Multi-stage annular linear induction pump for nuclear reactors

Abstract

A liquid metal cooled nuclear reactor includes a reactor pressure vessel having a core and a multi-stage annular linear induction pump (ALIP) configured to circulate liquid metal coolant through the core, the multi-stage ALIP having a plurality of sets of induction coils at least partially defining separate respective stages of the multi-stage ALIP, the plurality of sets of induction coils configured to be electrically connected to separate respective multi-phase power sources such that the stages of the multi-stage ALIP are independently controlled from one another to adjustably control the flow of liquid metal coolant through the core based on independent control of the multiple multi-phase power sources.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to nuclear reactors, and more particularly to controlling the circulation of liquid metal coolant through the core of a liquid metal cooled nuclear reactor. [Background technology]

[0002] The nuclear reactors included in nuclear power plants may be configured to be cooled by heat transfer to one or more coolants circulated through the core. A variety of coolants may be used to remove heat from the core. The coolant may include one or more of a variety of substances, including water, liquid metals, molten salts, gaseous substances, some combination of these, and the like.

[0003] In some nuclear power plants, a coolant that removes heat from the reactor core, also referred to herein as the primary coolant, is circulated through a heat exchanger to transfer heat to another coolant, also referred to herein as the secondary coolant. In some cases, the secondary coolant is used for tasks such as circulating through turbine equipment included in the nuclear power plant to drive generators. In some nuclear power plants, the coolant may be used to provide process heat to support one or more industrial processes, including desalination, hydrogen production, etc.

[0004] Nuclear reactors may also be configured to be cooled by the circulation of liquid metal. Such reactors are referred to herein synonymously as liquid metal-cooled reactors and may include a primary coolant loop through which one or more liquid metal materials circulate as a primary coolant. Such one or more liquid metal materials circulated through the primary coolant loop may circulate at least partially through the core of the nuclear reactor and are referred to herein as liquid metal coolant.

[0005] The liquid metal coolant that may be circulated through the reactor may include an electrically conductive liquid metal material. A liquid metal cooled reactor configured to be cooled by an electrically conductive liquid metal material may include one or more electromagnetic pumps (EMPs) configured to circulate the electrically conductive liquid metal coolant through the reactor. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to some exemplary embodiments, a nuclear reactor configured to be cooled via circulation of liquid metal may include a reactor pressure vessel, a reactor core within the reactor pressure vessel, and a multi-stage annular linear induction pump (ALIP) within the reactor pressure vessel. The multi-stage ALIP may be configured to circulate liquid metal coolant through a primary coolant flow path that includes the reactor core. The multi-stage ALIP may include a pump casing having a longitudinal axis extending longitudinally and at least partially defining an interior of the multi-stage ALIP, a plurality of concentric annular walls extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis and collectively defining a flow annulus extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of induction coils within the multi-stage ALIP, each of which respectively surrounds the longitudinal axis. Each of the plurality of induction coils may have a central axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis. The plurality of induction coils may be longitudinally spaced apart from one another. The multiple induction coils may include multiple sets of induction coils that at least partially define separate respective ones of the multiple stages of the multi-stage ALIP. The multiple sets of induction coils may be electrically connected to separate respective ones of the multiple multi-phase power sources such that the multiple stages are controlled independently of one another to adjustably control the flow of liquid metal coolant through the primary coolant flow path based on independent control of the multiple multi-phase power sources.

[0007] The multiple sets of induction coils can include a first set of induction coils and a second set of induction coils. The first set of induction coils can at least partially define a first stage of the multiple stages. The second set of induction coils can at least partially define a second stage of the multiple stages.

[0008] The first and second sets of induction coils may be at least partially interdigitated with one another in a longitudinal direction such that at least one induction coil of the first set is located between at least two induction coils of the second set in the longitudinal direction.

[0009] The first and second sets of induction coils may be longitudinally spaced apart from one another such that no induction coil of the first set is located between at least two induction coils of the second set of induction coils in the longitudinal direction, and no induction coil of the second set is located between at least two induction coils of the first set of induction coils in the longitudinal direction.

[0010] The first and second sets of induction coils can have different intrinsic characteristics, including at least one of the following: material composition of the induction coils, longitudinal spacing between opposing faces of adjacent induction coils of the same set, thickness of the induction coils in the longitudinal direction, annular thickness of the induction coils in a radial direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, inner diameter of the induction coils, and outer diameter of the induction coils.

[0011] At least two induction coils of a given set of induction coils of the multiple sets of induction coils can have different intrinsic characteristics, including at least one of the following: material composition of the induction coils, longitudinal spacing between opposing faces of adjacent induction coils of the same set, thickness of the induction coils in the longitudinal direction, annular thickness of the induction coils in a radial direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, inner diameter of the induction coils, and outer diameter of the induction coils.

[0012] The multi-stage ALIP may further include a central core extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis and surrounded by concentric annular walls. The stages may further be defined at least in part by a material composition of the central core and a longitudinal variation of at least one of the diameters of the central core in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0013] The stages may further be defined at least in part by a longitudinal variation in at least one of an outer diameter of an inner annular wall of the concentric annular walls, an inner diameter of an outer annular wall of the concentric annular walls, a thickness of at least one of the annular walls of the concentric annular walls, and a shape of the flow annulus.

[0014] Each separate multi-phase power source may be configured to provide multi-phase power via a separate multi-phase power cable of the multiple multi-phase power cables. The multiple sets of induction coils may be electrically connected to separate respective multi-phase power cables of the multiple multi-phase power cables. The multiple multi-phase power cables may be at least partially contained within a single power conductor cable. The single power conductor cable extends between at least a casing of the multi-stage ALIP and at least an exterior of the reactor pressure vessel through a single opening in an outer wall of the reactor pressure vessel, and the multiple sets of induction coils are electrically coupled to the separate respective multi-phase power sources through a single opening in the outer wall of the reactor pressure vessel.

[0015] The nuclear reactor may further include a control system configured to independently control the multiple multi-phase power sources to independently control the supply of multi-phase electrical power to each of the multiple stages of the multi-stage ALIP to adjustably control the flow of liquid metal coolant through the primary coolant flow path.

[0016] According to some exemplary embodiments, a multi-stage annular linear induction pump (ALIP) configured to circulate liquid metal may include a pump casing having a longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal direction and at least partially defining an interior of the multi-stage ALIP, a plurality of concentric annular walls extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis and collectively defining a flow annulus extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of induction coils interior to the multi-stage ALIP. Each induction coil may respectively circumscribe the longitudinal axis. Each of the plurality of induction coils may have a central axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis. The plurality of induction coils may be spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of induction coils may include a plurality of sets of induction coils. The plurality of sets of induction coils may at least partially define respective distinct ones of a plurality of stages of the multi-stage ALIP. The multiple sets of induction coils may be electrically connected to separate respective ones of the multiple multi-phase power supplies such that the multiple stages are controlled independently of one another to adjustably control the flow of liquid metal through the primary coolant flow passage based on independent control of the multiple multi-phase power supplies.

[0017] The multiple sets of induction coils can include a first set of induction coils and a second set of induction coils. The first set of induction coils can at least partially define a first stage of the multiple stages. The second set of induction coils can at least partially define a second stage of the multiple stages.

[0018] The first and second sets of induction coils may be at least partially interdigitated with one another in a longitudinal direction such that at least one induction coil of the first set is located between at least two induction coils of the second set in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] The induction coils of the first set and the second set may be longitudinally spaced apart from one another such that no induction coil of the first set is located between at least two induction coils of the second set, and no induction coil of the second set is located between at least two induction coils of the first set.

[0020] The first and second sets of induction coils can have different intrinsic characteristics, including at least one of the following: material composition of the induction coils, longitudinal spacing between opposing faces of adjacent induction coils of the same set, thickness of the induction coils in the longitudinal direction, annular thickness of the induction coils in a radial direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, inner diameter of the induction coils, and outer diameter of the induction coils.

[0021] At least two induction coils of a given set of induction coils of the multiple sets of induction coils can have different intrinsic characteristics, including at least one of the following: material composition of the induction coils, longitudinal spacing between opposing faces of adjacent induction coils of the same set, thickness of the induction coils in the longitudinal direction, annular thickness of the induction coils in a radial direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, inner diameter of the induction coils, and outer diameter of the induction coils.

[0022] The multi-stage ALIP may further include a central core extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis and surrounded by concentric annular walls, the stages being further defined at least in part by a material composition of the central core and a longitudinal variation of at least one of the diameters of the central core in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0023] The multiple steps may further be defined at least in part by a longitudinal variation of at least one of an outer diameter of an inner annular wall of the concentric annular walls, an inner diameter of an outer annular wall of the concentric annular walls, or a different thickness of at least one annular wall of the concentric annular walls.

[0024] According to certain example embodiments, a method for operating a multi-stage ALIP may include supplying a first multi-phase power to a first stage of the plurality of stages via a first multi-phase power source of the plurality of multi-phase power sources to flow liquid metal through a flow annulus, and independently controlling a separate supply of a second multi-phase power to a second stage of the plurality of stages via a second multi-phase power source of the plurality of multi-phase power sources to adjustably control a flow of the liquid metal through the flow annulus.

[0025] Independently controlling may include inhibiting a separate supply of a second polyphase power to a second stage while maintaining said supply of a first polyphase power to a first stage.

[0026] Independently controlling may include independently adjusting at least one of a frequency of the second polyphase power supplied to the second stage independent of a frequency of the first polyphase power supplied to the first stage, and a current of the second polyphase power supplied to the second stage independent of a current of the first polyphase power supplied to the first stage.

[0027] According to some example embodiments, a method of configuring a nuclear reactor for improved flow control of liquid metal coolant within the reactor may include installing a multi-stage ALIP in a primary coolant loop within reactor pressure of the nuclear reactor. The multi-stage ALIP may have a plurality of stages defined at least in part by separate respective sets of induction coils configured to be electrically connected to separate respective multi-phase power sources. The method may further include electrically connecting the multiple stages of the multi-stage ALIP to the separate respective multi-phase power sources via separate respective multi-phase power cables. The method may further include communicatively coupling the multi-stage ALIP to an electromagnetic pump control system, the electromagnetic pump control system including a memory storing an instruction program and a processor configured to execute the instruction program to independently control each of the multiple stages based on independently controlling the multi-phase power provided by the separate respective multi-phase power sources. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein will become more apparent upon consideration of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings should not be considered as drawn to scale unless expressly stated otherwise. For clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may be exaggerated.

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a nuclear power plant including a liquid metal cooled reactor, according to some illustrative embodiments.

[0030] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a liquid metal cooled nuclear reactor, according to some example embodiments.

[0031] [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a top cross-sectional side view of a multi-stage annular linear induction pump (ALIP), according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0032] [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a top front cross-sectional view of a multi-stage ALIP along cross-sectional line IIIB-IIIB' of FIG. 3A, according to some example embodiments.

[0033] [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram of a wiring diagram of a multi-stage ALIP, according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0034] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the performance of an ALIP based on the power supplied to the induction coil of the ALIP, according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0035] [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is a top cross-sectional side view of a multi-stage ALIP according to some example embodiments.

[0036] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top cross-sectional side view of a multi-stage ALIP, according to some example embodiments.

[0037] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top cross-sectional side view of a multi-stage ALIP, according to some example embodiments.

[0038] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a multi-stage ALIP, according to some example embodiments.

[0039] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of configuring a nuclear reactor for improved flow control of liquid metal coolant within the reactor, according to some example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0041] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," "coupled to," or "covering" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout this specification. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] In this specification, various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are described using terms such as first, second, third, etc., but it should be understood that these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below may also be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0043] Spatially relative terms (e.g., "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc.) may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature, as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to include various orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned upside down, an element described as being "below" or "below" another element or feature would be disposed "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the term "below" can include both an orientation of above and below. The device may be in other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptions used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0044] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing various embodiments only and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "includes", "including", "comprises" and / or "comprising", as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or sets thereof.

[0045] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of exemplary embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes shown are expected due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or precision. Thus, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions shown herein, but include, for example, variations in shape that result from manufacturing. For example, an implanted region shown as a rectangle will typically have rounded or curved features and / or implant concentration gradients at its edges, rather than a binary transition from implanted to unimplanted. Similarly, buried regions formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface where the implantation occurs. Thus, the regions illustrated in each figure are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to represent the actual shape of the regions of the device, and are not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments.

