TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Regenerable High-Temperature Reverse-Foam Metal Hydride Moderator: A Breakthrough Technology for Long-Term Efficacy of Nuclear Microreactors

TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY

Regenerable High-Temperature Reverse-Foam Metal Hydride Moderator: A Breakthrough Technology for Long-Term Efficacy of Nuclear Microreactors 

A solution to the lifetime limitations of conventional metal hydride moderators, offering long-term efficacy and increased operational reliability for nuclear microreactors.

Opportunity:   Idaho National Laboratory (INL), managed and operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), offers the opportunity to explore a license and/or collaborative research agreement to commercialize the Regenerable High-Temperature Reverse-Foam Metal Hydride Moderator. This technology transfer opportunity is part of a dedicated effort to convert government-funded research into job opportunities, businesses, and, ultimately, an improved way of life for the American people.

Overview:        Neutron moderators are crucial for efficient nuclear reactions in nuclear reactors, particularly for slowing down the velocity of neutrons emitted from a fissile compound. With their high thermal stability and hydrogen density, metal hydrides are ideal neutron moderators for high-temperature nuclear reactors. However, conventional metal hydride moderators are limited by lifetime and efficacy due to the potential for irreversible hydrogen depletion over time under normal operating conditions.
Description:    Our regenerable high-temperature reverse-foam metal hydride moderator offers a solution. Using a porous structure with internal channels throughout the bulk of the metal hydride article, a gas flow can be introduced to regenerate the report following hydrogen depletion. The interconnected and open internal channels can be tailored to control the hydrogen density, and gas flow, resulting in a moderator formulated and configured to regenerate its hydrogen density. The technology mainly benefits nuclear microreactors requiring high operating temperatures and efficient neutron moderation. 

Benefits:          
•    Increased operational reliability and a lifetime of nuclear microreactors.
•    Long-term efficacy due to the ability to regenerate the metal hydride article following hydrogen depletion.
•    Tailored porosity and flow characteristics for maximum efficiency
•    It avoids the need for core replacement, which is necessary with conventional metal hydride moderators.
•    Enables selection and variation in the extent of porosity and flow characteristics of the metal hydride article in combination with the moderator neutron efficacy. 

Applications:    
•    Nuclear reactor manufacturers
•    Nuclear energy companies 

Development Status:  TRL 2: early-stage concept.  

IP Status: US Patent Application No. 18/171,923, “Neutron Moderators Comprising a Porous Metal Hydride Article, Nuclear Reactors Including the Same, and Related Methods,” BEA Docket No. BA-1351. 

INL seeks to license the above intellectual property to a company with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Exclusive rights in defined fields of use may be available. Added value is placed on relationships with small businesses, start-up companies, and general entrepreneurship opportunities.

Please visit Technology Deployment’s website at https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/technology-deployment for more information on working with INL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process. 

Companies interested in learning more about this licensing opportunity should contact Andrew Rankin at td@inl.gov.