Enhanced TRISO Pellet Properties via Designed Particle Arrangements

This technology introduces a new approach for structuring TRISO nuclear fuel pellets to improve performance, efficiency, and safety. By strategically arranging fuel particles within the pellet, the design addresses limitations of conventional random packing. The result is enhanced fuel integrity, improved thermal management, and greater neutron economy, which collectively extend fuel life and support advanced nuclear systems such as small modular reactors, microreactors, high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, and space reactors.

Description

Conventional TRISO fuel pellets use randomly distributed fuel particles, which can result in hot spots, uneven burnup, and reduced structural reliability. This invention introduces a structured particle arrangement within the pellet matrix to optimize density, thermal conductivity, and neutron behavior. The design incorporates organized layouts—such as uniform, gradient, or concentric arrangements—resulting in more consistent performance and reduced internal stresses. These structured geometries enable pellets to maintain integrity under extreme conditions and deliver higher fuel utilization across the reactor cycle.

The approach is compatible with multiple advanced fabrication techniques, including additive manufacturing, which allows precise particle placement and layered construction. Such adaptability makes the invention applicable across diverse reactor platforms and manufacturing workflows. The outcome is a fuel pellet with longer operational life, enhanced safety, and reduced nuclear waste compared to current methods.

Benefits

• Improved fuel integrity and safety under high temperatures
• Greater efficiency and extended fuel cycle life
• Enhanced thermal and neutron performance

Applications and Industries

• Small modular reactors, microreactors, and space nuclear systems
• High-temperature gas-cooled reactors and molten salt reactors
• Additive manufacturing for nuclear fuel fabrication

Contact

To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.