[0046] Exemplary embodiments may be described with reference to symbolic representations (e.g., in the form of flowcharts, flow diagrams, data flow diagrams, structure diagrams, block diagrams, etc.) of acts and operations that may be performed in connection with the units and / or apparatus described in more detail below. Although described in a particular manner, a function or operation specified in a particular block may be performed in a manner different from the flow specified in the flowchart, flow diagram, etc. For example, functions or operations shown to be performed sequentially in two successive blocks may in fact be performed simultaneously or may be performed in the reverse order, as the case may be.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong. Terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and it will be further understood that they will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless otherwise defined herein.

[0048] A unit, system, and / or device according to one or more exemplary embodiments may be realized using one or more instances of hardware, software, and / or a combination thereof. For example, a hardware device may be realized using processing circuitry such as, but not limited to, a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, or any other device capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner.

[0049] Software may include computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, to independently or collectively direct or configure hardware devices to operate in a desired manner. Computer programs and / or program code may include programs or computer readable instructions, software components, software modules, data files, and / or data structures, etc., executable by one or more hardware devices, such as one or more of the hardware devices described above. Examples of program code include both machine code produced by a compiler and higher level program code executed using an interpreter.

[0050] For example, if the hardware device is a computer processing device (e.g., a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a microprocessor, etc.), the computer processing device may be configured to execute the program code by performing arithmetic operations, logical operations, and input / output operations according to the program code. When the program code is loaded into the computer processing device, the computer processing device may be programmed to execute the program code, thereby converting the computer processing device into a special-purpose computer processing device. In a more specific example, when the program code is loaded into the processor, the processor is programmed to execute the program code and its corresponding operations, thereby converting the processor into a special-purpose processor.

[0051] The software and / or data may be embodied, permanently or temporarily, in any type of machine, component, physical or virtual device, or computer storage medium or device capable of providing instructions or data to or being interpreted by a hardware device. The software may also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems, such that the software is stored and executed in a distributed manner. In particular, for example, the software and data may be stored by one or more computer-readable recording media, including the tangible or non-transitory computer-readable storage media described herein.

[0052] In accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments, a computer processing device may be described as including various functional units performing various operations and / or functions for clarity of description. However, the computer processing device is not limited to these functional units. For example, in one or more exemplary embodiments, various operations and / or functions of the functional units may be performed by other of the functional units. Furthermore, the computer processing device may perform operations and / or functions of the various functional units without subdividing the operations and / or functions of the computer processing device into these various functional units.

[0053] The unit and / or device according to one or more exemplary embodiments may also include one or more storage devices. The one or more storage devices may be tangible or non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), permanent mass storage devices (such as disk drives), solid-state (e.g., NAND flash) devices, and / or any other similar data storage mechanism capable of storing and recording data. The one or more storage devices may be configured to store computer programs, program codes, instructions, or some combination thereof, for one or more operating systems and / or for implementing the exemplary embodiments described herein. The computer programs, program codes, instructions, or some combination thereof may also be loaded into one or more storage devices and / or one or more computer processing devices from a separate computer-readable storage medium using a drive mechanism. Such separate computer-readable storage media may include a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive, a memory stick, a Blu-ray / DVD / CD-ROM drive, a memory card, and / or other similar computer-readable storage medium. The computer program, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof may be loaded into one or more storage devices and / or one or more computer processing devices from a remote data storage device via a network interface rather than a local computer-readable storage medium. Furthermore, the computer program, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof may be loaded into one or more storage devices and / or one or more processors from a remote computing system configured to transfer and / or distribute the computer program, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof over a network.The remote computing system may transfer and / or deliver the computer program, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof via a wired interface, an air interface, and / or any other similar medium.

[0054] The hardware device(s), memory device(s), and / or computer program, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof may be specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the exemplary embodiments, or may be known devices that have been modified and / or modified for the purposes of the exemplary embodiments.

[0055] A hardware device, such as a computer processing device, can execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications that run on the OS. The computer processing device can also access, store, manipulate, process, and create data in response to the execution of software. For simplicity, one or more exemplary embodiments may be illustrated as a computer processing device, however, one skilled in the art will understand that a hardware device can include multiple processing elements and multiple types of processing elements. For example, a hardware device can include multiple processors, or a processor and a controller. Additionally, other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are possible.

[0056] Although described with reference to specific examples and drawings, modifications, additions, and substitutions of the exemplary embodiments may be made in various ways as described by those skilled in the art. For example, the techniques described may be performed in different orders than as described, and / or the components of the systems, architectures, devices, circuits, etc. described may be connected or combined differently than as described above, or the results may be achieved by other components or equivalents, as appropriate.

[0057] The inventive concepts relate to electromagnetic pumps (EMPs) configured to improve control of the flow of liquid metal coolant through at least a portion of a nuclear reactor, liquid metal cooled nuclear reactors including one or more such electromagnetic pumps, and methods of constructing and / or operating the electromagnetic pumps and / or the nuclear reactor.

[0058] Electromagnetic pumps according to some exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept include an annular linear induction pump (ALIP). An annular linear induction pump (ALIP) may be an electromagnetic pump configured to pump liquid metal based on applying an electromagnetic force to a liquid metal coolant to cause the liquid metal coolant to flow along the length of the pump (e.g., parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pump). This may be performed based on applying an alternating current (AC) current at a specified AC frequency and phase angle to an induction coil of the ALIP that surrounds a flow annulus that extends along the length of the pump (e.g., coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the pump).

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, the ALIP is a multi-stage ALIP that includes two or more "stages" and is configured to provide improved flexibility in controlling the flow of liquid metal coolant through the pump and, therefore, through the reactor that includes the pump. The performance (e.g., efficiency and / or pressure output) of an electromagnetic pump is based on a number of factors, including component geometry, frequency and / or power amplitude of power application to the induction coil, material selection, and inlet conditions. A multi-stage ALIP includes two or more stages that can each have some or all of their parameters independently varied to promote a more economical (e.g., more efficient, optimized for reactor cooling requirements, etc.) liquid metal coolant flow for the liquid metal cooling system. Thus, a multi-stage ALIP expands the range of operating conditions and functions (e.g., the range of discrete flow rates that can be achieved by a multi-stage ALIP compared to a single-stage ALIP) within the same operating range.

[0060] As described herein, a given "stage" of a multi-stage ALIP may refer to and / or be at least partially defined by a distinct set of induction coils of a multi-stage ALIP that are configured to be electrically connected to a distinct, particular multi-phase power source. Thus, the multiple stages in a multi-stage ALIP will be understood to refer to and / or be at least partially defined by a distinct, respective set of induction coils that are configured to be electrically connected to distinct, respective multi-phase power sources of a multi-stage ALIP such that the multiple stages are configured to be controlled independently of one another to adjustably control the flow of liquid metal coolant through the primary coolant flow path based on independent control of the multiple multi-phase power sources.

[0061] In addition to including and / or being at least partially defined by a particular set of induction coils configured to be electrically connected to a particular multi-phase power source, a stage may also include and / or be at least partially defined by a particular configuration of structural geometries of the components of the multi-stage ALIP within at least some portion of the multi-stage ALIP. Such structural geometries of the components may include the thickness, length, width, etc. of the particular components, the spacing distance between adjacent components of a particular set of components (e.g., the spacing between adjacent induction coils along the length of the pump), the flowpath geometry defined by one or more structures within the multi-stage ALIP (e.g., a flowpath that is a smooth annular space or a helical annular space defined by the shape and / or structure of the structures that define the flowpath, etc.). Thus, multiple stages in a multi-stage ALIP can include and / or be at least partially defined by multiple separate sections, regions, etc. in the multi-stage ALIP having components with distinct respective structural geometries. For example, separate sets of induction coils in different stages of a multi-stage ALIP can have different longitudinal thicknesses, different lengths or thicknesses radially of the pump, different longitudinal spacing distances between longitudinally adjacent induction coils in the same stage, etc. In another example, a multi-stage ALIP can have an annular wall that at least partially defines an annular flow passage of the multi-stage ALIP, the annular wall having separate portions having different inner diameters, different outer diameters, different thicknesses, or different shapes, thereby defining different shapes of the flow annulus (e.g., a smooth annular space or a helical annular space) in separate regions of the pump associated with each separate stage of the multi-stage ALIP (e.g., located in separate regions defined at least in part by separate respective sets of induction coils configured to be electrically connected to separate multi-phase power sources).In another example, a multi-stage ALIP can have a central core having separate portions having radially different thicknesses, which can be understood to be associated with separate respective stages of the multi-stage ALIP (e.g., can be located in separate regions defined at least in part by separate respective sets of induction coils configured to be electrically connected to separate multi-phase power sources).

[0062] In addition to including and / or being at least partially defined by a particular set of induction coils configured to be electrically connected to a particular multi-phase power source, a stage may also include and / or be at least partially defined by different material compositions and / or inherent properties of one or more components of the multi-stage ALIP within at least a particular portion of the multi-stage ALIP. For example, different sets of induction coils in different stages of the multi-stage ALIP may be of different material compositions. In another example, the multi-stage ALIP may have a central core having separate portions having different material compositions, which may be understood to be associated with separate respective stages of the multi-stage ALIP (e.g., may be located in separate regions defined at least in part by separate respective sets of induction coils configured to be electrically connected to separate multi-phase power sources).

[0063] It will be appreciated that a multi-stage ALIP according to any of the exemplary embodiments may provide additional design variables that may control and / or regulate the pressure rise and / or flow of liquid metal coolant within the multi-stage ALIP, including by varying the phase of the induction coils of the multi-stage ALIP, varying the shape and spacing of the induction coils of the multi-stage ALIP, varying the materials used for components between and / or within different stages of the multi-stage ALIP, varying the thickness of the annular wall, and / or varying any of the above along the length of the multi-stage ALIP. Additionally, a multi-stage ALIP may be configured to provide control variables based on independently controlling and / or regulating the operation of different stages (including different sets of induction coils) based on independently controlling (e.g., initiating or inhibiting) and / or regulating parameters (e.g., frequency and / or power amplitude) of the supply of multi-phase power to different stages of the induction coils.

[0064] It will be appreciated that in a multi-stage ALIP, different stages can be controlled, configured, adjusted, initiated (e.g., started up), and / or inhibited (e.g., stopped) independently of one another, and the inclusion of multiple such stages in a single pump can significantly expand the design space since all of the above parameters that can be varied to control the pressure rise and / or flow of the liquid metal coolant are multiplied by the number (e.g., amount) of stages in the multi-stage ALIP and may or may not be dependent on the interaction (or lack of interaction) between stages in a single multi-stage ALIP.

[0065] It will be appreciated that a multi-stage ALIP can provide improved operational flexibility with respect to controlling and / or regulating the flow of liquid metal coolant based on providing additional design and control variables. A multi-stage ALIP may be configured to better control the flow of liquid metal coolant at low flow rates, for example, based on independently controlling (e.g., starting or stopping) separate stages to operate in different modes of operation, based on being configured to gradually increase the inlet flow rate through the length of the ALIP at different stages, etc. A multi-stage ALIP may be configured to adjust any of the above variables to reduce slippage to increase pump efficiency and / or have higher pump pressure and efficiency.

[0066] Multi-stage ALIP may be configured to have varied induction coil geometries (e.g., dimensions) in separate stages and / or within a single stage to provide greater control sensitivity with respect to flow rate and / or pressure rise control at very high or very low flow rates of liquid metal coolant induced by the multi-stage ALIP.

[0067] A multi-stage ALIP may be configured with independently controllable stages with the frequency, current, and / or voltage of the applied multi-phase power as deemed appropriate for the flow of liquid metal coolant in the separate sections of the pump corresponding to each stage. Such control may include independently starting or stopping different pump stages as desired.

[0068] A multi-staged ALIP having multiple stages may be configured to have second and subsequent stages having more optimized shapes (e.g., dimensions) since the liquid metal coolant flowing along the pump length may already be operating induced by the first stage arranged in series from the pump inlet, for example, when the stages are arranged at least partially in series along the length of the multi-staged ALIP. As a result, the multi-staged ALIP may be configured such that the subsequent stages arranged in series from the inlet are used for a lower flow rate of liquid metal coolant during a system maintenance operating mode of the multi-staged ALIP and / or the nuclear reactor in which the multi-staged ALIP is included.

