Transient Modeling of a Radiantly Integrated TPV–Microreactor System (RITMS) Design

Powered by high-efficiency thermophotovoltaics and developed through economics-by-design analysis, a promising, optimized design was selected for the radiantly integrated TPV–microreactor system. However, the novelty of the conversion system, the connection between the TPV and critical reactor core, requires a proper degree of reliability analysis to develop confidence in this technology. This is made difficult by the lack of computational tools that capture the full suite of physics and feedback mechanisms present in the RITMS design. This paper outlines the methods utilized to capture power, temperature, and reactivity variation and feedback mechanisms through time, utilizing lumped conditions, point kinetics equations, and the determination of temperature reactivity coefficients. The computational package was applied to a series of accident-driven transient scenarios, demonstrating the RITMS design’s ability to return to a safe operating equilibrium without active interference. In the case of high positive reactivity insertion accidents, design solutions were demonstrated that would mitigate risk.