Design and Neutronics Analysis of a 100 kWe Pebbel Bed Space Reactor Concept

Abstract

The hundreds kWe space power systems are being considered for a number of potential scientific research missions. To meet the requirements, these systems can be operated to providing continuous electric power to the payload for up to five to ten years. In this paper, a 100 kWe electrical power pebble bed space reactor concept is put forward. Using Monte Carlo reactor physics analysis codes, the pebble bed space reactor concept is studied. The concept has an operation lifetime of ten years, thermal power of 500 kW, redundancy in reactor control and subcritical in water flooding accidents. The 6.0 mm diameter, UC, TRISO-type of mini-sphere fuels are used in this system, which has two independent control systems with build-in redundancy in each system: sliding reflector segments and B4C safety rod. Also, a total mass of no more than 400 kg is designed for the reactor core.