[0069] For example, FIG. 4 illustrates that the applied pressure at very low flow rates (such as during start-up or shutdown) may be limited by the lowest available operating frequency of the power supplied to the pump. Multiple stages within an ALIP may be independently designed and / or configured to be independently controlled, thereby configuring the multi-stage ALIP to provide more precise pump control under low flow conditions. Low flow conditions may be used during maintenance conditions and / or during standby heating conditions of the system. Additionally, varying the frequency of the multi-phase power supplied to a single stage pump can result in an apparent pressure jump in the applied pressure at a given inlet flow rate, for example, as shown in FIG. 4. A multi-stage ALIP may be configured to provide smaller jumps in the applied pressure when the frequency of the multi-phase power supplied to one or more of its stages is changed, thereby improving the operational performance and / or efficiency of the multi-stage ALIP and / or the reactor including the multi-stage ALIP.

[0070] It will be appreciated that multi-stage ALIP can improve control of liquid metal coolant flow at lower flow rates, which can be important during start-up and shutdown procedures associated with a nuclear reactor (e.g., starting up and / or shutting down a nuclear reactor). Additionally, multi-stage ALIP can improve general operational flexibility when varying pump pressures.

[0071] It will be appreciated that a multi-stage ALIP may be configured to consume less power than a single-stage ALIP configured to induce a similar maximum flow rate of liquid metal coolant because each pump stage may be configured to operate more efficiently based on independent control (e.g., power supply to separate stages is independently controlled) and / or independently configured design variables (e.g., part geometry and / or composition). A multi-stage ALIP in a nuclear reactor may be configured to generate higher pressures than a comparable-sized single-stage ALIP, thereby supporting higher core power density and reducing capital costs associated with the reactor. A multi-stage ALIP may be configured to provide additional operating modes (e.g., low flow options) for maintenance or insulation system functions compared to a single-stage ALIP. A multi-stage ALIP in a nuclear reactor may be configured to enable a reduced reactor start-up time associated with starting up the reactor based on improved operational flexibility and / or performance.

[0072] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a nuclear power plant including a liquid metal cooled reactor, according to some illustrative embodiments.

[0073] Nuclear power plant 100 includes a liquid metal cooled nuclear reactor (referred to herein simply as “reactor”) 110, a primary coolant loop 119, an intermediate coolant loop 160, “N” multi-phase power sources 144-1 through 144-N (where N is any positive integer equal to or greater than 1), and an EMP control system 150. Primary coolant loop 119 includes at least one multi-stage ALIP 120 having “N” stages 330-1 through 330-N, each of which is electrically connected to a respective one of the separate, N multi-phase power sources 144-1 through 144-N via a separate, respective multi-phase power cable 146-1 through 146-N (also referred to herein as power conductors, power lines, etc.) configured to supply multi-phase electrical power.

[0074] The nuclear reactor 110 includes a reactor pressure vessel 111. The reactor pressure vessel 111 includes a reactor core 112 and a plurality of components within a volume space defined at least in part by an outer wall 111S. The plurality of components includes a primary coolant loop 119. The primary coolant loop 119 may be configured to remove heat generated in the reactor core 112 as a result of a nuclear reaction therein. The primary coolant loop 119 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to circulate a liquid metal coolant 190 through at least a portion of the reactor core 112 to remove heat from the reactor core 112 generated in the reactor core 112 as a result of a nuclear reaction therein. Such heat removal may also be referred to herein as core heat removal.

[0075] As shown, the primary coolant loop 119 includes a primary heat exchanger 114. The primary heat exchanger 114 is configured to transfer heat from a liquid metal coolant 190 exiting the reactor core 112 to another coolant. The other coolant circulates through the intermediate coolant loop 160. The other coolant, in some exemplary embodiments, may include a liquid metal coolant. The liquid metal coolants circulating through the primary and intermediate coolant loops may be a common liquid metal material or different liquid metal materials.

[0076] The primary coolant loop 119 includes a suction reservoir 116 that is configured to receive the liquid metal coolant 190 exiting the primary heat exchanger 114 after the liquid metal coolant 190 transfers heat generated in the core to the intermediate coolant loop 160.

[0077] The primary coolant loop 119 includes a multi-stage ALIP 120. At least one multi-stage ALIP 120 is configured to operate to circulate liquid metal coolant 190 through the nuclear reactor 110, as shown in FIG. 1. Although FIG. 1 illustrates only one multi-stage ALIP 120 in the nuclear reactor 110, the following description of FIG. 1 refers to "a" or "the" multi-stage ALIP 120, it will be understood that multiple multi-stage ALIPs 120 may be included in the nuclear reactor 110, at least some of the multiple multi-stage ALIPs 120 may be configured to operate in parallel or series with one another to circulate liquid metal coolant through the nuclear reactor, and each multi-stage ALIP 120 may be electrically connected to the same or different combinations of multi-phase power sources 144-1-144-N as other multi-stage ALIPs 120 in the nuclear reactor.

[0078] The multi-staged ALIPs 120 are coupled to the inlet reservoir 115 via an inlet line 121 at an inlet orifice or inlet 122. The multi-staged ALIPs 120 are coupled to the core inlet plenum 118 via one or more return lines 124 at an outlet orifice or outlet 123. The multi-staged ALIPs 120 are configured to drive at least some or all of the liquid metal coolant 109 into the core inlet plenum 118 and are further configured to generate at least some or all of a pressure head downstream of at least one of the multi-staged ALIPs 120. The pressure head may provide a driving force to circulate the liquid metal coolant through the core 112, as shown.

[0079] As shown, the nuclear power plant 100 includes "N" multi-phase power sources 144-1-144-N, where "N" is any positive integer equal to or greater than one. Each multi-phase power source 144-1-144-N may be any power source or source configured to provide multi-phase power (e.g., three-phase AC power). Each multi-phase power source 144-1-144-N may be an alternating current (AC) power source. For example, each multi-phase power source 144-1-144-N may be an accelerating / decelerating drive, also referred to as a variable speed drive, configured to receive 60 Hz AC ("alternating current") power (e.g., from the power plant's main power source 140 and / or generator 141), convert the received AC power to DC ("direct current"), and then convert power from DC to AC at a specific ("particular") current and frequency of the multi-phase power provided to the stages of the multi-stage ALIP 120.

[0080] As further shown, the multi-phase power sources 144-1-144-N are electrically coupled to one or more of the main power sources 140 or the generators 141 of the nuclear power plant 100. In some exemplary embodiments, the nuclear power plant 100 includes one or more switchgear devices (not shown in FIG. 1 ) configured to selectively provide power from the one or more main power sources 140 or the one or more generators 141 to the one or more power sources 144-1-144-N. The generators 141 may include one or more of a combustion engine, a fuel cell device, a battery, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), some combination thereof, and the like. The power plant's main power source 140 may include a power source configured to provide power generated based on a process fluid circulating through a power generation loop 170.

[0081] In some demonstrative embodiments, where the multi-stage ALIP 120 includes N stages 330-1-330-N having separate respective sets of induction coils configured to be electrically connected to separate respective multi-phase power sources 144-1-144-N, the N multi-phase power sources 144-1-144-N may be electrically connected via separate respective multi-phase power cables 146-1-146-N (also referred to herein as “multi-wire power lines”) to the separate respective sets of induction coils corresponding to the separate stages 330-1-330-N of the multi-stage ALIP 120. Each separate multi-phase power cable 146-1-146-N may be configured to provide multi-phase power via the separate multi-phase power cables 146-1-146-N. Each separate multi-phase power cable 146-1-146-N may extend within the multi-stage ALIP 120 and may separately electrically couple a separate set of induction coils that correspond to and / or at least partially define a separate stage 330-1-330-N of the multi-stage ALIP 120. Thus, the multiple sets of induction coils that at least partially define the separate stages 330-1-330-1 of the multi-stage ALIP 120 may be electrically connected to a separate respective one of the multiple multi-phase power cables 146-1-146-N.

[0082] 1, the multi-phase power cables 146-1-146-N may be collectively disposed (e.g., at least partially or completely housed, etc.) within a single power conductor 180 (e.g., also referred to herein as a “power conductor cable,” “conduit,” or “extension cable”) extending from the multi-stage ALIP 120. The power conductor 180 extends (e.g., from at least a pump casing of the multi-stage ALIP 120) to at least the outside of the reactor pressure vessel 111 through a single opening or “penetration” 182 in the outer wall 111S of the reactor pressure vessel 111, such that the sets of induction coils of each separate stage 330-1-330-N of the multi-stage ALIP 120 may be electrically coupled to the separate respective multi-phase power sources 144-1-144-N through the single opening 182 in the outer wall 111S of the reactor pressure vessel 111. As a result, electrical connection between the multi-stage ALIP within the reactor pressure vessel 111 and the multiple multi-phase power sources 144-1 to 144-N outside the reactor pressure vessel 111 can be achieved with a single penetration 182 through the side wall of the reactor pressure vessel 111, thereby reducing the complexity of the reactor 110 and improving the containment performance of the reactor 110 as compared to nuclear power plants in which multiple separate single-stage ALIPs are coupled between the suction line 121 and the return line 124 instead of a single multi-stage ALIP 120. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment in which a multi-stage ALIP 120 is used instead of multiple separate ALIPs coupled in series between the suction line 121 and the return line 124, the power conductor 180 can reduce electrical losses in the nuclear power plant 100 due to the power conductor 180 by coupling the single multi-stage ALIP 120 at least outside the reactor pressure vessel 111 with a shorter overall length than one or more conductors that would be used to at least partially electrically connect the multiple single-stage ALIPs to one or more multi-phase power sources 144-1 through 144-N.

[0083] Although FIG. 1 illustrates power conductor 180 extending through opening 182 and further to multi-phase power sources 144-1 through 144-N, it should be understood that power conductor 180 may terminate anywhere outside of reactor pressure vessel 111 between opening 182 and any of multi-phase power sources 144-1 through 144-N, and separate multi-phase power cables 146-1 through 146-N may branch off from the end of power conductor 180 and continue to extend independently from the end of power conductor 180 to their respective separate multi-phase power sources 144-1 through 144-N.

[0084] The nuclear power plant 100 includes an intermediate coolant loop 160. The intermediate coolant loop 160 includes a flow of coolant circulating through a line 161 between the primary heat exchanger 114 and an intermediate heat exchanger 162. The intermediate coolant loop 160 may transfer core reject heat from a liquid metal coolant 190 circulating through the primary coolant loop 119 to a process fluid circulating through the power generation loop 170 via heat transfer at the intermediate heat exchanger 162. In some exemplary embodiments, the coolant circulating through the intermediate coolant loop includes a liquid metal coolant. The liquid metal coolant circulating through the intermediate coolant loop may be similar or different in composition to the liquid metal coolant 190 circulating through the primary coolant loop 119.

[0085] The nuclear power plant 100 includes a power generation loop 170 configured to receive heat from the intermediate coolant loop 160 via a heat exchanger 162 and circulate a process fluid that performs work including driving a turbine. The turbine can power an electrical generator. The process fluid can include water at one or more various stages. In some embodiments, the power generation loop 170 includes a steam generator in which the intermediate heat exchanger 162 is at least partially disposed, the heat exchanger 162 configured to transfer heat from a coolant circulating through the intermediate coolant loop 160 to water in the steam generator to evaporate the water and generate steam. The generated steam can be used to perform work including driving a turbine connected to an electrical generator to generate electricity.

[0086] In some demonstrative embodiments, the reactor includes one or more control systems configured to monitor and / or control the operation of the multi-stage ALIP 120, including independently and / or adjustably controlling different stages (e.g., different sets of induction coils) within a given multi-stage ALIP 120 to adjustably control the flow of liquid metal coolant 190 within the reactor 110, the performance of the reactor 110, and / or the operating efficiency of the reactor 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the reactor 110 can include an EMP control system 150. The EMP control system 150 can be communicatively coupled 151 to one or more of the multi-phase power sources 144-1 through 144-N via one or more communication lines, power lines, or the like. In some exemplary embodiments, EMP control system 150 may be coupled via one or more communication lines, power transmission lines, or the like to one or more sensor devices (e.g., sensors 192, which may be one or more flow meters, such as one or more Venturi flow meters, which may be configured to generate sensor data indicative of the flow rate of liquid metal coolant 190 through suction line 121, return line 124, and / or multi-stage ALIP 120, one or more pressure sensors, which may be configured to generate sensor data indicative of the pressure of liquid metal coolant 190 at one or more locations within suction line 121, return line 124, and / or multi-stage ALIP 120, etc.) and / or apparatus within reactor pressure vessel 111, including, for example, multi-stage ALIP 120, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0087] In some exemplary embodiments, the EMP control system 150 may be coupled to one or more sensor devices configured to generate sensor data related to one or more of the multi-phase power sources 144-1-144-N, the multi-stage ALIP 120, etc. (e.g., a sensor 192, which may be one or more flow meters, such as one or more Venturi flow meters, which may be configured to generate sensor data indicative of the flow rate of liquid metal coolant 190 through the suction line 121, the return line 124, and / or the multi-stage ALIP 120, one or more pressure sensors, which may be configured to generate sensor data indicative of the pressure of the liquid metal coolant 190 at one or more locations within the suction line 121, the return line 124, and / or the multi-stage ALIP 120, etc.).

