Investigation of neutron noise in a micro-scale, natural circulation molten salt fission battery system

The Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) concept is a rapidly evolving Generation IV design that has recently attracted favorable attention due to the potential for reducing waste generation, realizing passive safety features, and seizing on opportunity cost effective economics. A specific novel micro-MSR, natural circulation, battery involves placing all primary components within single reactor vessel containment without need of forced pumping. This small modular, integral presents savings while producing safety, reliable, transportable carbon-free power decades. investigation evaluates neutron noise induced by density flow fluctuations in circulation MSR being developed at University Idaho. study finds numerical solutions one-dimensional, one-group, coupled diffusion equations bare, homogeneous core, flux delayed precursor concentration core fuel salt perturbation sources. Noise analysis shows both point kinetic space-dependent behavior present despite size, low-flow, closely-coupled nature concept. Analysis low convective system results typically representative larger forced-circulation system. techniques may also be useful diagnostics as non-invasive, low-cost radiological option traditional monitoring schemes.