ELECTRICALLY OPERATED RADIATION SOURCE OPERATING POWER, RELIABILITY AND LIFE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS

摘要

The present disclosure describes a neutron generator including an ion source that generates ions; a target that outputs neutrons when the ions impact the target; one or more power supplies that supply electrical power to the ion source and the target; and a control system. The control system determines one or more rules that describe relationships between operational parameters, useful life, reliability, neutron output, environment, and constraints of the neutron generators; determines one or more operational parameter setpoints based at least in part on the one or more rules; and instructs the one or more power supplies to adjust electrical power supplied to the ion source, the target, or both based at least in part on the one or more operational parameter setpoints.

主权项

1. A neutron generator comprising:
an ion source configured to generate ions; a target configured to output neutrons when the ions impact the target; one or more power supplies configured to supply electrical power to the ion source and the target; and a control system configured to:
determine one or more rules that describe relationships between operational parameters, useful life, reliability, neutron output, environment, and constraints of the neutron generators;determine one or more operational parameter setpoints based at least in part on the one or more rules; andinstruct the one or more power supplies to adjust electrical power supplied to the ion source, the target, or both based at least in part on the one or more operational parameter setpoints.