[0088] The EMP control system 150 may monitor the operation of the multi-stage ALIP 120 based on monitoring information associated with one or more multi-phase power sources 144-1 through 144-N, one or more sensor devices (e.g., one or more flow meters, such as one or more Venturi flow meters, that may be configured to generate sensor data indicative of the flow rate of liquid metal coolant 190 through the suction line 121, the return line 124, and / or the multi-stage ALIP 120, sensors 192, etc., that may be configured to generate sensor data indicative of the pressure of the liquid metal coolant 190 at one or more locations within the suction line 121, the return line 124, and / or the multi-stage ALIP 120), the multi-stage ALIP 120, etc. For example, EMP control system 150 may receive sensor data generated by one or more sensor devices (e.g., sensors 192, which may be one or more flow meters, such as one or more Venturi flow meters, which may be configured to generate sensor data indicative of the flow of liquid metal coolant 190 through suction line 121, return line 124, and / or multi-stage ALIP 120, one or more pressure sensors, which may be configured to generate sensor data indicative of the pressure of liquid metal coolant 190 at one or more locations within suction line 121, return line 124, and / or multi-stage ALIP 120, etc.), which may include information indicative of the flow of power from a given multi-phase power source 144-1-144-N to a given multi-stage ALIP 120. In another example, the EMP control system 150 can receive sensor data generated by one or more sensor devices (e.g., sensors 192, which may be one or more flow meters, such as one or more Venturi flow meters, which may be configured to generate sensor data indicative of the flow rate of liquid metal coolant 190 through the suction line 121, the return line 124, and / or the multi-stage ALIP 120, one or more pressure sensors, which may be configured to generate sensor data indicative of the pressure of the liquid metal coolant 190 at one or more locations within the suction line 121, the return line 124, and / or the multi-stage ALIP 120), which may include information indicative of the strength of the magnetic field generated by one or more stages of a given multi-stage ALIP 120.

[0089] EMP control system 150 may be configured to control operation of multi-stage ALIP 120, e.g., control the flow rate of liquid metal coolant through multi-stage ALIP 120, based on independently controlling and / or regulating the supply of multi-phase power by one or more of multi-phase power sources 144-1-144-N. For example, if multi-stage ALIP 120 includes multiple stages, at least partially defined and / or having separate respective sets of induction coils, each independently electrically connected to separate multi-phase power sources 144-1-144-N via separate multi-phase power cables 146-1-146-N, EMP control system 150 may independently control and / or regulate the multi-phase power provided by the separate multi-phase power sources 144-1-144-N to independently control separate stages 330-1-330-N of multi-stage ALIP 120. Such independent control of each power source 144-1-144-N may include causing the multi-phase power sources 144-1-144-N to begin supplying multi-phase power to the stages 330-1-330-N electrically connected thereto via respective multi-phase power cables 146-1-146-N, causing the power sources 144-1-144-N to adjust the frequency and / or current of the power provided by the multi-phase power sources 144-1-144-N, and / or causing the power sources 144-1-144-N to inhibit supplying multi-phase power to one or more stages electrically connected thereto via respective multi-phase power cables 146-1-146-N. Such control may be performed based on the EMP control system 150 executing code stored in a memory to generate control signals and send the control signals to the multi-phase power sources 144-1-144-N.

[0090] The EMP control system 150, in some exemplary embodiments, includes one or more computer systems. The computer system may include one or more instances of a circuit. The one or more instances of a circuit may include one or more processor devices ("processors") coupled to one or more instances of a memory. The one or more processors may include one or more central processing units (CPUs). The one or more processors may be configured to implement the EMP control system. For example, the one or more instances of a memory (e.g., one or more memories) may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a solid-state drive) that stores a program of instructions, and the one or more processors may include processing circuitry configured to execute the program of instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to perform one or more operations of any of the methods according to any of the exemplary embodiments.

[0091] In some demonstrative embodiments, the multi-stage ALIP 120 may provide improved flexibility and control over the liquid metal coolant flow rate in the primary coolant loop 119 because the EMP control system 150 may apply more flexible control over the flow rate based on independently controlling separate stages of the multi-stage ALIP 120 based on independently controlling the multi-phase power independently supplied by separate multi-phase power sources 144-1-144-N to separate sets of induction coils corresponding to and / or at least partially defining the separate stages 330-1-330-N. Additionally, as described herein, the separate stages may be associated with various different geometries and / or inherent properties of various components of the multi-stage ALIP 120, and thus controlling the different stages may have different effects on the flow of the liquid metal coolant 190, and thus each different stage may be controlled to induce a different effect on the flow of the liquid metal coolant 190. Varying configurations (e.g., parameters) of multi-phase power independently supplied to separate stages of the multi-stage ALIP 120 may increase the range of operating conditions of the multi-stage ALIP 120 that may be achieved by the EMP control system 150, including an increased range of separate, discrete flow rates (e.g., increased amounts) of liquid metal coolant 190 that may be induced by the multi-stage ALIP 120. As a result, the operational performance and / or efficiency of the primary coolant loop 119, and thus the overall operational performance and / or efficiency of the nuclear reactor 110 and nuclear power plant 100, may be improved based on the improved control over the flow of liquid metal coolant 190 enabled by the multi-stage ALIP 120.

[0092] In some exemplary embodiments, the intermediate coolant loop 160 has one or more multi-staged ALIPs 120, which are shown included in the primary coolant loop 119. The multi-staged ALIPs 120 included in the intermediate coolant loop 160 may be configured to operate similarly to the multi-staged ALIPs 120 included in the primary coolant loop 119. The set of one or more multi-staged ALIPs 120 included in the intermediate loop may be located inside or outside the reactor pressure vessel 111.

[0093] As referred to herein, the liquid metal coolant may include one or more of a variety of liquid metal materials, including one or more of sodium, mercury, lead, bismuth, or tin. The one or more liquid metal materials may be an electrically conductive metallic material such that the multi-stage ALIP 120 is configured to circulate the liquid metal coolant.

[0094] 2 is a perspective view of a liquid metal cooled nuclear reactor according to some example embodiments. The reactor 110 shown in FIG. 2 may be included in any of the reactor embodiments included herein, including the reactor 110 shown in FIG.

[0095] 2, the reactor 110 may include a reactor pressure vessel 111 and may further include a set of multiple multi-staged ALIPs 120 within the reactor pressure vessel 111, although it should be understood that in some exemplary embodiments, only a single multi-staged ALIP 120 may be included within the reactor pressure vessel 111. When the reactor 110 includes multiple ALIPs 120 as shown in FIG. 2, the ALIPs 120 may be coupled in parallel to separate parallel return lines 124 and may be configured to operate in parallel within the primary coolant loop 119 such that each multi-staged ALIP 120 induces parallel flow of separate portions of the liquid metal coolant 190 through the primary coolant loop 119.

[0096] Each of the multi-stage ALIPs 120 shown in FIG. 2 may be structurally identical or different from one another. For example, the multi-stage ALIPs 120 may have the same configuration of stages, component structures, and / or the same component-specific properties. In some exemplary embodiments, the multi-stage ALIPs may have different stages, component structures, and / or different component-specific properties.

[0097] Figure 3A is a plan cross-sectional side view of a multi-stage ALIP 120, according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 3B is a plan cross-sectional front view of a multi-stage ALIP 120 along the cross-sectional line IIIB-IIIB' shown in Figure 3A, according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 3C is a schematic diagram of a wiring diagram of a multi-stage ALIP, according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0098] The multi-stage ALIP 120 shown in Figures 3A-3B may be included in any of the multi-stage ALIPs 120 included herein, including one or more of the multi-stage ALIPs 120 shown in Figures 1 and / or 2. The wiring diagram shown in Figure 3C may be a wiring diagram of a multi-stage ALIP 120 according to any of the exemplary embodiments including at least the multi-stage ALIP 120 shown in Figures 3A-3B.

[0099] Although the multi-stage ALIP 120 shown in Figures 3A-3B (and Figures 5-6) is illustrated as a two-stage ALIP (e.g., a multi-stage ALIP 120 having N stages 330-1 to 330-N, where N=2), example embodiments are not limited thereto and the descriptions herein relating to any two-stage multi-stage ALIP 120 and any stage multi-stage ALIP 120 may apply to any multi-stage ALIP 120 having more than two stages (e.g., 330-1 to 330-N, where N>2) and any stage.

[0100] 3A-3B, the multi-stage ALIP 120 can include a pump casing 302 (also referred to as an outer casing, casing structure, etc.) having a central longitudinal axis and extending longitudinally. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the pump casing 302 can partially or completely define (e.g., at least partially define) the interior space of the multi-stage ALIP 120. As further shown, the central longitudinal axis of the pump casing 302 can be paraxial with and / or coaxial with (e.g., can be the same as and / or at least partially define) the longitudinal axis 306 of the multi-stage ALIP 120.

[0101] It should be understood that while the pump casing 302 may be open at opposing longitudinal ends of the multi-stage ALIP 120, in some exemplary embodiments, the pump casing 302, alone or in combination with one or more structures to which the pump casing 302 is coupled, may partially or completely enclose opposing longitudinal ends of the interior space, except for openings in the pump casing 302 that define the inlet 122 and outlet 123 of the multi-stage ALIP 120. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the multi-stage ALIP 120 may include an inlet structure 302-1 that structurally surrounds the inlet longitudinal end of the multi-stage ALIP 120, except for one or more openings to the inlet longitudinal end of the flow annulus 312, where one or more openings (e.g., one or more arcuate and / or annular openings) at least partially define the inlet 122 to the flow annulus 312 and thus to the multi-stage ALIP 120. In another example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the multi-stage ALIP 120 can further include an outlet structure 302-2 structurally surrounding the outlet longitudinal end of the multi-stage ALIP 120 except for one or more openings to the outlet longitudinal end of the flow annulus 312, where the one or more openings (e.g., one or more arcuate openings and / or annular openings) at least partially define the outlet 123 to the flow annulus 312 and thus to the multi-stage ALIP 120. The pump casing 302, the inlet structure 302-1, and / or the outlet structure 302-2 can be constructed from one or more metallic materials, such as, for example, stainless steel (e.g., 304 stainless steel), carbon steel, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, the pump casing 302, the inlet structure 302-1, and / or the outlet structure 302-2 can be separate pieces of material that are joined together or can be separate portions of a single, integral piece of material.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the multi-stage ALIP 120 can have concentric annular walls 310 extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis 306, which collectively define a flow annular space 312 extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis 306 along the length of the multi-stage ALIP 120 (e.g., the entire length as shown in FIG. 3A). As shown, the concentric annular walls 310 can include an outer annular wall 310-1 and an inner annular wall 310-2. As shown, the outer surface of the inner annular wall 310-2 and the inner surface of the outer annular wall 310-1 collectively define the flow annular space 312 as the annular space between these surfaces, i.e., the "annulus." As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, each of the concentric annular walls 310 can be a cylindrical tube, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. The outer annular wall 310-1 and the inner annular wall 310-2 may each be constructed from a metallic material, such as, for example, stainless steel (eg, 304 stainless steel), carbon steel, or the like.

[0103] 3A-3B, the multi-stage ALIP 120 may include multiple induction coils 320 within the interior space of the multi-stage ALIP 120. As shown, each induction coil 320 has a central axis that surrounds and is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 306. As shown in FIG. 3A, each induction coil 320 is spaced apart from one another (e.g., isolated from direct contact with one another) in the longitudinal direction 390. In some exemplary embodiments, the induction coils 320 may be referred to as "solenoids" of the stator of the multi-stage ALIP 120. Each induction coil 320 may comprise one or more conductive materials (e.g., one or more windings of a conductive material) including copper, silver, or the like.

