Abstract: A fuel element with an ordered particle fuel particle packing to improve lifetime and retention. The fuel element includes an encapsulation matrix and a plurality of coolant channels formed in the encapsulation matrix. Fuel element further includes a plurality of fuel particle matrices disposed within the encapsulation matrix. Each of the fuel particle matrices is ordered in a vertically aligned geometry or a twisted geometry to: (a) substantially laterally surround a contour of a respective coolant channel, and (b) orient substantially longitudinally or substantially helically along the respective coolant channel. For example, each of the fuel particle matrices can include a plurality of fuel particles that are a cluster around the respective coolant channel. The encapsulation matrix can be a high-temperature matrix. A fabrication method for the fuel element includes three-dimensional printing the fuel element and placing the plurality of fuel particles in selected locations in the fuel element.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor system includes a nuclear reactor core disposed in a pressure vessel. Nuclear reactor system further includes control drums disposed longitudinally within the pressure vessel and laterally surrounding fuel elements and at least one moderator element of the nuclear reactor core to control reactivity. Each of the control drums includes a reflector material and an absorber material. Nuclear reactor system further includes a control drum controller with a counterweight to impart a reverse torque on the control drum. Control drum controller includes a driven pulley coupled to the counterweight, a tension member coupled to the driven pulley to rotatably control the driven pulley and apply torque to the driven pulley, and an actuator to apply a tension force to the tension member. The actuator counteracts the reverse torque with the applied tension force, and the tension member applies the torque in response to the tension force.

Abstract: A gas destruction system using a gas destroying device communicatively coupled to an electronic controller subsystem for neutralizing unwanted gas emissions. The system includes a gas destruction device and method and can be customized to variable conditions by way of controlling available flow area. The disclosed gas destruction device includes multiple combustion manifolds separated by valves, which allow gas to flow to sets of nozzles as needed to maintain stable combustion. The system consists of multiple nozzles for gas flow, a main shutoff valve, a flow measurement sensor, and an igniter and power source. The combustion products are allowed to flow through the exhaust outlet attached to the combustor. A communicator device is included in the system to send system information, preferably wirelessly. The system can operate autonomously via local or remote controllers, or manually via local or remote commands.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor system includes a nuclear reactor core disposed in a pressure vessel. Nuclear reactor system further includes control drums disposed longitudinally within the pressure vessel and laterally surrounding fuel elements and at least one moderator element of the nuclear reactor core to control reactivity. Each of the control drums includes a reflector material and an absorber material. Nuclear reactor system further includes a control drum controller with a counterweight to impart a reverse torque on the control drum. Control drum controller includes a driven pulley coupled to the counterweight, a tension member coupled to the driven pulley to rotatably control the driven pulley and apply torque to the driven pulley, and an actuator to apply a tension force to the tension member. The actuator counteracts the reverse torque with the applied tension force, and the tension member applies the torque in response to the tension force.