO2012047259A3 (fr) 2012-06-14
WO2012067636A1 (fr) 2012-05-24
KR20130122949A (ko) 2013-11-11
CN103237995B (zh) 2016-03-23
CN103237996A (zh) 2013-08-07
CN103250033B (zh) 2015-07-15
CN103237995A (zh) 2013-08-07
KR101776361B1 (ko) 2017-09-07
KR101889572B1 (ko) 2018-08-17
WO2012047258A1 (fr) 2012-04-12
CN103237996B (zh) 2015-08-19
WO2012047259A2 (fr) 2012-04-12
WO2012047260A2 (fr) 2012-04-12
WO2012047256A3 (fr) 2012-06-07
KR20130128392A (ko) 2013-11-26
WO2012047260A3 (fr) 2012-06-14
KR20130116264A (ko) 2013-10-23
WO2012047261A1 (fr) 2012-04-12
CN103250033A (zh) 2013-08-14

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