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TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Control Rod System for Reactors This technology is a new control rod system that offers a compact and efficient way to control flux and other considerations. Opportuni... TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Control Rod System for Reactors This technology is a new control rod system that offers a compact and efficient way to control flux and other considerations. Opportunity: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), managed and operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), is offering the opportunity to enter into a license and/or collaborative research agreement to commercialize INL’s control rod system. This technology transfer opportunity is part of a dedicated effort to convert government-funded research into job opportunities, businesses and ultimately an improved way of life for the American people. Overview: Nuclear reactors are generally large and thus the size of their flux control mechanisms has extensive volume which to occupy. The volume allows these mechanisms to be long, thus allowing component accessibility and displacing sensitive parts from the reactor environment, which enables supplementary shielding. However, microreactors do not supply this luxury of larger volumes or associated weight allowances and thus these mechanisms require a more compact, yet still accessible and environmental tolerant solution. Microreactors have a large breath of applications, particularly in isolated environments. A multitude of technologies are being devised and each present their own system requirements including the mechanical control system’s abilities to effectively function in a restricted volume while also accommodating a wide range of conditions. Many of these control systems are devised very specific to the system in question and lack the flexibility to tune the various required performance features to complement system needs. Description: This control rod system is designed to control the linear position of a control rod whose material composition(s) allows it to control a reactor’s flux based on its relative position. Several mechanisms are employed to achieve conventional and non-conventional motion control functionality in a non-conventional radiological environment. These mechanisms enable both active (motor driven) flux control and passive (release of potential energy) reactor shutdown. The novelty of this invention lies in the configuration of the mechanisms to achieve these ends in this environment. Benefits: Compact and efficient solution Can accommodate thermal, flux, structural, controls, and mechanical considerations. Immediate flexibility, which allows one to readily adjust its configuration. Provides additional distance between the hazard source (e.g. reactor flux, heat, ect.) and sensitive electronics. The additional platform can improve shielding or employ additional components which can influence mechanical performance. Operates as a readily implementable and replaceable unit and does not require intricate disassembly although individual capacity components are still readily accessible for performance optimization tuning and maintenance. Simple features allow for rapid manual or simple remote attachment/detachment methods. Allows separation between safety related and non-safety related components, thus enabling efficient development of a robust control solution. Applications: Microreactors (electric power generation, hydrogen production, etc.)[AWR1] General translation motion systems with integrated tunable clutching, limits, continuous output position indication, damping, torque energy capture, and rapid passive homing. Development Status: TRL 4. System has been validated in laboratory environment. IP Status: US Patent Application No. 17/399,910, “Nuclear Reactor Systems, Control Rod Drive Systems, and Related Methods,” BEA Docket No. BA-1231. INL is seeking to license the above intellectual property to a company with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Exclusive rights in defined fields of use may be available. Added value is placed on relationships with small businesses, start-up companies, and general entrepreneurship opportunities. Please visit Technology Deployment’s website at https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/technology-deployment for more information on working with INL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process. Companies interested in learning more about this licensing opportunity should contact Andrew Rankin at td@inl.gov.