3 ms·
It is not based on radioactive decay but on fission, the usage of Sterling engines is correct. [1] [...] the core of the reactor will be of solid, cast uranium
by danbruc 9y ago
It is not based on radioactive decay but on fission, the usage of Sterling engines is correct. [1]
[...] the core of the reactor will be of solid, cast uranium-235 surrounded by a beryllium oxide reflector. This reflector focuses neutron emissions and returns their energy back into the core to minimize nuclear gamma radiation [...].
Nuclear reaction control is provided by a single rod of boron carbide which is a neutron moderator that is initially fully inserted, [...]. Once the moderator is extracted the nuclear chain reaction will start but can not be stopped completely, although the depth of insertion provides a mechanism to adjust the heat output [...].
Passive heat pipes filled with liquid sodium then transfer the reactor core heat to one or more Stirling engines, which converts heat into rotary motion that drives a conventional electric generator.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilopower https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilopower