A miniature integrated nuclear reactor design with gravity independent autonomous circulation

A miniature integrated nuclear reactor design with gravity independent autonomous circulation (ACMIR) was newly proposed. The reactor core, energy transfer system of Stirling and linear electric motors are integrated in the reactor pressure vessel to achieve high power density and autonomous circulation capability. The coolant circulation is autonomously driven by gas expansion at heat end and compression at cool end thus is independent on gravity. Twelve sets of rotary drum controller and reflector are used to regulate reactivity outside the reactor pressure vessel. The physics and thermodynamic properties, as well as the safety performances are analyzed. According to these analysis, inherent safety characteristics are obtained, and the reactor is capable to shut down and remove residual heat passively without any external intervention, in accident conditions such as loss of external power supply, overtemperature/overpressure of the reactor, impact when rocket launching or landing, stagnation of the displacer or piston, et al. The integration, less pipes design, gravity independent autonomous circulation features make it a good candidate for space flight propulsion, the Moon and Mars base power supply, the deep-sea or other tilt and swing situation applications.