REACTOR UNIT CONTROL SYSTEM FOR SPACE AND TERRESTRIAL APPLICATIONS

摘要

A reactor energy system comprises a reactor core and a control system. The control system includes one or more rotating reflectors or control drums formed of a primary reflector material and a lesser reflector disposed on a selected surface. The reflected neutron flux is regulated by rotating the reflector with respect to the reactor core, increasing the reflected neutron flux when the primary reflector is disposed proximate or toward the reactor core, and decreasing the reflected neutron flux when the secondary neutron reflector is disposed proximate or toward the reactor core.

主权项

1. A reactor system comprising:
a reactor core comprising a fuel assembly or fuel block, the fuel assembly or fuel block generating a neutron flux; a reactor vessel disposed about the reactor core; at least one control element disposed within the reactor vessel, the control element comprising a primary reflector configured to reflect a portion of the neutron flux back to the reactor core; a lesser reflector disposed on a selected surface of the control element, the lesser reflector comprising boron and a metal; and a control system configured to regulate the neutron flux based on a rotational position of the control element with respect to the reactor core, wherein the reflected portion of the neutron flux is substantially greater with the primary reflector disposed toward the reactor core than with the lesser reflector disposed toward the reactor core.