GOLDFINCH SENSOR TECHNOLOGIES AND ANALYTICS LLC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 30a

Description

After the Daiichi nuclear disaster the US Congress placed emphasis on accident tolerant fuels for reactors. During accident events, voids in cooling fluid can cause cladding weakening, and it is important to measure these effects in a controlled test.The project will demonstrate the feasibility of constructing a fast void detector that can detect and localize voids, with a quantifiable detection limit superior to a capacitive void sensor. The project uses modeling and simulation of the RF sensor and environment, designs RF elements for the harsh environment, and fabricates the devices for temperature and pressure requirements. The project concludes with a demonstration of the system and feasibility of approach.During Phase I, the effort first performs theoretical work to simulate performance. Second, the effort refines the RF sensor designs. Third, the effort fabricates devices. Fourth, the effort demonstrates feasibility with a demonstration of the technology. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The proposed effort is a critical part of fuel technology optimization for LWR. The benefits include improved: fuel safety, LWR fuel burnup, and accident tolerance. Understanding void formation will help determine new reactor type fuel safety criteria. The new reactors have applicability for commercial power production, science experimentation (e.g., neutron science), and space propulsion.