Modular nuclear reactors including fuel elements and heat pipes extending through grid plates, and methods of forming the modular nuclear reactors

Sterbentz, James; Werner, James E.

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DOE OSTI · 1632549

Modular nuclear reactors including fuel elements and heat pipes extending through grid plates, and methods of forming the modular nuclear reactors

Sterbentz, James·Werner, James E.

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Abstract

A modular nuclear reactor comprises a plurality of sections arranged in a pattern and a side reflector material surrounding the plurality of sections. Each section includes a tank comprising a front plate, a back plate, side plates, a top plate, and a bottom plate. A plurality of grid plates are located within the tank. Each grid plate comprises a plurality of apertures and is vertically separated from an adjacent grid plate. The tank further includes a plurality of fuel elements extending through each grid plate. A plurality of heat pipes extend through each grid plate, the top plate, and an upper reflector. Methods of forming the modular nuclear reactor are also disclosed.

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Sterbentz, James, Werner, James E.. 2020-02-11. Modular nuclear reactors including fuel elements and heat pipes extending through grid plates, and methods of forming the modular nuclear reactors. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1632549

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