Abstract: A power generation system and related method for repowering a fossil-fueled power plant using a carbon-free nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) which replaces the existing fossil plant steam generator which burns fossil fuel such as coal, oil, or natural gas. The existing fossil plant energy conversion system including the turbine-generator (turbogenerator) and auxiliary components of the Rankine cycle is retained. The NSSS may include a small modular reactor (SMR) unit comprising a reactor vessel with nuclear fuel core and steam generator which receives heated primary coolant from the reactor to produce main steam to operate the Rankine cycle. The main steam output by the SMR unit is compressed in a steam compressor to increase its pressure to a level necessary to operate the turbogenerator. The compressor may be operated via a portion of the main steam. An intercooler of the compressor may be used for main steam reheating.

Abstract: A hybrid power generation system which includes a nuclear facility comprising a nuclear reactor and an exclusion zone. A thermal energy storage, a nuclear steam supply system located, and a solar energy collection system are all located within the exclusion zone. The thermal energy storage vessel contains a thermal mass composition operable to store thermal energy. The nuclear steam supply system has a nuclear reactor and a working fluid loop. The working fluid loop is configured to circulate a working fluid from a steam generator through the thermal energy storage vessel to absorb thermal energy and heat the working fluid for introduction to an electricity generating system. The solar energy collection system includes a heat transfer loop heated via a solar collector. The heat transfer loop is configured to circulate a heated heat transfer fluid to add thermal energy to the thermal mass composition in the thermal energy storage vessel.

Abstract: A solar power generation system having a thermal energy storage system, a solar energy collection system, a power generation system, and an electric generator. The thermal energy storage system has a thermal energy storage vessel containing a thermal mass composition operable to store thermal energy and a plurality of heat exchanger modules. The solar energy collection system has a plurality of heliostats, a tower, and a first closed flow loop including a solar collector with at least one thermal receiver mounted on the tower. The first closed flow loop is configured to transfer the thermal energy to the thermal mass composition in the thermal energy storage vessel from the solar energy collection system. The power generation system has a second closed flow loop including a turbine and configured to transfer thermal energy form the thermal energy storage vessel to the turbine to produce electricity.

Abstract: A system for producing electricity having a primary coolant loop having, in operable and fluid coupling, a vertical nuclear reactor, a vertical once-through steam generator, at least one external hot leg conduit, and at least one external hot leg conduit. The at least one external hot leg conduit fluidly is coupled with the vertical nuclear reactor and to the vertical once-through steam generator to deliver a primary coolant from the vertical nuclear reactor to the vertical once-through steam generator. The at least one external cold leg conduit is fluidly coupled with the vertical nuclear reactor to the vertical once-through steam generator to return the primary coolant from the vertical once-through steam generator back to the vertical nuclear reactor. At least one booster pump is operably coupled to the primary coolant loop to force flow of the primary coolant through the primary coolant loop during normal operation of the system.

Abstract: A solar energy system with thermal energy storage comprises a vessel defining an internal cavity including a partition structure forming multiple vertical heat transfer cells. Each cell is formed by vertical cell walls of the partition structure. Each heat transfer cell contains a separate inventory of a thermal mass composition operable to store thermal energy. A heat exchanger disposed in each cell comprises first and second tube bundles embedded in the thermal mass composition. The first bundle circulates heat transfer fluid heated by solar energy to heat the composition. The second bundle circulates working fluid such as water converted to steam by absorbing heat from the composition for generating power or other steam applications. The cells may be formed by discrete self-supporting transportable tubular modules each supporting one of the heat exchangers. Each cell and heat exchanger therein are independently operably of the others.

Abstract: A solar power generation system includes a thermal energy storage vessel containing a thermal mass composition operable to store thermal energy, solar energy collection system, and power generation system. The collection system comprises a first closed flow loop including a solar collector which absorbs solar energy and heats a first working fluid. The heated first working fluid recirculates through a first closed flow loop through and heats the thermal mass composition. The generation system comprises a second closed flow loop including a turbine-generator. The second closed flow loop recirculates a second working fluid through the thermal mass composition to absorb thermal energy and heat the second working fluid which flows to the turbine and the generator produces electricity. The second working fluid may be water/steam or a compressible gas. The thermal mass composition comprises a mixture of a phase change material such as salt and a metallic material.

