초록 ▼

A nuclear reactor for generating electricity is disposed underground at the bottom of a vertical hole that can be drilled using conventional drilling technology. The primary coolant of the reactor core is the working fluid in a plurality of thermodynamically coupled heat pipes emplaced in the hole b

A nuclear reactor for generating electricity is disposed underground at the bottom of a vertical hole that can be drilled using conventional drilling technology. The primary coolant of the reactor core is the working fluid in a plurality of thermodynamically coupled heat pipes emplaced in the hole between the heat source at the bottom of the hole and heat exchange means near the surface of the earth. Additionally, the primary coolant (consisting of the working flud in the heat pipes in the reactor core) moderates neutrons and regulates their reactivity, thus keeping the power of the reactor substantially constant. At the end of its useful life, the reactor core may be abandoned in place. Isolation from the atmosphere in case of accident or for abandonment is provided by the operation of explosive closures and mechanical valves emplaced along the hole. This invention combines technology developed and tested for small, highly efficient, space-based nuclear electric power plants with the technology of fast-acting closure mechanisms developed and used for underground testing of nuclear weapons. This invention provides a nuclear power installation which is safe from the worst conceivable reactor accident, namely, the explosion of a nuclear weapon near the ground surface of a nuclear power reactor.

대표청구항 ▼

A nuclear power generating facility, comprising: a substantially vertical borehole in the surface of the earth which is at least 600 feet deep and has a substantially constant diameter; a casing, extending from the surface of the earth down to at least 600 feet deep, lining the borehole and wherein

A nuclear power generating facility, comprising: a substantially vertical borehole in the surface of the earth which is at least 600 feet deep and has a substantially constant diameter; a casing, extending from the surface of the earth down to at least 600 feet deep, lining the borehole and wherein the casing is completely within the borehole; a self regulating nuclear reactor, of a diameter less than the diameter of the borehole, within the casing at least 600 feet below the surface of the earth, wherein the reactor generates heat; means for converting the heat generated by the reactor to electricity, wherein the conversion means is located at or above the surface of the earth; means for transferring the heat generated by the reactor from the reactor to the conversion means; and a means for completely and permanently closing all access between the surface of the earth and the reactor through the borehole, wherein said means is located between the reactor and the surface of the earth, and wherein the casing and the borehole have no opening below the closing means sealing the reactor within the casing.