Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
High-Speed Neutron and Gamma Flux Sensor for Monitoring Surface Nuclear Reactors
Project Description
NASA needs compact nuclear reactors to power future bases on the moon and/or Mars. These reactors require robust automatic control systems using low mass, rapid response, in-core reactor power monitoring sensors and radiation tolerant sensor interrogation systems that do not yet exist. Luna proposes to develop a new type of fiber optic miniature neutron flux and gamma flux sensor, which will have significantly faster response than recently developed fiber optic radiation sensors. The new sensors will maintain the advantages of current fiber optic reactor sensor technology, including small size for in-core sensor distributions, high temperature performance (above 600oC), and immunity to electrical noise in the presence of ionizing radiation. During Phase II Luna will optimize the sensor design and the interrogation system for high temperature in-core monitoring of both gamma flux and neutron flux with internal thermal compensation and in-situ thermal calibration. At the end of Phase II, Luna will deliver a lightweight sensor interrogation system, utilizing experimentally verified radiation hardened components wherever possible, and including an analog output signal for interfacing with standard reactor control electronics.
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Anticipated Benefits
The sensors developed on this project will also contribute to the safe and economically competitive operation of commercial nuclear power plants. The high temperature and high speed performance of these sensors will be needed in future advanced reactor designs, where elevated temperature operation is being designed for higher electrical generation efficiency. Under these more severe conditions, reliable sensor operation becomes even more critical for continued safe operation. Arrays of Luna's fiber optic radiation flux sensors can also be used to monitor spent fuel and nuclear waste storage facilities.
While the sensor development will be focused on nuclear space power needs, the sensors can also be directly utilized for monitoring nuclear terrestrial power reactors as well. Potential NASA applications include: Lunar surface power reactors, Mars surface power reactors, and Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) for Mars manned missions. More »
While the sensor development will be focused on nuclear space power needs, the sensors can also be directly utilized for monitoring nuclear terrestrial power reactors as well. Potential NASA applications include: Lunar surface power reactors, Mars surface power reactors, and Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) for Mars manned missions. More »
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luna Innovations, Inc. | Lead Organization | Industry | Roanoke, Virginia |
Glenn Research Center
(GRC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Cleveland, Ohio |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Ohio
-
Virginia
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