Articles tagged with "reactor-technology"
US seeks inspiration from nature for next-gen nuclear fuel design
Scientists at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) are pioneering a novel approach to nuclear fuel design by drawing inspiration from nature’s mathematics, specifically triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS). These complex, repeating lattice structures, found naturally in butterfly wings and sea urchin shells, offer highly efficient geometries that can enhance heat transfer in nuclear fuel. INL’s concept, called the Intertwined Nuclear Fuel Lattice for Uprated heat eXchange (INFLUX), replaces traditional solid cylindrical fuel rods with a TPMS-based lattice. This design increases surface area contact with coolant, enabling more efficient heat removal and potentially leading to safer, more compact, and higher-performing nuclear reactors. Recent laboratory tests involving 3D-printed electrically conductive models of the INFLUX lattice demonstrated that the TPMS geometry transfers heat about three times more efficiently than conventional fuel rods. This improvement could allow for thinner fuel, lower operating temperatures, and reduced thermal stress, enhancing reactor performance and economics. Manufacturing challenges remain due
energynuclear-fueladditive-manufacturingheat-transfertriply-periodic-minimal-surfacesreactor-technologymaterials-scienceUS nuclear reactor loads advanced accident-tolerant fuel for third run
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has successfully loaded the lead fuel assembly (LFA) of enhanced accident-tolerant fuel (E-ATF) for its third operational cycle in Unit 2 of the Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant in Maryland. This assembly, developed by Framatome under the PROtect E-ATF program, completed two full 24-month cycles and underwent inspections after each cycle before being reinserted for continued operation. Scheduled to finish its third cycle in spring 2027, the LFA will then be sent to a DOE national laboratory for detailed post-irradiation examination to support future licensing and regulatory activities. Accident-tolerant fuel aims to improve the safety and performance of light-water reactor fuel under severe accident conditions by using advanced materials and designs. The Calvert Cliffs assembly features 176 chromium-coated rods and chromia-enhanced pellets, which help reduce corrosion and hydrogen production at high temperatures, potentially improving reactor economics and operational resilience. Fr
energynuclear-energyaccident-tolerant-fueladvanced-materialsreactor-technologyenergy-innovationFramatomeUS firm forges breakthrough nuclear fuel for longer-lasting reactors
US company Lightbridge has made a significant advancement in nuclear fuel technology by successfully fabricating enriched uranium-zirconium alloy samples, which form the core material for its next-generation Lightbridge Fuel product. This development marks a key milestone as the company moves beyond earlier work with depleted uranium to using enriched uranium, bringing the advanced fuel closer to commercial deployment. The proprietary fabrication process, previously validated with depleted uranium at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), has now been applied to enriched uranium, moving toward full-scale production. The fabricated alloy samples will undergo irradiation testing at INL’s Advanced Test Reactor under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between Lightbridge and INL. These tests simulate reactor conditions to assess the alloy’s behavior over time, providing critical performance data needed for regulatory approval. Both Lightbridge and INL emphasize the importance of this collaboration in advancing safer, more efficient nuclear fuel technology. Successful testing and regulatory clearance could enable widespread adoption of Lightbridge Fuel in commercial reactors, potentially enhancing safety
energynuclear-fueluranium-zirconium-alloyLightbridgeIdaho-National-Laboratoryadvanced-materialsreactor-technologyTrump signs executive orders to revive US’ nuclear power leadership
energynuclear-powerreactor-technologyAI-data-centersuranium-miningregulatory-reformrenewable-energyPUR-1: First US nuclear reactor digital twin achieves 99% accuracy
energynucleardigital-twinAIremote-monitoringreactor-technologycarbon-free-electricity