Abstract: A hybrid power generation system in one embodiment comprises a green boiler containing a thermal mass composition operable to store thermal energy, a solar energy collection system which absorbs solar energy to heat a first working fluid and in turn the thermal mass composition, and a power generation system comprising a steam turbine coupled to an electric generator to produce electricity and a nuclear steam supply system which convert a second working fluid comprising water from liquid to steam. Steam output by the nuclear steam supply system flows through the green boiler and is heated by absorbing heat from the thermal mass composition to increase the enthalpy of the steam and concomitantly electric power output from the turbine-generator. The nuclear steam supply system and green boiler may be retrofit to replace existing fossil fuel steam generation systems while retaining the energy conversion part of the fossil power plant.

Abstract: A vertical bundle air-cooled heat exchanger, a finned tube assembly for an air cooled condenser and method for forming the same, and a system for removing thermal energy generated by radioactive materials. In one aspect, an air cooled condenser sized for industrial and commercial application includes an inlet steam distribution header for conveying steam, a condensate outlet header for conveying condensate, an array of tube bundles each having a plurality of finned tube assemblies having a bare steel tube with an exposed outer surface and a set of aluminum fins brazed directly onto the tube by a brazing filler metal. The steel tubes may be spaced apart by the aluminum fins and have an inlet end fluidly coupled to the inlet steam distribution header and an outlet end fluidly coupled to the outlet header. A forced draft fan may be arranged to blow air through the tube bundles.

Abstract: A vertical bundle air-cooled heat exchanger, a finned tube assembly for an air cooled condenser and method for forming the same, and a system for removing thermal energy generated by radioactive materials. In one aspect, an air cooled condenser sized for industrial and commercial application includes an inlet steam distribution header for conveying steam, a condensate outlet header for conveying condensate, an array of tube bundles each having a plurality of finned tube assemblies having a bare steel tube with an exposed outer surface and a set of aluminum fins brazed directly onto the tube by a brazing filler metal. The steel tubes may be spaced apart by the aluminum fins and have an inlet end fluidly coupled to the inlet steam distribution header and an outlet end fluidly coupled to the outlet header. A forced draft fan may be arranged to blow air through the tube bundles.

Abstract: A power generation system and related method for repowering a fossil-fueled power plant using a carbon-free nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) which replaces the existing fossil plant steam generator which burns fossil fuel such as coal, oil, or natural gas. The existing fossil plant energy conversion system including the turbine-generator (turbogenerator) and auxiliary components of the Rankine cycle is retained. The NSSS may include a small modular reactor (SMR) unit comprising a reactor vessel with nuclear fuel core and steam generator which receives heated primary coolant from the reactor to produce main steam to operate the Rankine cycle. The main steam output by the SMR unit is compressed in a steam compressor to increase its pressure to a level necessary to operate the turbogenerator. The compressor may be operated via a portion of the main steam. An intercooler of the compressor may be used for main steam reheating.

Abstract: A hybrid solar energy power generation system includes a thermal energy storage (TES) vessel containing a thermal mass composition operable to store thermal energy, a concentrated solar power (CSP) system, and a photovoltaic (PV) power system. The CSP system heats a first working fluid flowing in first closed flow loop via a solar collector. The heated first working fluid recirculates through the TES vessel to heat the TM composition. The PV power system generates electricity which can be delivered directly to the electric power grid or alternatively when grid demand drops energizes can electric heaters to supplement heating the first working fluid. This increases the temperature and enthalpy of the first working fluid to store additional thermal energy in the TM composition. The TES vessel is operable to heat a second working fluid to produce steam usable for industrial processes, district heating, or to power a Rankine power generation cycle.

Abstract: A hybrid power generation system in one embodiment comprises a green boiler containing a thermal mass composition operable to store thermal energy, a solar energy collection system which absorbs solar energy to heat a first working fluid and in turn the thermal mass composition, and a power generation system comprising a steam turbine coupled to an electric generator to produce electricity and a nuclear steam supply system which convert a second working fluid comprising water from liquid to steam. Steam output by the nuclear steam supply system flows through the green boiler and is heated by absorbing heat from the thermal mass composition to increase the enthalpy of the steam and concomitantly electric power output from the turbine-generator. The nuclear steam supply system and green boiler may be retrofit to replace existing fossil fuel steam generation systems while retaining the energy conversion part of the fossil power plant.