[0104] As further shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the multi-stage ALIP 120 can include a stator core 322 having an outer core 322-1 located radially distal from the longitudinal axis 306 relative to the outer annular wall 310-1 and a central core 322-2 located radially proximal from the longitudinal axis 306 relative to the inner annular wall 310-2. The stator core 322 comprises one or more magnetic materials, such as, for example, magnetic iron. The outer core 322-1 and the central core 322-2 can be comprised of the same material composition or different material compositions. For example, the outer core 322-1 and the central core 322-2 can each be comprised of iron (e.g., magnetic iron), although example embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the outer core 322-1 or the central core 322-2 can be comprised at least partially of stainless steel in some example embodiments.

[0105] As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the outer core 322-1 can have multiple block structures, such as, for example, eight block structures 326-1-326-8 shown in FIG. 3B (the number of block structures in the outer core 322-1 is not limited to eight and can be any number). The block structures in the outer core 322-1 can be linear beam or rod-like structures (e.g., linear beam or rod-like block structures 326-1-326-8 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C) each extending coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis 306 along the length of the multi-stage ALIP 120 and spaced at least partially azimuthally around the longitudinal axis 306. In some exemplary embodiments, the outer core 322-1 can be composed of one or more arc-like structures, or a single cylindrical structure extending around a portion or the entire circumference of the outer surface of the outer annular wall 310-1. However, outer core 322-1 having multiple, spaced apart block structures (eg, 326-1 through 326-8) may provide weight savings in multi-stage ALIP 120 relative to outer core 322-1 being a unitary cylindrical structure.

[0106] As shown in Figures 3A and 3C, in some exemplary embodiments, the central core 322-2 may have a unique cylindrical structure that extends around the longitudinal axis 306 and further extends longitudinally coaxially with the longitudinal axis 306.

[0107] As shown, each block structure (e.g., 326-1 through 326-8) of the outer core 322-1 can include longitudinally spaced tooth structures 324 configured to receive and surround a separate induction coil 320 therebetween, at least in the longitudinal direction 390 and in a radial direction distal to the longitudinal axis 306.

[0108] As shown in at least FIGS. 3A and 3C , in some exemplary embodiments, the central core 322-2 may be a hollow cylindrical structure having one or more inner cylindrical sidewalls defining a central space 328 (e.g., a central void) extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis 306 (e.g., located at the radial center of the multi-stage ALIP 120). The central space 328 may be configured to accommodate (e.g., house) cabling for the multi-stage ALIP 120 and may also be configured to direct a heat exchange fluid (e.g., a coolant gas such as helium) thereto to provide cooling to the multi-stage ALIP 120, or the like. In some exemplary embodiments, the central core 322-2 may be a solid cylindrical structure occupying some or all of the space defined by the inner diameter of the inner annular wall 310-2, such that the central space 328 may not be present in the multi-stage ALIP 120.

[0109] As shown in Figures 3A and 3C, the inner surface of the pump casing 302 and the outer surfaces of the induction coil 320 and / or the outer core 322-1 (e.g., opposing surfaces of the pump casing 302 and the induction coil 320 and the outer core 322-1) collectively at least partially define an outer annular space 304 (e.g., an outer gap). The outer annular space 304 extends around (e.g., radially distally therefrom) the outer core 322-1 and the induction coil 320 and further extends between the inner surface of the pump casing 302 and the outer surface of the induction coil 320 and / or the outer core 322-1. The outer annular space 304 may be configured to direct a heat exchange fluid (e.g., a coolant fluid, such as helium gas, air, etc.) through the multi-stage ALIP 120 to provide cooling for the multi-stage ALIP 120. 3A, the multi-stage ALIP 120 may include a coolant fluid inlet 382 through the pump casing 302 to the outer annular space 304 proximate one longitudinal end of the multi-stage ALIP 120, and the multi-stage ALIP 120 may further include a coolant fluid outlet 384 through the pump casing 302 to the outer annular space 304 proximate the other longitudinal end of the multi-stage ALIP 120. The coolant fluid inlet 382 and the coolant fluid outlet 384 may be coupled to a coolant loop (not shown) of the nuclear power plant 100. The coolant loop may be configured to circulate a coolant fluid (e.g., helium gas) into the outer annular space 304 via the coolant fluid inlet 382, ​​through the outer annular space 304 from the coolant fluid inlet 382 to the coolant fluid outlet 384, and out of the multi-stage ALIP 120 via the coolant fluid outlet 384. As the coolant fluid exits the multi-stage ALIP 120 via the coolant fluid outlet 384, it may be circulated through a heat exchanger to remove heat absorbed by the coolant fluid from the multi-stage ALIP 120 while the coolant fluid flows through the outer annular space 304 between the coolant fluid inlet 382 and the coolant fluid outlet 384. The coolant fluid may also be circulated (e.g., through a pump) from the heat exchanger back to the coolant fluid inlet 382. The coolant loop may extend at least partially outside the reactor pressure vessel 111 (e.g., the aforementioned heat exchanger may be located outside the reactor pressure vessel 111).The coolant loop may also circulate coolant fluid between the multi-stage ALIP 120 within the reactor pressure vessel 111 and a heat exchanger outside the pressure vessel through one or more penetrations through the outer wall 111S).

[0110] 3A-3B , the inner annular wall 310-2, the central core 322-2, and any structures located radially inward from the inner annular wall 310-2 within the multi-stage ALIP 120 may be structurally coupled to the outer annular wall 310-1, the outer core 322-1, the induction coil 320, the pump casing 302, and any structures located radially outward from the inner annular wall 310-2 of the multi-stage ALIP 120 via one or more support ribs 388 (also referred to as “stilts”). The support ribs 388 extend radially outward between the concentric annular walls 310 within the flow annular space 312 to structurally connect the outer annular wall 310-1 and the inner annular wall 310-2 to one another, thereby structurally coupling the central / core portion of the multi-stage ALIP 120 to the outer portion of the multi-stage ALIP 120, and in so doing structurally stabilizing and supporting the central / core portion (e.g., inner annular wall 310-2, central core 322-2, etc.) in relation to the outer portion (e.g., outer annular wall 310-1, outer core 322-1, induction coil 320, pump casing 302, etc.).

[0111] In some exemplary embodiments, the support ribs 388 can further extend through the outer annular space 304 between the outer core 322-1 and the pump casing 302 to structurally stabilize and support at least the outer core 322-1 relative to the pump casing 302.

[0112] In some exemplary embodiments, the support ribs 388 may be omitted from the multi-stage ALIP 120. The pump casing 302 may include an inlet side structure 302-1 and an outlet side structure 302-2 coupled to a cylindrical portion of the pump casing 302 having a longitudinal axis 306, and the inlet side structure 302-1 and the outlet side structure 302-2 may be structurally connected to one or both of an outer portion of the multi-stage ALIP 120 (e.g., the outer annular wall 310-1, the outer core 322-1, and / or the induction coil 320) and a central / core portion of the multi-stage ALIP 120 (e.g., the inner annular wall 310-2 and / or the central core 322-2), such that the inlet side structure 302-1 and the outlet side structure 302-2 may structurally couple, stabilize, and support the outer portion and the central / core portion of the multi-stage ALIP 120 relative to one another.

[0113] 3A-3B, the multi-stage ALIP 120 can be configured to pump (e.g., induce a flow of) liquid metal coolant 190 through the flow annulus 312 based on applying an electromagnetic force to the liquid metal coolant 109 flowing through a length (e.g., longitudinal direction 390) of the multi-stage ALIP 120. This can be done based on applying (e.g., supplying) polyphase power to the induction coil 320 at a particular frequency and phase angle. For example, the polyphase power described herein can include AC power, such as, for example, three-phase AC power, which can be applied at a particular AC frequency and phase angle to the induction coil 320 surrounding the flow annulus 312.

[0114] As illustrated by the wiring diagram shown in FIG. 3A, a fixed phase of multi-phase power from a particular, electrically connected, multi-phase power source may be applied to each induction coil 320. As shown in FIG. 3A, when a set 320-1 of induction coils 320 is electrically connected to a multi-phase power source 144-1 via a multi-phase power cable 146-1, which supplies multi-phase power that is three-phase AC power, the phase of a given induction coil in the set 320-1 may be the phase of a previous longitudinally adjacent induction coil (in the opposite direction to the longitudinal direction 390) in the same set 320-1 (e.g., electrically connected to the same multi-phase power source 144-1). The phase may be an additional 60 degrees or 120 degrees, such that a sequence of induction coils 320 in a given set 320-1 completes a 360 degree AC cycle in the longitudinal direction 390. The set of coils that completes this 360 degree AC cycle is called a pole (τ) or a "slot." The length of the poles is called the pole pitch (τp).

[0115] The supply of multi-phase power to the induction coils 320 can be controlled, for example, based on controlling the frequency, power amplitude (e.g., current and / or voltage), and / or phase angle of the supplied multi-phase power to induce a particular pressure rise in the liquid metal coolant 190 flowing along the length (e.g., longitudinal direction 390) of the pump and in the annular space 312. With the electrical phase of each induction coil 320 fixed based on its connection to a separate wire of a particular conductor 146 and the internal components stationary within the pump casing 302, the pressure rise can be controlled based on controlling and / or adjusting the frequency, power amplitude (e.g., current and / or voltage), and / or phase angle of the multi-phase power supplied to the induction coils 320 from an electrically connected multi-phase power source.

[0116] The pump performance curves specify these values ​​(and sometimes ratios of these values) to describe what settings (e.g., multi-phase power frequency, power amplitude (e.g., current and / or voltage), phase angles, etc.) should be used at a given inlet mass flow rate of liquid metal coolant entering the pump via inlet 122 to give the desired pressure rise. These pump performance curves may be determined analytically using engineering analysis software or experimentally through measurements of test pumps.

[0117] For example, Figure 4, which is a graph illustrating the performance of an ALIP based on the power supplied to the induction coils of the ALIP, according to some exemplary embodiments, illustrates that for a given volumetric flow rate, the applied current, voltage, and / or frequency of the multi-phase power (e.g., three-phase AC power) supplied to a given set of induction coils 320 can be adjusted to provide a desired pressure rise in the liquid metal coolant 190 within the multi-stage ALIP 120. This is because changes in the current and frequency of the power supplied by a multi-phase power supply 144-1-144-N are applied to all induction coils 320 that are electrically connected to that same multi-phase power supply 144-1-144-N. Thus, the flow rate operating range and sensitivity of the ALIP is based on the multi-phase power supply to which each induction coil 320 is electrically connected via a multi-phase power cable 146-1-146-N.

[0118] 3A-3B, the induction coil 320 may include a plurality of "N" sets 320-1 through 320-N of induction coils 320, where "N" is any positive integer. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, N may be equal to 2, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. As further shown, each separate set 320-1, 320-2 of induction coils 320 may be included in, and at least partially define, a separate respective stage (e.g., first stage 330-1 and second stage 330-2) of the multi-stage ALIP 120.

[0119] For example, as shown in FIG. 3A , the sets 320-1, 320-2 of induction coils 320 may be configured to be electrically connected to separate, respective (e.g., different) multi-phase power sources 144-1, 144-2 of the multiple multi-phase power sources 144-1 through 144-N, thereby at least partially defining separate, first and second stages 330-1, 330-2 of the multi-stage ALIP 120. The separate stages 330-1, 330-2 defined at least in part by separate sets 320-1, 320-2 of induction coils 320 are configured to be controlled independently of one another based on independent control and / or regulation of separate and independent multi-phase power sources 144-1, 144-2 electrically connected thereto via respective multi-phase power cables 146-1, 146-2 to adjustably control the flow of liquid metal coolant 190 through the flow annulus 312 and thus through the primary coolant loop 119 to which the multi-stage ALIP 120 is coupled.

[0120] For example, as shown in FIG. 3A , the set 320-1 that at least partially defines the first stage 330-1 of the multi-stage ALIP 120 is electrically connected to the first multi-phase power source 144-1 via a first multi-phase power cable 146-1 (e.g., a three-phase conductor that supplies phases A, B, and C of three-phase AC power from the first multi-phase power source 144-1) and thus may be independently controlled (e.g., controlled independently from other coils 320 not included in stage 330-1) based on independently controlling the power supplied from the first multi-phase power source 144-1.

