Tomohiko Ikegawa

Title: Tomohiko Ikegawa: Innovator in Boiling Water Reactor Technology

Introduction

Tomohiko Ikegawa is a notable inventor based in Hitachi, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of nuclear engineering, particularly in the development of boiling water reactor technology. With a total of two patents to his name, Ikegawa's work is recognized for its innovative approach to reactor core design.

Latest Patents

Ikegawa's latest patents focus on the design of boiling water reactor cores and the fuel assemblies used within them. One of his patents describes a system where the ratio of the number of fuel assemblies loaded on a core to the number of control rod drive mechanisms is three or more. The fuel assemblies contain mixed oxides of low enrichment concentration uranium oxide, with an average enrichment concentration ranging from 3 to 8 wt %. Additionally, the design includes mixed oxides with fissile plutonium concentrations between 2 wt % and 6 wt %. The burner type BWR core, which utilizes these fuel assemblies, achieves an average weight density of uranium, plutonium, and minor actinides between 2.1 to 3.4 kg/L in an unburned state.

Career Highlights

Ikegawa is currently employed at Hitachi, Ltd., a leading company in the field of nuclear technology and engineering. His work at Hitachi has allowed him to explore advanced reactor designs and contribute to the safety and efficiency of nuclear power generation.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Ikegawa has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Renzou Takeda and Motoo Aoyama. These collaborations have fostered a productive environment for innovation and have led to advancements in reactor technology.

Conclusion

Tomohiko Ikegawa's contributions to boiling water reactor technology highlight his role as a significant inventor in the nuclear engineering field. His innovative patents and collaborations with other experts continue to influence the development of safer and more efficient nuclear power systems.