Abstract: A power generation system and related method for repowering a fossil-fueled power plant using a carbon-free nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) which replaces the existing fossil plant steam generator which burns fossil fuel such as coal, oil, or natural gas. The existing fossil plant energy conversion system including the turbine-generator (turbogenerator) and auxiliary components of the Rankine cycle is retained. The NSSS may include a small modular reactor (SMR) unit comprising a reactor vessel with nuclear fuel core and steam generator which receives heated primary coolant from the reactor to produce main steam to operate the Rankine cycle. The main steam output by the SMR unit is compressed in a steam compressor to increase its pressure to a level necessary to operate the turbogenerator. The compressor may be operated via a portion of the main steam. An intercooler of the compressor may be used for main steam reheating.

Abstract: A solar power generation system includes a thermal energy storage vessel containing a thermal mass composition operable to store thermal energy, solar energy collection system, and power generation system. The collection system comprises a first closed flow loop including a solar collector which absorbs solar energy and heats a first working fluid. The heated first working fluid recirculates through a first closed flow loop through and heats the thermal mass composition. The generation system comprises a second closed flow loop including a turbine-generator. The second closed flow loop recirculates a second working fluid through the thermal mass composition to absorb thermal energy and heat the second working fluid which flows to the turbine and the generator produces electricity. The second working fluid may be water/steam or a compressible gas. The thermal mass composition comprises a mixture of a phase change material such as salt and a metallic material.

Abstract: Portable nuclear fuel cartridge comprising a unitary support structure and plurality of nuclear fuel assemblies that collectively form a nuclear fuel core. Control rod drive system for a nuclear reactor. A nuclear steam supply system having a shutdown system for removing residual decay heat generated by a nuclear fuel core. A nuclear reactor including a cylindrical body having an internal cavity, nuclear fuel core, and a shroud disposed in the cavity. A nuclear reactor cooling system with passive cooling capabilities operable during a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) without available electric power.

Abstract: A neutron absorbing insert for use in a fuel rack. In one aspect, the insert includes: a plate structure having a first wall and a second wall that is non-coplanar to the first wall; the first and second walls being formed by a single panel of a metal matrix composite having neutron absorbing particulate reinforcement that is bent into the non-coplanar arrangement along a crease; and a plurality of spaced-apart holes formed into the single panel along the crease prior to bending.

Abstract: A vertical bundle air-cooled heat exchanger, a finned tube assembly for an air cooled condenser and method for forming the same, and a system for removing thermal energy generated by radioactive materials. In one aspect, an air cooled condenser sized for industrial and commercial application includes an inlet steam distribution header for conveying steam, a condensate outlet header for conveying condensate, an array of tube bundles each having a plurality of finned tube assemblies having a bare steel tube with an exposed outer surface and a set of aluminum fins brazed directly onto the tube by a brazing filler metal. The steel tubes may be spaced apart by the aluminum fins and have an inlet end fluidly coupled to the inlet steam distribution header and an outlet end fluidly coupled to the outlet header. A forced draft fan may be arranged to blow air through the tube bundles.

Abstract: A neutron absorbing insert for use in a fuel rack. In one aspect, the insert includes: a plate structure having a first wall and a second wall that is non-coplanar to the first wall; the first and second walls being formed by a single panel of a metal matrix composite having neutron absorbing particulate reinforcement that is bent into the non-coplanar arrangement along a crease; and a plurality of spaced-apart holes formed into the single panel along the crease prior to bending.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage system includes one or more containment vessel comprising an internal cavity containing a bed of phase change material (PCM) operable to store thermal energy, an array of heaters embedded in the molten phase change material, and a tube bundle. The heaters are electrically coupled to an electric power source and operable to heat and melt the PCM to a molten state. The tube bundle comprises heat exchanger tubes embedded in the molten PCM and configured to convey a working fluid (e.g., water or other) through a tube-side of the tubes. The tubes may be arranged in plural individual tube cartridge each insertable and removable from the vessel. In operation, the working fluid is heated by absorbing stored thermal energy from the molten phase change material. The PCM may be heated by power extracted from the power grid during off-peak demand periods.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor support system that, in one embodiment, includes a reactor vessel, a reactor core disposed within the reactor vessel, an upper portion of the reactor vessel located above a ground plane and a lower portion of the reactor vessel located below the ground plane. The support system further includes a first flange fixedly attached to the upper portion of the reactor vessel and contacting the ground plane, the first flange supporting the reactor vessel, a second flange fixedly attached to the upper portion of the reactor vessel above the ground plane, the second flange spaced vertically apart from the first flange, and a plurality of welded lugs extending vertically between the first and second flanges. The first flange supports the entire weight of the reactor vessel in a cantilevered manner.