[0121] Additionally, set 320-2 at least partially defines second stage 330-2 of multi-stage ALIP 120 and includes induction coils 320 electrically connected to a separate (e.g., different) second multi-phase power source 144-2 via a second multi-phase power cable 146-2 (e.g., separate three-phase conductors delivering phases A', B', C' of three-phase AC power from second multi-phase power source 144-2). As shown, the phase of a given induction coil in set 320-2 may be 60 degrees or 120 degrees plus the phase of a longitudinally preceding adjacent induction coil (opposite longitudinal direction 390) in the same set 320-2 (e.g., electrically connected to the same multi-phase power source 144-2), thereby allowing sequencing in the longitudinal direction 390 of induction coils 320 in a given set 320-1 to complete a 360 degree AC cycle. The set of coils that completes this 360 degree AC cycle is called a pole (τ) or a "slot." The length of a pole is called the pole pitch (τp).

[0122] Because the sets 320-1, 320-2 of induction coils 320 included in the separate stages 330-1, 330-2 are electrically connected to different multi-phase power sources 144-1, 144-2, the power supplied to each set, or stage defined at least in part thereby, may be controlled and / or regulated independently from the power supplied to the other set or stage. Thus, the separate stages 330-1, 330-2 may be independently controlled such that, through independent control and / or regulation of the power supplied to each stage, flexibility and / or granularity of control over the pressure rise along the longitudinal length 390 of the multi-stage ALIP 120 may be improved, thereby improving control over the flow rate of liquid metal coolant 190 induced by the multi-stage ALIP 120. Such improved control may improve the operating efficiency and / or overall performance of the multi-stage ALIP 120.

[0123] 3A-3B, in some exemplary embodiments, the multi-stage ALIP 120 includes at least two stages 330-1, 330-2 defined at least in part by separate sets of induction coils 320-1, 320-2, where the separate sets 320-1, 320-2 of induction coils, and thus the stages 330-1, 330-2, are at least partially interlaced with one another in a longitudinal direction 390. As shown, for example, the induction coils 320 of the separate stages 330-1, 330-2 may be interleaved in the longitudinal direction 390 between the coils 320 of the set 320-1 of the first stage 330-1 (electrically connected to the first multi-phase power source 144-1) and the coils 320 of the set 320-2 of the second stage 330-2 (electrically connected to the second multi-phase power source 144-2). As a result, and as shown in FIG. 3A , at least one induction coil 320 of one set of induction coils (e.g., first set 320-1) can be located in the longitudinal direction 390 between at least two induction coils 320 of a different set of induction coils (e.g., second set 320-2).

[0124] The interleaved arrangement of stages 330-1, 330-2 defined at least in part by induction coil sets 320-1, 320-2 may provide improved control over pressure rise in the longitudinal direction 390 along the length of the multi-stage ALIP 120.

[0125] 3C and 4, multi-phase power (e.g., three-phase AC power) can be applied to one or more stages 330-1, 330-2 of the multi-stage ALIP 120, where the phase and current direction of each induction coil 320 is fixed or predetermined, such that the application of multi-phase power to one or more sets of induction coils 320 causes the induction coils 320 to generate traveling electromagnetic (EM) waves that induce a continuous flow of liquid metal coolant 190 located in the flow annular space 312 in a longitudinal direction 390 from the inlet 122 to the outlet 123. The multi-phase power applied to the set or sets 320-1, 320-2 of induction coils 320, and thus to the separate stage or stages 330-1, 330-2, can have a particular frequency and power amplitude (e.g., current and / or voltage) that can be set (e.g., controlled and / or regulated) by the EMP control system 150 via control of the respective multi-phase power sources 144-1, 144-2 electrically connected to the set or sets 320-1, 320-2 of induction coils. Thus, the frequency and / or power amplitude (e.g., voltage and / or current) of the multi-phase power provided by the one or more multi-phase power sources 144-1, 144-2 can be controlled and / or regulated (e.g., initiated, adjusted, and / or throttled). Such control and / or adjustment of the frequency and / or power amplitude of the multi-phase power applied to one or more sets (and thus one or more stages) of the induction coils 320 of the multi-stage ALIP 120 varies the performance of the multi-stage ALIP in pumping (e.g., inducing flow of) liquid metal coolant 190 therethrough, for example, as shown in the chart of FIG. 4 .

[0126] 3A-3C, the multi-stage ALIP 120 allows for further flexibility to controllably adjust the pressure rise of the liquid metal coolant 190 in the flow annular space 312 along the longitudinal direction 390 within the multi-stage ALIP 120 based on the different induction coils 320 having different sets 320-1, 320-2 of induction coils 320 independently electrically connected to separate respective multi-phase power sources 144-1, 144-2 that are independently controllable (e.g., by the EMP control system 150) and / or being separated into different, at least partially defined, stages 330-1, 330-2, whereby the respective supplies of multi-phase power to the separate stages of the induction coils 320 of the multi-stage ALIP can be controlled and / or adjusted independently of one another, thereby improving the ability to adjustably control the performance of the multi-stage ALIP 120. For example, one stage 330-1 may be initiated (eg, started) while another stage 330-2 may be adjusted or inhibited (eg, stopped) independently of the one stage 330-1.

[0127] As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the induction coils 320 of the different stages 330-1, 330-2 may be at least partially interlaced in the longitudinal direction 390, and the phase of the induction coils 320 may vary.

[0128] 3A and 3C, the multi-stage ALIP 120 may be a two-stage ALIP having interlaced stages 330-1, 330-2 with and / or defined at least in part by separate respective sets 320-1, 320-2 of induction coils, where the induction coils 320 of set 320-1 configured to receive A-phase power from the multi-phase power source 144-1 via the multi-phase power cable 146-1 are interlaced with the induction coils 320 of set 320-2 configured to receive A'-phase power from the multi-phase power source 144-2 via the multi-phase power cable 146-2, and where the induction coils 320 of sets 320-1, 320-2 configured to receive respective B, B' and C, C'-phase power from the respective multi-phase power sources 144-1, 144-2 are similarly configured.

[0129] In such a configuration, in some exemplary embodiments, the multi-stage ALIP 120 can operate in an operating mode in which the multi-phase power provided from the multi-phase power sources 144-1, 144-2 has the same frequency and power amplitude, such that the induction coil sets 320-1, 320-2, and therefore the stages 330-1, 330-2, operate similarly to a single-stage ALIP receiving a single three-phase power source. The multi-stage ALIP 120 can also be operated in another operating mode in which the multi-phase power provided to the induction coil set 320-2 can be adjusted or throttled (e.g., based on the EMP control system 150 causing the multi-phase power source 144-2 to adjust or throttle the power supply to the induction coil set 320-2 via the multi-phase power cable 146-2). In such an operating mode, the phase of the power supplied to the set 320-1 of induction coils may be adjusted to lengthen the length of the pole τ of the set 320-1, which may be performed without changing the frequency or power amplitude (e.g., voltage and / or current) of the power applied to the set 320-1. As a result, the flow rate of the liquid metal coolant 190 through the flow annulus 312 may be reduced based on lengthening the phase to lengthen the pole, without changing the frequency or power amplitude supplied to the active coils of the set 320-1. Such an operating mode may thus be a low-flow operating mode of the multi-stage ALIP 120.

[0130] 3A-3B depict a multi-stage ALIP 120 having a single stator, it should be understood that in some exemplary embodiments, the multi-stage ALIP may include multiple stators (e.g., a dual-stator ALIP). The descriptions herein regarding the various stages (e.g., multiple sets of induction coils configured to be electrically connected to separate respective multi-phase power sources) of the multi-stage ALIP 120 may be applied independently to each stator of the multi-stator multi-stage ALIP 120. For example, a multi-stage ALIP 120 having an inner stator and an outer stator may have multiple coil stages in the outer stator and may have the same or different amounts of coil stages (including a single coil stage or multiple coil stages) in the inner stator, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0131] FIG. 5 is a plan cross-sectional side view of a multi-stage ALIP according to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the wiring diagram of the multi-stage ALIP in FIG. 5 may be the same as the wiring diagram shown in FIG. 3C. Although some elements of the multi-stage ALIP 120 shown in FIG. 3A-3C are not shown in FIG. 5 (e.g., coolant fluid inlet 382, ​​coolant fluid outlet 384, inlet side structure 302-1, outlet side structure 302-2, support rib 388, etc.), the multi-stage ALIP 120 shown in FIG. 5 may include some, all, or none of the same structures (e.g., coolant fluid inlet 382, ​​coolant fluid outlet 384, inlet side structure 302-1, outlet side structure 302-2, support rib 388, inlet 122, outlet 123, etc.) shown in FIG. 3A-3C.

[0132] 5 , in some exemplary embodiments, the multi-stage ALIP 120 can be configured to improve adjustable control of the flow of liquid metal coolant 190 therethrough based on configuration and / or variation in the positioning, spacing, shape, and / or intrinsic properties of the induction coils 320 in the separate stages of the multi-stage ALIP 120. Such configuration and / or variation in the positioning, spacing, shape, and / or intrinsic properties of the induction coils can improve flexibility in controlling the flow rate of the liquid metal coolant 190 based on adjustably and independently controlling the separate sets 320-1, 320-2 of induction coils in the separate stages 330-1, 330-2.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 5, in some exemplary embodiments, separate stages 330-1, 330-2 of a multi-stage ALIP 120 having separate respective sets 320-1, 320-2 of induction coils 320 may have a longitudinal boundary 390 (e.g., a longitudinal boundary) defined by the longitudinal boundary of the respective sets 320-1, 320-2 of induction coils 320. 5, each distinct stage (e.g., 330-1, 330-2), in addition to being at least partially defined by a distinct set of induction coils (e.g., 320-1, 320-2), may be understood to include a distinct respective section 610-1, 610-2 of the multi-stage ALIP 120 that is at least partially defined in the longitudinal direction 390 by the induction coils 320 of the respective set of distinct stages, and further to include some or all of the components (e.g., pump casing 302, stator core 322, concentric annular walls 310, etc.) located between said longitudinal boundaries within the multi-stage ALIP 120. A distinct stage may further be understood to include any portion of any component of the multi-stage ALIP (e.g., central core 332-2, concentric annular walls 310, etc.) included in such distinct section of the multi-stage ALIP 120 defined by the longitudinal boundaries of the respective set of induction coils of the stage.

[0134] 5, in some exemplary embodiments, the different stages 330-1, 330-2 of the multi-stage ALIP 120, defined at least in part by separate, respective sets 320-1, 320-2 of induction coils 320, can be spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction 390, such that no induction coil 230 of the first stage 330-1 (e.g., of the induction coil set 320-1) is located between at least two induction coils of the second stage 330-2 (e.g., of the induction coil set 320-2) in the longitudinal direction 390, and no induction coil 320 of the second stage 330-2 (e.g., of the induction coil set 320-2) is located between at least two induction coils of the first stage 330-1 (e.g., of the induction coil set 320-1) in the longitudinal direction 390. As shown, stages 330-1, 330-2 having induction coil sets 320-1, 320-2 may be spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction 390 within the multi-stage ALIP 120 by a longitudinal spacing distance 502. The longitudinal spacing distance 502 may be set (e.g., pre-set) to configure separate stages 330-1, 330-2 of the multi-stage ALIP 120 to adjustably control the flow rate of liquid metal coolant 190 through the flow annulus 312 at different locations along the longitudinal direction 390.

[0135] 5, a longitudinal spacing distance 502 (e.g., gap) in the longitudinal direction 390 between separate stages 330-1, 330-2 in the multi-stage ALIP 120 can reduce, limit, or prevent magnetic reconnection (interference) of the magnetic fields 504-1, 504-2 generated by the separate stages 330-1, 330-2 such that there is a spacing between the magnetic fields 504-1, 504-2 in the longitudinal direction 390. As a result, a multi-stage ALIP 120 having spacing distances 502 in the longitudinal direction 390 between adjacent stages can be configured to operate as multiple independent ALIPs in series in the same device, where each separate stage can operate as a separate independent ALIP.

[0136] With further reference to FIG. 5 , in some exemplary embodiments, the induction coils 320 of the separate stages 330-1, 330-2 in the multi-stage ALIP 120 may have different geometric characteristics (e.g., different shapes or dimensions) such that the flow rate of the liquid metal coolant 190 may be controlled differently by independently controlling the separate stages 330-1, 330-2 of the induction coils 320, thereby enabling the multi-stage ALIP 120 to improve flexibility in controlling the flow rate of the liquid metal coolant 190.

