Technology

A 3D cross-section of a mixing reactor with baffles.

Background

NuGen was founded in 2006 to begin the commercialization of two patents granted to its founder, Steve Rhyne. The patents were for a single-cycle SMR which integrated a fission fuel core into a jet engine and used the kinetic energy to directly produce electricity. After initially working with the University of Florida’s Innovative Nuclear Space Power and Propulsion Institute, NuGen began working with Texas A&M’s nuclear engineering department in 2011 on the concept. NuGen was advised by Dr. Pavel Tsvetkov and assisted by researchers there. Professor Tsvetkov remains in an advisory capacity.

Launch of the NuGen Engine™ (2017–2018): In 2017, Steve began designing a new single-cycle reactor system that would be simpler and easier to license. The first patent application was filed on it in November 2017, and the NuGen Engine was publicly launched at the February 2018 Advanced Reactors Summit.
Expansion of the TAMU Multidisciplinary Team (2018): At the beginning of 2018, the TAMU team was expanded to include aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering faculty and their researchers. The support of this multidisciplinary team, with 100 years of reactor and engineering systems design and development experience, has enabled NuGen to continue to advance its technology since its introduction, bringing it closer to transitioning from the conceptual engineering phase to the engineering phase.

The NuGen Engine™ Overview

The NuGen Engine™ is an innovative high-temperature gas-cooled microreactor for terrestrial, maritime and space use. It is called the NuGen Engine™ due to its versatility and robust, compact conﬁguration.

First Principles Design Approach

Its unique design, based on "ﬁrst principles thinking", is a fully integrated, single-cycle system, with a patented spiral fuel core. The underlying design theory has been to combine a nuclear fuel core and aerospace technology in a unit and use the propulsion and gas laws in a single-cycle system to generate electricity.

Single-Cycle Efficiency

The single-cycle eliminates the secondary steam cycle and the associated thermal losses, resulting in a signiﬁcantly more compact and efﬁcient reactor system. The NuGen Engine™'s design is unique and it's one of only a few single-cycle concepts in the US and the only fully integrated one.

Compact and Integrated System

The system’s compactness and efﬁciency are increased by integrating the reactor and the energy conversion system, incorporating a spiral fuel core, simplifying the energy conversion system, and optimizing the ﬂow of gas through the system. The gas serves as the system’s coolant and propellant (working fluid). The system is contained in a toroidal shaped containment vessel, which serves as the transportable module for the system.

Simplicity and Autonomous Operation

The system’s simple configuration, the simplicity of its components, and its small size make it highly manufacturable and easier to transport, site and maintain. It would operate autonomously, subject to remote monitoring and periodic inspections and maintenance. The system is envisioned to be air cooled for most conditions and US locations.

Fuel Cycle and Transportability

The system would be factory-manufactured and fueled with a 15-year fuel life. At the end of its fuel life, the system would be retrieved in its single transportable module. As a result, there would be no onsite fueling and no onsite spent fuel storage.

Power Output and Siting Flexibility

Its output would be 2-3 MWe/4-6 MWt. Multiple units would multiply the output and provide flexibility and resilience. The system’s small footprint of approximately 500 square feet would easily accommodate siting multiple units at a single location.

Applications and Energy Capabilities

The system would provide off-grid electricity, high-temperature heat and cogeneration. It would also have a robust load-following capability, allowing it to be the 24/7 energy source for a nuclear/renewable microgrid. Power applications for the NuGen Engine™ are described under “Applications.”

Patent Portfolio

The NuGen Engine’s design is unique. It is one of only a few single-cycle concepts in the US and the only fully integrated concept. NuGen has 8 US patents, 3 UK patents, 1 CA patent, and 1 AUS patent, with other patents pending:

Integrated System for Converting Nuclear Energy into Electrical, Rotational, and Thermal Energy, US Patent Nos. 10,685,755 (6/17/2020), 10,685,756 (6/17/2020), 10,755,826 (8/25/2020), 10,784,006 (9/22/2020), and 11,421,589 (8/22/2022).
Integrated System For Converting Nuclear Energy Into Electrical, Mechanical, And Thermal Energy And Methods For Using The Same, US Patent No. 11,482,346 (10/25/2022).
Integrated System For Converting Nuclear Energy Into Electrical, Mechanical, And Thermal Energy, 11,815,013 (11/14/2023) and 12,116,926B2 (10/15/2024); UK Patents 2620080 (12/11/2024), 2629687 (8/6/2025), and 2629688 (8/6/2025); and AUS Patent No. 2018364532 (3/21/2024).

Direct Cycle Concept

Below is a conceptual representation of the NuGen Engine™. The representation is intended to show the system's unique, fully integrated single-cycle (direct cycle) architecture. It is not to scale nor intended to include all components (control drums, shielding, etc.) or their final configuration. The lack of specificity is to protect ongoing R&D work.

Technology That Powers the Future

Background

The NuGen Engine™ Overview

Patent Portfolio

Direct Cycle Concept

NuGen

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