Rotating fuel module control system for compact nuclear
This technology describes a nuclear reactor core where individual fuel modules can be physically rotated by mechanical actuators to control the fission chain reaction. Instead of traditional control rods that absorb neutrons, reactor power is managed by rotating fuel assemblies relative to one another or relative to neutron-reflecting and absorbing materials, changing how much neutron flux reaches each module. A separate neutron source is used to initiate the chain reaction on startup. The rotating module design offers a novel mechanical approach to reactor control that may simplify the number of moving parts or enable new compact reactor geometries.
What you could build
A compact or microreactor nuclear power unit — potentially for remote, military, or industrial sites — where reactor power is controlled by rotating fuel segments rather than conventional rod drives. Buyers would be advanced nuclear startups, defense contractors pursuing microreactors, or utilities exploring small modular reactor designs.
Who in Virginia should care
Defense contractors and national-security-adjacent energy companies in Northern Virginia, plus proximity to Naval reactors programs and DOE-linked research institutions, would find this relevant.
Readiness: Concept
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Carol SMIDTS, Alireza Haghighat, Tunc Aldemir, Fatih Aydogan, Marat Khafizov, John Horack, Lei Raymond Cao, Ji-Cheng Zhao, Valerio Mascolino
- Filed
- Patent pending — filed October 26, 2023
- Status
- Application
- Publication number
- US20240212871A1
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.