[0137] For example, in a multi-stage ALIP 120 having separate stages 330-1, 330-2 having separate, respective sets 320-1, 320-2 of induction coils 320 as shown in FIG. 5 , the induction coils 320 of the separate sets 320-1, 320-2 (thus at least partially defining the separate stages 330-1, 330-2) may have separate, respective (e.g., different) longitudinal spacings 320-1-LS, 320-2-LS in the longitudinal direction 390 between opposing faces of adjacent induction coils of the same set of induction coils 320. In another embodiment, the induction coils 320 of the separate sets 320-1, 320-2 (and thus at least partially defining the separate stages 330-1, 330-2) may have separate, respective (e.g., different) induction coil longitudinal thicknesses 320-1-LT, 320-2-LT in the longitudinal direction 390. In another embodiment, the induction coils 320 of the separate sets 320-1, 320-N (and thus at least partially defining the separate stages 330-1, 330-2) may have separate, respective (e.g., different) coil radial thicknesses 320-1-RT, 320-2-RT, also referred to interchangeably herein as annular thicknesses, in a radial direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 390. In another embodiment, the induction coils 320 of the separate sets 320-1, 320-2 (and thus at least partially defining the separate stages 330-1, 330-2) may have separate, respective (e.g., different) induction coil inner radii 320-1-IR, 320-2-IR in a radial direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 390. In another embodiment, the induction coils 320 of the separate sets 320-1, 320-N (and thus at least partially defining the separate stages 330-1, 330-2) may have separate, respective (e.g., different) induction coil outer radii 320-1-OR, 320-2-OR in a radial direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 390. In another embodiment, the induction coils 320 of the separate sets 320-1, 320-N may have separate, respective (e.g., different) induction coil material compositions (e.g., copper, silver, etc.).

[0138] It should be appreciated that, as shown in FIG. 5 , the separate stages 330-1, 330-2 of the multi-stage ALIP may have and / or may be at least partially defined by separate respective sets 320-1, 320-2 of induction coils 320 having different inherent properties including different induction coil material compositions, different longitudinal spacings between facing faces of adjacent induction coils of the same set, different induction coil thicknesses in the longitudinal direction, radial annular thicknesses of the different induction coils extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, different induction coil inner diameters, and / or different induction coil outer diameters.

[0139] 5, the coil shapes and longitudinal spacing of the separate stages of the multi-stage ALIP 120 may be varied to configure the multi-stage ALIP 120 to accommodate a variety of different specific flow conditions in different sections of the multi-stage ALIP 120 (e.g., different longitudinal sections 610-1, 610-2 of different stages). In that case, each separate longitudinal section 610-1, 610-2 may be independently controlled (e.g., via independent control and / or regulation of the multi-phase power supplied to each set of induction coils) based on independent control of the respective sets 320-1, 320-2 of induction coils 320 that at least partially define that section. Independent control of each section (e.g., independent control of the induction coils 320 of each stage) enables the multi-stage ALIP 120 to provide greater operational flexibility under non-steady-state flow conditions.

[0140] FIG. 6 is a plan cross-sectional side view of a multi-stage ALIP according to some exemplary embodiments. It will be understood that the wiring diagram of the multi-stage ALIP in FIG. 6 may be the same as the wiring diagram shown in FIG. 3C. Although some elements of the multi-stage ALIP 120 shown in FIGS. 3A-3C are not shown in FIG. 6 (e.g., coolant fluid inlet 382, ​​coolant fluid outlet 384, inlet side structure 302-1, outlet side structure 302-2, support rib 388, power conductor 180, etc.), it will be understood that the multi-stage ALIP 120 shown in FIG. 6 may include some, all, or none of the same structures (e.g., coolant fluid inlet 382, ​​coolant fluid outlet 384, inlet side structure 302-1, outlet side structure 302-2, support rib 388, inlet 122, outlet 123, power conductor 180, etc.) shown in FIG. 3A-3C.

[0141] Referring generally to FIG. 6, in some exemplary embodiments, the separate stages of the multi-stage ALIP 120 may be defined at least in part by longitudinal variations in at least one of the material composition of the central core 322-2 or the diameter of the central core 322-2 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 390.

[0142] 6, for example, in an exemplary embodiment where the multi-stage ALIP 120 includes two stages 330-1, 330-2, the central core 322-2 may include multiple, longitudinally separated central core portions 622-1-622-2 included in separate stages 330-1, 330-2. As shown, the separate central core portions 622-1, 622-2 may have different radii and therefore different diameters 628-1, 628-2. In some exemplary embodiments, the separate central core portions 622-1, 622-2 may have the same or different material compositions, may have the same or different diameters 628-1, 628-2, the same or different outer diameters, the same or different inner diameters in exemplary embodiments where the separate core portions 622-1, 622-2 define respective central spaces 328, the same or different radial or annular thicknesses of the separate core portions 622-1, 622-2, any combination thereof, and the like. For example, central core portion 622-1 may be constructed from magnetic iron and central core portion 622-2 may be constructed from stainless steel.

[0143] 6, and unlike at least the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 3A and 3C, the central core 322-2 may include one or more solid cylindrical structures such that the central space 328 is not present in the multi-stage ALIP 120 as shown in Figure 6 (e.g., the separate central core sections 622-1 and 622-2 may each be a solid cylindrical structure). However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and in some exemplary embodiments, one or both of the central core sections 622-1 and 622-2 may be hollow cylindrical structures that define the central space 328 at the radial center of one or more sections 610-1 and 610-2 of the stages 330-1 and 330-2. Where both central core portions 622-1 and 622-2 define respective central spaces 328 at the radial centers of sections 610-1 and 610-2 of both stages 330-1 and 330-2, the central spaces 328 defined by the separate central core portions 622-1 and 622-2 may have the same diameter or different diameters.

[0144] With further reference to FIG. 6 , in some exemplary embodiments, the separate stages 330-1, 330-2 of the multi-stage ALIP 120 may be defined at least in part by a variation in the longitudinal direction 390 of at least one of the outer diameter 632 and / or inner diameter of the inner annular wall 310-2 of the concentric annular wall 310, the inner diameter 634 and / or outer diameter of the outer annular wall 310-1 of the concentric annular wall 310, the radial thickness 636, 638 of at least one annular wall of the concentric annular wall 310, or the shape of the flow annular space 312.

[0145] 6, the concentric annular wall 310 and the flow annular space 312 defined by the concentric annular wall 310 may be understood to at least partially define two or more separate longitudinal sections 610-1-610-2 of the multi-stage ALIP 120 that at least partially define separate stages 330-1, 330-2 of the multi-stage ALIP 120. The separate longitudinal sections 610-1, 610-2 may be contained partially or completely within each separate stage 330-1, 330-2 of the multi-stage ALIP 120, although example embodiments are not limited in this respect.

[0146] 6 , the separate sections 610-1, 610-2 (also referred to herein as longitudinal sections of the multi-stage ALIP 120) may feature different structural geometries of the concentric annular wall 310, in addition to or in addition to the modifications of the central core 322-2 as described herein. As a result, in some exemplary embodiments, the flow annular space 312 may have different characteristics in the separate sections 610-1, 610-2 of the multi-stage ALIP 120 and may feature different flow geometries in the separate stages 330-1, 330-2 of the multi-stage ALIP 120.

[0147] In some exemplary embodiments, the separate sections 610-1, 610-2 may have the same or different inner diameters 634-1, 634-2 of the outer annular wall 310-1 and / or the same or different outer diameters 632-1, 632-2 of the inner annular wall 310-2. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in sections 610-1, 610-2, the outer annular wall 310-1 has approximately the same inner diameter 634 in both sections 610-1, 610-2 (e.g., 634-1=634-2), while the inner annular wall 310-2 has a smaller outer diameter 632 on the outside at section 610-1 than on the outside at section 610-2 (e.g., 632-1<632-2). As a result, the annular or radial thickness 640 of the flow annulus 312 is greater in thickness 640-1 at the first section 610-1 than in thickness 640-2 at the second section 610-2. As a result, the cross-sectional flow area at the first section 610-1 may be greater than the cross-sectional flow area at the second section 610-2.

[0148] As further shown in Figure 6, the outer and inner annular walls 310-1, 310-2 may have smooth opposed cylindrical side walls in the first section 610-1 such that the concentric annular wall 310 defines a flow annulus shape of the flow annulus 312 in the first section 610-1 (e.g., flow annulus 312-1) that is a smooth annulus. In addition, as shown in Figure 6, the outer annular wall 310-1 may include one or more helical (spiral) protrusions 602 or grooves that establish a spiral or spiral pattern on the inner surface of the outer annular wall 310-1 in the second section 610-1 such that the concentric annular wall 310 defines a flow annulus shape of the flow annulus 312 in the second section 610-2 (e.g., flow annulus 312-2) that is a helical (spiral) annulus. Although FIG. 6 illustrates only the outer annular wall 310-1 having structural features that contribute to the helical (spiral) annular flow shape of the flow annular space 312 in the second section 610-2, it will be understood that the inner annular wall 310-2 may additionally or alternatively include such structural features.

[0149] 6, the transition region 604 between longitudinally adjacent sections 610-1, 610-2 can have structural features that transition in the longitudinal direction 390 between the features of the first section 610-1 and the second section 610-2. For example, in FIG. 6, the transition region 604 includes a change in the diameter and material composition of the central core 322-2 as well as a change in the outer diameter 632 of the inner annular wall 310-2 between the outer diameter 632-1 and the outer diameter 632-2, and a resulting change in the radial thickness 640 of the flow annulus 312. A longitudinal boundary of the transition region 604 in the longitudinal direction 390 may be defined by a longitudinal boundary of a stage (e.g., as shown at a longitudinal boundary proximate the exit of the transition region 604) and / or a longitudinal boundary where deformation of one of the structural characteristics of the concentric annular wall 310, the central core 322-2, and / or the flow annular space 312 begins (e.g., as shown at a longitudinal boundary proximate the entrance of the transition region 604). As further shown in FIG. 6, the transition region 604 may be understood to be contained within one of the first or second sections 610-1, 610-2, i.e., within one of the stages 330-1, 330-2.

[0150] Still referring generally to FIG. 6 , in a first stage 330-1 including a set of induction coils 320-1 and further including a first section 610-1 having a magnetic iron central core 622-1 and a concentric annular wall 310 defining a flow annular space 312-1 having a smooth annular flow shape, the multi-stage ALIP 120 can be configured to operate and behave similarly to a single-stage ALIP in which the flow velocity of the liquid metal coolant 190 flowing through the first stage 330-1 increases in the longitudinal direction 390 from the inlet 122. In the second stage 330-2, which includes a set of induction coils 320-2 and further includes a second section 610-2 having a stainless steel central core portion 622-2 and a concentric annular wall 310 defining a flow annular space portion 312-2 having a helical (spiral) annular flow shape, the second section 610-2 may be configured to trace a corkscrew helix shape (e.g., a helical flow shape) configured to induce swirling of the liquid metal coolant 190 at the outlet 123, and the flow annulus radial thickness 640 is reduced to a smaller thickness 640-2 to bring the liquid metal coolant 190 closer to the induction coils 320 of the second stage 330-2.

[0151] 6, the induction coils 320 of the set 320-2 in the second stage 330-2 have increased longitudinal thicknesses 320-2-LT and decreased longitudinal spacings 320-2-LS compared to the coils 320 in the first stage 330-1, so that the coils 320 in the second stage 330-2 are configured to support a stronger magnetic field. Additionally, the stainless steel central core section 622-2 may have a weaker magnetic permeability than the magnetic iron central core section 622-1, which allows the magnetic field of the second stage to be better shaped to pump in the direction of the vortex flow rather than the direction of the outlet 123. The vortex flow may be desired at the outlet 123 for cooling considerations and not at the inlet 122 to avoid vortex formation and cavitation in an open pool liquid metal reactor. In the multi-stage ALIP 120 shown in FIG. 6, the inclusion of separate sections 610-1, 610-2, partially or entirely, in separate, independently controllable stages 330-1, 330-2 can configure the multi-stage ALIP 120 to enable optimization of the pumping of the liquid metal coolant 190 and the swirling of the liquid metal coolant 190 in each separate stage 330-1, 330-2 of the multi-stage ALIP 120.

