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: An entire nuclear fuel core comprising a plurality of fuel assemblies is preassembled in a nuclear fuel cartridge having a self-supporting unitary support structure. During a refueling operation, the unitary support structure is moved into a nuclear reactor vessel. The unitary support structure may be formed by top and bottom core plates coupled together by vertically-oriented connecting rods which compress the fuel assemblies therebetween. A plurality of reflector wall segments circumscribe the core and are the coupled together between the core plates by the connecting rods which are coupled to the core plates. The connecting rods may extend through the wall segments.

Abstract: A portable nuclear fuel cartridge comprising a unitary support structure and a plurality of nuclear fuel assemblies that collectively form a nuclear fuel core. The nuclear fuel core is integrated into the unitary support structure to collectively form a self-supporting assemblage than can be lifted as a single unit. In another aspect, the invention is a method of fueling and/or defueling a nuclear reactor utilizing a nuclear fuel cartridge that is loaded and/or unloaded from the nuclear reactor as a single unit. In another aspect, a nuclear reactor core is provided that comprises a nuclear fuel core comprising: a plurality of first nuclear fuel assemblies, each of the plurality of first nuclear fuel assemblies having a first transverse cross-sectional configuration; and a plurality of second nuclear fuel assemblies, each of the plurality of second nuclear fuel assemblies having a second transverse cross-sectional configuration that is different than the first transverse cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: A portable nuclear fuel cartridge comprising a unitary support structure and a plurality of nuclear fuel assemblies that collectively form a nuclear fuel core. The nuclear fuel core is integrated into the unitary support structure to collectively form a self-supporting assemblage than can be lifted as a single unit. In another aspect, the invention is a method of fueling and/or defueling a nuclear reactor utilizing a nuclear fuel cartridge that is loaded and/or unloaded from the nuclear reactor as a single unit. In another aspect, a nuclear reactor core is provided that comprises a nuclear fuel core comprising; a plurality of first nuclear fuel assemblies, each of the plurality of first nuclear fuel assemblies having a first transverse cross-sectional configuration; and a plurality of second nuclear fuel assemblies, each of the plurality of second nuclear fuel assemblies having a second transverse cross-sectional configuration that is different than the first transverse cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: A portable nuclear fuel cartridge comprising a unitary support structure and a plurality of nuclear fuel assemblies that collectively form a nuclear fuel core. The nuclear fuel core is integrated into the unitary support structure to collectively form a self-supporting assemblage than can be lifted as a single unit. In another aspect, the invention is a method of fueling and/or defueling a nuclear reactor utilizing a nuclear fuel cartridge that is loaded and/or unloaded from the nuclear reactor as a single unit. In another aspect, a nuclear reactor core is provided that comprises a nuclear fuel core comprising; a plurality of first nuclear fuel assemblies, each of the plurality of first nuclear fuel assemblies having a first transverse cross-sectional configuration; and a plurality of second nuclear fuel assemblies, each of the plurality of second nuclear fuel assemblies having a second transverse cross-sectional configuration that is different than the first transverse cross-sectional configuration.