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Controlling a power output of a nuclear reaction without control rods

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1892849
A nuclear power system includes a reactor vessel that includes a reactor core that includes nuclear fuel assemblies configured to generate a nuclear fission reaction. A representative nuclear power system further includes a riser positioned above the reactor core and a primary coolant flow path that extends from a bottom portion of the reactor vessel, through the reactor core, and through an annulus between the riser and the reactor vessel. A primary coolant circulates through the primary coolant flow path to receive heat from the nuclear fission reaction and release the heat to a power generation system configured to generate electric power. The nuclear power system further includes a control rod assembly system positioned in the reactor vessel and configured to position control rods in only two discrete positions.
Research Organization:
NuScale Power, LLC, Corvallis, OR (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
NE0000633
Assignee:
NuScale Power, LLC (Corvallis, OR)
Patent Number(s):
11,309,094
Application Number:
16/237,027
OSTI ID:
1892849
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English