Reactor Power Plant for Undersea Applications

A Pressurized Water Reactor suitable for unattended operation on the ocean floor has been designed. Its inherent safety, simplicity, and low cost also make it attractive for many applications on land. The conceptual design, which is patented, is based on the principle of minimum critical mass, such that any change in materials, size, shape, or fuel density results in a less reactive condition and, if the change is sufficiently large, results in automatic shutdown.