Invention Reference Number
The Nested Pebble Bed Blanket (NesPeB) is an advanced blanket architecture for fusion devices designed to address key limitations of existing blanket concepts, including material compatibility challenges, sufficient tritium production, maintenance complexity, and operational reliability. The technology uses a novel pebble-based configuration that integrates tritium breeding, structural, and cooling functions into a unified system. By improving neutron utilization and simplifying blanket operation, NesPeB has the potential to support more practical and economically viable fusion power systems. The concept also allows the production of isotopes and elements thanks to fast neutron transmutation.
Description
NesPeB is a fusion reactor blanket concept built around a proprietary nested pebble architecture that combines breeder, neutron-multiplying structural materials, and coolant pathways within engineered spherical structures. These pebbles are arranged in a packed-bed configuration that serves multiple functions, including tritium generation, heat removal, structural support, allowing also tritium and byproduct extraction.
The design is intended to overcome challenges associated with conventional blanket technologies, such as reliance on highly enriched Lithium, corrosion concerns, magnetohydrodynamic effects, and difficulties associated with tritium recovery and component replacement. The architecture supports continuous cooling and efficient tritium management while enabling the blanket materials to be periodically replenished or replaced.
The system incorporates specialized coolant and gas-handling strategies to improve heat transfer, facilitate tritium and byproduct removal, and maintain material integrity under demanding fusion operating conditions. The resulting approach offers a pathway toward higher-performance fusion blanket systems with simplified maintenance and improved operational flexibility.
Additional technical details of the disclosed technologies can be found here:
Fusion reactor having nested pebble bed blanket.
Benefits
- Enhances tritium production using readily available breeding materials
- Reduces corrosion and material compatibility concerns
- Minimizes magnetohydrodynamic effects associated with some blanket concepts
- Supports efficient heat removal and tritium/byproduct management
- Simplifies blanket maintenance and material replacement
- Designed for operation under demanding thermal and radiation environments
Applications and Industries
- Fusion energy systems
- Fusion blanket component manufacturing
- Advanced nuclear technologies
- Thermal management systems for high-radiation environments
- Farming of isotopes and elements
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
