Conceptual Design of a Fission Nuclear Battery for Remote Applications

Abstract

The conceptual design of a nuclear micro-reactor for remote applications is presented. The main purpose of this design is to achieve a reactor that could operate as a nuclear battery, generating heat and electrical energy safely and passively to remote locations such as arctic communities, mining sites, etc. Furthermore, the proposed design could also be used in space applications, supplying power to scientific research bases and colonies in extraterrestrial locations such as the Moon, Mars and beyond. The reactor core is formed by a cylindrical block of moderating material, with multiple penetrations to house fuel rods and cooling heat pipes. The thermal power of the reactor was set at 50 kW and the operating cycle at 30 years. The cooling system consists of several potassium heat pipes connected to radiators, and the energy conversion is carried out by thermoelectric generators.