Physics, not AI, could participate in these self -regulating microreactors

In our world of AI-dominated algorithms, Some nuclear physicists Better the old -fashioned way to make science. And this newly developed physics-based AI-free algorithm can be the breakthrough that small nuclear reactors seriously need.

A recently published work in Progress in nuclear energy Describes an algorithm that enables nuclear microreactors – transportable mini reactors that provide energy to remote locations in order to automatically adjust your performance. This is particularly relevant for microreactors, since their intended placement in rural communities, disaster zones and cargo ships means that in contrast to conventional reactors, employees are not always available for manual examinations.

“Our method can help providers design reactors with autonomous control systems that are safer and safer” opinion.

“Many startup and legacy companies in the USA are committed to short-term and wide use of nuclear microreactors,” he added. “And our work creates a clear way to achieve this in an economical way.”

Small but powerful

In fact, microreactors are a powerful yet mobile option to provide remote areas. In order to be clear, microreactors differ from small modular reactors, which are reduced versions of conventional nuclear reactors. Microreactors Have a smaller power capacity that generates up to 20 megawatts of thermal energy.

In the United States there are microreactors such as early as the mid -20th century, mainly for military use. With progress in nuclearphysics, microreactors appeared in commercial contexts, although many hurdles still hinder their way to the broader implementation. The new algorithm tries to tackle a problem in efficient load tags – the ability of a microreactor to adapt the performance based on the relocation requirement.

Use of physics

For the study, the team carried out several simulations for High -temperature -cooled reactors (HTGR)A family of reactors that use helium gas and ceramic materials to stabilize the nuclear splitting (a process that divides heavy atoms to generate energy). These reactors can range from microreactor sizes to huge, traditional scales and make them good models for researchers.

The team carried out its algorithm on a simplified replica of a micror reactor and ensured that important parameters such as performance density, coolant temperature, core pressure and flow speed are retained. The simulations indicated the algorithm to adjust the power supply by 20% per minute.

The algorithm remained within 0.234% of the target measurements for the experiment without external help from AI or human controllers. Essentially “everything about the automated control for load operating operations is based on physics and mathematics and easy to explain – an essential feature for the handover of regulatory review,” explained the researchers. The team carried out additional sensitivity tests by switching different parameters and found that the algorithm was still working properly.

The remarkable success of the new algorithm corresponds to the fact that the technology in turn has a long way to go and these communities I didn’t really warm myself up On the idea of ​​small core reactors in their communities. This means that it is a promising result and a memory of incredible physics, which is responsible for smooth technological instruments.