A team at the University of Michigan has developed a physics-based algorithm that allows a nuclear microreactor to automatically adjust its energy output according to demand.
The autonomy of the nuclear microreactor
Nuclear microreactors are designed to be transportable and capable of generating up to 20 megawatts of thermal power. Their potential ranges from powering rural communities and disaster areas to strengthening military operations or powering cargo ships. Unlike large reactors, which rely on manual adjustments, the new approach introduces autonomous control that facilitates their integration into power grids with changing demands.
The study focused on HTGR reactorshigh temperature gas-cooled systems that can be tailored from micro to large-scale configurations. The researchers applied model predictive control(MPC) to precisely manage the rotation of drums that regulate core power. Using this method, they were able to keep the energy settings almost identical to the set target, with a margin of error of less than 0.3%.
Unlike approaches that rely on artificial intelligence algorithms, this strategy relies on directly traceable physical and mathematical calculations. This facilitates regulatory review and brings transparency to the design of control systems. The integration of PROTEUS, a high-fidelity simulation tool, made it possible to validate that the results faithfully reflect the real behavior of a micro-reactor.
This work was funded by the Nuclear Energy University Program of the U. S. Department of Energy’ s Office of Nuclear Energy. According to the researchers, this technology offers a clear path for suppliers and manufacturers to design reactors with autonomous systems from the initial stage, avoiding later adaptations.
The results of this research consolidate the vision of nuclear micro reactors as a reliable, carbon-free and adaptable source. Their ability to automatically respond to energy demand makes them a key tool in the search for sustainable solutions for isolated communities and strategic sectors.
Source and photo: University of Michigan
