What's Next

This is our path forward for the next five years.

100%
1

Initial Exploration


Identify known constraints and review previous research.
100%
2

Preparatory Design


Run detailed computation simulations, contract with EPC for concept design and cost estimate, develop plan for lab experiments.
53%
3

Validation & Refinement


Run lab-scale experiments and refine the design for the demonstration facility.
0%
4

Blueprints Stage I


Design demonstration reactor blueprint in association with an EPC firm.
0%
5

Blueprints Stage II


Continued refinement of our reactor designs and specifications.
0%
6

Construction


Completion of an operating demonstration reactor – the first commercial product.


1/

Initial Exploration

Technology Readiness Level: 1

While we were PhD students at MIT, our research inspired us to design a new nuclear reactor. Our initial neutronics simulations showed that a lithium fluoride – uranium fluoride fuel salt, moderated with zirconium hydride, would allow our reactor to remain critical with a loading of low-enriched uranium. We ran further steady-state and time-dependent

neutronics scoping analyses, as well as one-dimensional thermohydraulics analyses, which showed that the design was robust under a wide range of conditions. Our technical advisory board reviewed our initial design, and they recommended that we develop and try to commercialize it. We incorporated Transatomic Power on April 27, 2011.

 
Steady-state neutronics scoping analysis: 100% COMPLETE
Time-dependent neutronics scoping analysis: 100% COMPLETE
One-dimensional steady-state thermohydraulics analysis: 100% COMPLETE
Initial US regulatory environment assessment: 100% COMPLETE
Market opportunity assessment: 100% COMPLETE
Corroboration from technical advisory board: 100% COMPLETE
Molten-Salt-Reactor-Experiment
Early core configuration
reactor-old
Molten salt reactor experiment
initial-visit
Visit to EBR-1


2/

Preparatory Design

Technology Readiness Level: 2

We used fine-grained neutronics simulations to identify the edges of our design space, and examined the neutronic and thermohydraulic implications of a range of cladding materials and geometries. Following this work, we contracted with an EPC to develop a concept design and independent cost analysis, and developed the plan for our lab-scale testing of key components and materials.

 
Fine-grained steady-state neutronics analysis: 100% COMPLETE
Fine-grained time-dependent neutronics analysis: 100% COMPLETE
Moderator arrangement & heat exchanger design: 100% COMPLETE
Contract Burns and Roe for concept design & cost estimate: 100% COMPLETE
Developed plan for lab experiments: 100% COMPLETE
Target market identification: 100% COMPLETE
blueprints
BREI blueprints
solve-for-x
Speaking at Solve for X
tap
Photo by Josh Reynolds


3/

Validation & Refinement

Technology Readiness Level: 3-4

We are currently running laboratory-scale tests of key components and materials for our reactor. Corrosion, radiation, and high-temperature materials tests are being conducted under a three-year sponsored research agreement with the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In addition to the lab experiments, we are conducting simulation and design work to optimize the reactor design. This analysis includes a thorough cost assessment of the plant, to further demonstrate commercial attractiveness.

 
Demonstration-specific fine-grained steady-state analysis: 100% COMPLETE
Demonstration-specific time-dependent neutronics analysis: 100% COMPLETE
Steady-state and transient thermohydraulics analysis: 15% COMPLETE
Laboratory-scale tests of key components and materials: 20% COMPLETE
Initial meetings with regulators: 30% COMPLETE
night-rendering
Early architectural rendering of our power plant

4/

Site-Independent Demonstration Reactor Blueprints

Technology Readiness Level: 5


Working with an EPC firm, we will create the detailed blueprint specs for our facility, independent of a specific location.

5/

Site-Specific Demonstration Reactor Blueprints

Technology Readiness Level: 6


Continued refinement of our reactor designs and specifications.

6/

Demonstration Reactor Construction & Operation

Technology Readiness Level: 7


Completion of an operating demonstration reactor – the first commercial product.