Thorium Molten Salt System Using Internally Generated Proton-Induced Neutrons

Abstract

A method of generating power using a Thorium-containing molten salt fuel is disclosed. One example includes the steps of providing a vessel containing a molten salt fuel, generating a proton beam externally to the vessel, where the externally generated proton beam being of an energy level sufficient to interact with the salt in the vessel to produce a (p, n) reaction resulting in the generation of a neutron at the first energy level. Neutrons generated within the vessel through the (p, n) reactions caused by the externally generated proton's interaction with the at least one salt are utilized to produce a fission reaction where the fission reaction increases the heat content of the molten salt within the vessel. In the example, a heat exchanger is used to extract heat from the molten salt within the vessel and power is generated from the extracted heat.

1 . A method of generating power using a Thorium-containing molten salt fuel, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a vessel containing a molten salt fuel, the molten salt fuel comprising Thorium and at least one salt containing an atom capable of interacting with a proton of sufficient energy to produce a (p, n) reaction resulting in the generation of a neutron at a first energy level;   providing a lid to the vessel, the lid comprising a top and a bottom with at least one opening through the lid containing an impeller pump assembly configured to recirculate the molten salt fuel in the vessel, at least two openings through the lid containing input and output piping for a sealed heat exchanger coil positioned adjacent the bottom of the lid, and at least one opening through which is a window configured to permit the passage of protons;   attaching the lid to the vessel;   generating a proton beam externally to the vessel, the externally generated proton beam being of an energy level sufficient to interact with the at least one salt in the vessel to produce a (p, n) reaction resulting in the generation of a neutron at the first energy level;   directing the externally generated proton beam into the vessel such that at least some protons forming the beam will interact with the atom in the at least one salt contained in the vessel;   causing interaction between the externally generated proton beam and the at least one salt contained in the vessel to produce (p, n) reactions resulting in the generation of neutrons within the vessel;   utilizing neutrons generated within the vessel through the (p, n) reactions caused by the externally generated proton's interaction with the at least one salt to produce an absorption reaction involving the generated neutrons and Thorium within the vessel;   utilizing neutrons generated from the absorption reaction to produce a fission reaction, the fission reaction increasing the heat content of the molten salt fuel within the vessel;   utilizing a heat exchanger to extract heat from the molten salt fuel within the vessel; and   generating power from the extracted heat.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of providing a vessel containing a molten salt fuel comprises the step of providing a molten salt comprising at least one Lithium salt. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of generating a proton beam externally to the vessel comprises the step of operating a vacuum accelerator assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the step of generating a proton beam externally to the vessel comprises the step of controlling the vacuum accelerator assembly to vary the intensity of the externally generated proton beam. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of directing the externally generated proton beam into the vessel involves the step of passing the externally generated proton beam through the at least one window opening. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of directing the externally generated proton beam into the vessel involves the step of passing the externally generated proton beam through the at least one window opening comprising titanium. 
     
     
         7 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A method of generating power comprising the steps of:
 providing a vessel having only one opening containing a molten salt fuel, the molten salt fuel comprising Thorium and at least one salt;   providing a lid to the vessel, the lid comprising openings that are sealed by at least one impeller assembly, at least two pipes configured to attach to a heat exchanger, and at least one window;   securing the lid to the vessel thereby sealing the one opening of the vessel;   generating a proton beam having an energy level sufficient to interact with the at least one salt in the vessel to generate neutrons;   directing the externally generated proton beam into the molten salt fuel, such that the protons comprising the proton beam interact with the at least one salt to produce neutrons;   utilizing neutrons generated within the vessel to produce a fission reaction within the vessel, the fission reaction generating heat;   utilizing a heat exchanger to extract heat from the vessel; and   generating power from the extracted heat.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the at least one salt is a Fluoride salt. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the at least one salt includes Lithium. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the step of directing the externally generated proton beam into the molten salt fuel comprises the step of directing the proton beam through the lid. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the fission reaction involves the fissioning of Uranium. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the step of generating a proton beam having an energy level sufficient to interact with the at least one salt in the vessel to generate neutrons comprises the step of generating a proton beam having an energy level of at least 10 MeV.