[0152] FIG. 7 is a plan cross-sectional side view of a multi-stage ALIP according to some exemplary embodiments. It will be understood that the wiring diagram of each stage of the multi-stage ALIP in FIG. 7 may be the same as the wiring diagram of any stage shown in FIG. 3C. Although some elements of the multi-stage ALIP 120 shown in FIGS. 3A-3C are not shown in FIG. 7 (e.g., coolant fluid inlet 382, ​​coolant fluid outlet 384, inlet side structure 302-1, outlet side structure 302-2, support rib 388, power conductor 180, etc.), the multi-stage ALIP 120 shown in FIG. 7 may have some, all, or none of the same structures (e.g., coolant fluid inlet 382, ​​coolant fluid outlet 384, inlet side structure 302-1, outlet side structure 302-2, support rib 388, inlet 122, outlet 123, power conductor 180, etc.) as those shown in FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0153] Although the multi-stage ALIP 120 shown in FIG. 7 is illustrated as a three-stage ALIP (e.g., a multi-stage ALIP 120 having N stages 330-1 to 330-N, where N=3), example embodiments are not limited thereto and the discussion herein regarding any three-stage multi-stage ALIP 120, and any stages thereof, may be applied to any multi-stage ALIP 120 having more than two stages (e.g., 330-1 to 330-N, where N≧2), and any stages thereof.

[0154] 7, in some exemplary embodiments, one or more geometric and / or intrinsic characteristics of the induction coils 320 in a given stage of the multi-stage ALIP 120 may vary between at least two induction coils 320 of a given stage along a longitudinal direction 390 of the multi-stage ALIP 120. In some exemplary embodiments, the geometric characteristics associated with a stage may be interchangeably referred to as intrinsic characteristics. Such varying intrinsic characteristics may include variations between at least two induction coils 320 of a given stage (e.g., at least two induction coils configured to be electrically connected to the same multi-phase power source, such as those described below), which may include at least one of the following: material composition of the induction coils 320, spacing in the longitudinal direction 390 between facing faces of adjacent induction coils 320 of the same set of induction coils 320, thickness of the induction coils in the longitudinal direction, annular thickness of the induction coils in a radial direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 390, inner diameter of the induction coils, or outer diameter of the induction coils. Such variations may or may not approximate or correspond to a mathematical function.

[0155] For example, where the multi-stage ALIP 120 is shown to include three stages 330-1, 330-2, 330-3 as shown in FIG. 7, the third stage 330-3 of the multi-stage ALIP 120 includes a third set 320-3 of induction coils 320 having a constant radial thickness 320-3-RT, a longitudinal thickness 320-3-LT, and a spacing 320-3-LS therebetween.

[0156] In another embodiment, the first stage 330-1 of the multi-stage ALIP 120 includes a first set 320-1 of induction coils 320 having a constant longitudinal thickness 320-1-LT and spacing 320-1-LS therebetween, but having a variable radial thickness 320-1-RT that varies between longitudinally adjacent induction coils 320 in the longitudinal direction 390. As shown, the variation in radial thickness 320-1-RT in the longitudinal direction 390 may approximate a mathematical function, such as a parabolic function 702 that varies the radial thickness of a given induction coil 320 in the set 320-1 as a function of the distance in the longitudinal direction 390 of the given induction coil 320 from the inlet 122 according to the shape of a parabola.

[0157] In another embodiment, the second stage 330-2 of the multi-stage ALIP 120 includes a second set 320-2 of inductive coils 320 having respective radial thicknesses 320-2-RT, longitudinal spacings 320-2-LS, and / or longitudinal thicknesses 320-2-LT. Such thickness and spacing variations of the inductive coils 320 may approximate a mathematical function based on the longitudinal 390 distance from a reference point (e.g., the inlet 122) or may be arbitrary and / or random.

[0158] Additionally, in some exemplary embodiments, the material composition of the induction coils 320 may vary between induction coils 320 within a given stage (e.g., configured to be electrically connected to the same multi-phase power source).

[0159] 7, in some exemplary embodiments, the diameter 628 of the central core 322-2 and / or the outer / inner diameter of one or more of the concentric annular walls 310 may vary continuously along the longitudinal direction 390 according to a mathematical function in which the diameter varies as a function of distance in the longitudinal direction 390 from a reference point (e.g., the inlet 122). As shown in FIG. 7, the diameter 628 of the central core 322-2 and the outer diameter 632 of the inner annular wall 310-2 may vary according to a mathematical function of distance in the longitudinal direction 390 from the inlet 122, while the inner diameter 634 of the outer annular wall 310-1 may be fixed or constant in the longitudinal direction 390 such that the radial thickness 640 of the flow annular space 312, and therefore the cross-sectional flow area, varies in the longitudinal direction 390 according to a mathematical function of distance in the longitudinal direction 390 from the inlet 122.

[0160] As shown in Figure 7, and unlike some exemplary embodiments, including at least the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 3A and 3C, the central core 322-2 may include one or more solid cylindrical structures such that the central space 328 is not present in the multi-stage ALIP 120, as shown in Figure 7. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and in some exemplary embodiments, the central core 322-2 may be a hollow cylindrical structure that defines the central space 328 at the radial center of the multi-stage ALIP 120. The central space 328 may extend through the entire length of the central core 322-2 in the longitudinal direction 390 between the inlet 122 and the outlet 123, and the central space 328 may have a fixed or variable diameter along the length of the multi-stage ALIP 120 in the longitudinal direction 390. The central space 328 may have a diameter 628 that varies along the length of the multi-stage ALIP 120 in the longitudinal direction 390 in an exemplary embodiment, or may have a fixed diameter along the length of the multi-stage ALIP 120 in the longitudinal direction 390.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 7, the multi-stage ALIP 120 can have a longitudinal spacing distance 502 between adjacent stages 330-1, 330-2, 330-3 (eg, between adjacent pairs 320-1, 320-2, 320-3). The longitudinal spacing distances 502 between the stages of separate adjacent sets (e.g., the spacing distance between stages 330-1 and 330-2 defined by sets 320-1 and 320-2, the spacing distance between stages 330-2 and 330-3 defined by sets 320-2 and 320-3, etc.) may have the same magnitude in the longitudinal direction 390 or may have different magnitudes in the longitudinal direction 390 (e.g., sets 320-1 and 320-2 may be closer to each other in the longitudinal direction 390 than the longitudinal spacing distance 502 between sets 320-2 and 320-3, or may be farther apart in the longitudinal direction 390).

[0162] FIGURE 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for operating a multi-stage ALIP according to some example embodiments. The method illustrated in FIGURE 8 may be implemented with respect to any multi-stage ALIP 120 according to any of the example embodiments. The method illustrated in FIGURE 8 may be implemented, at least in part, by an EMP control system 150, such as EMP control system 150 shown in FIGURE 1, and may also be implemented, at least in part, with respect to one or more multi-phase power sources 144-1 through 144-N, as shown in FIGURE 1.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 8, the method may include, in S802-1 through S802-N, for each of N stages of multi-stage ALIP 120, N being any positive integer, independently controlling and / or regulating a supply of multi-phase power provided to each of the N stages of multi-stage ALIP 120 from a separate, respective (e.g., distinct) multi-phase power source (e.g., 144-1 through 144-N).

[0164] For example, if the number of stages N is two or more, the method may include, in S802-1, supplying a first multi-phase power to a first stage 330-1 of the multiple stages of the multi-stage ALIP 120 via a first multi-phase power source 144-1 of the multiple multi-phase power sources to flow the liquid metal coolant 190 through the flow annular space 312, and may include, in S802-2, independently controlling a separate supply of a second multi-phase power to a second stage 330-2 of the multiple stages via a second multi-phase power source 144-2 of the multiple multi-phase power sources to adjustably control the flow of the liquid metal coolant 190 through the flow annular space 312.

[0165] Next, in S802-N, a single operation for independently controlling the Nth stage of multi-stage ALIP 120 will be described, although it will be understood that the description of operations S804-N to S818-N as described with respect to operation S802-N may be equally applied to any of the operations S802-1 to S802-N (e.g., the description of S804-N may apply to S804-1, the description of S806-N may apply to S806-1, the description of S808-N may apply to S808-1, the description of S810-N may apply to S810-1, the description of S812-N may apply to S812-1, the description of S814-N may apply to S814-1, the description of S816-N may apply to S816-1, and / or the description of S818-N may apply to S818-1).

[0166] In S804-N, operation S802-N may include determining whether to initiate (e.g., start) the supply of multi-phase power from the Nth multi-phase power source 144-N to the Nth stage of the multi-stage ALIP 120. If so, in S806-N, a control signal may be generated and transmitted to the Nth multi-phase power source 144-N to cause the Nth multi-phase power source 144-N to start supplying multi-phase power to the Nth stage. The control signal may be generated and transmitted by the EMP control system 150. The control signal may cause the Nth multi-phase power source 144-N to start supplying multi-phase power having a particular (e.g., predetermined) frequency, power amplitude (e.g., voltage and / or current), phase, etc.

[0167] At S808-N, operation S802-N includes determining whether to adjust the frequency of the multi-phase power supplied by the Nth multi-phase power source 144-N to the Nth stage of the multi-stage ALIP 120. If so, at S810-N, a control signal may be generated and transmitted to the Nth multi-phase power source 144-N to cause the Nth multi-phase power source 144-N to adjust the supply frequency of the multi-phase power being supplied to the Nth stage. The control signal may be generated and transmitted by the EMP control system 150. The control signal may cause the Nth multi-phase power source 144-N to adjust the frequency of the supply of the multi-phase power to the new specified frequency.

[0168] In S812-N, operation S802-N includes determining whether to adjust the power amplitude (e.g., voltage and / or current) of the multi-phase power supplied by the Nth multi-phase power source 144-N to the Nth stage of the multi-stage ALIP 120. If so, in S814-N, a control signal may be generated and transmitted to the Nth multi-phase power source 144-N to cause the Nth multi-phase power source 144-N to adjust the power amplitude (e.g., voltage and / or current) of the supply of multi-phase power being supplied to the Nth stage. The control signal may be generated and transmitted by the EMP control system 150. The control signal may cause the Nth multi-phase power source 144-N to adjust the power amplitude (e.g., voltage and / or current) of the supply of multi-phase power to a new specified power amplitude (e.g., voltage and / or current).

[0169] In S816-N, operation S802-N may include determining whether to inhibit (e.g., stop) the supply of multi-phase power from the Nth multi-phase power source 144-N to the Nth stage of the multi-stage ALIP 120. If so, in S818-N, a control signal may be generated and transmitted to the Nth multi-phase power source 144-N to cause the Nth multi-phase power source 144-N to inhibit the supply of multi-phase power to the Nth stage. The control signal may be generated and transmitted by the EMP control system 150. The control signal may cause the Nth multi-phase power source 144-N to inhibit the supply of multi-phase power to the Nth stage of the multi-stage ALIP 120.

[0170] It will be appreciated that any of the operations of the method illustrated in FIG. 8 may be performed in any order, and that the operations performed in any of S802-1-S802-n may be performed in any order with respect to each other, including simultaneously. For example, the method may include inhibiting a supply of a second polyphase power to the second stage at S818-N while maintaining a supply of a first polyphase power to the first stage (e.g., S816-1=NO). In another embodiment, the method may include at least one of adjusting a frequency of the second polyphase power supplied to the second stage at S810-N independent of a frequency of the first polyphase power supplied to the first stage, or adjusting a current of the second polyphase power supplied to the second stage at S814-N independent of a current of the first polyphase power supplied to the first stage. In another embodiment, the method may include simultaneously adjusting both the first and second polyphase power supplies (e.g., either S802-1 or S802-N) independently of each other.

[0171] It will be appreciated that in some exemplary embodiments, operations S804-S818 of any of operations S802-1-S802-N may be performed independently of one another. In some exemplary embodiments, an operation to control one of the stages of the multi-stage ALIP (e.g., one of S804-N-S818-N) may be performed based on an operation performed on another one of the stages of the multi-stage ALIP (e.g., one of S804-1-S818-1). For example, in some exemplary embodiments, in response to a decision in S816-1 to throttle the supply of power to a first stage to "shut down" the first stage of the same multi-stage ALIP (e.g., switch the multi-stage ALIP to a low-flow mode), a decision may be made in S808-N and S810-N to adjust the frequency of the power supplied to the Nth stage.

[0172] In some demonstrative embodiments, each of the decisions and / or actions as shown in FIG. 8 may be performed in response to receiving input commands via a user interface (e.g., a keyboard, buttons, touch screen, mouse, etc.) and / or a communications interface (e.g., a wireless network communications receiver) and / or in response to processing sensor data received from one or more sensor devices (e.g., sensors 192, which may be one or more flow meters, such as one or more Venturi flow meters, which may be configured to generate sensor data indicative of the flow rate of liquid metal coolant 190 through the suction line 121, the return line 124, and / or the multi-stage ALIP 120, one or more pressure sensors, which may be configured to generate sensor data indicative of the pressure of liquid metal coolant 190 at one or more locations within the suction line 121, the return line 124, and / or the multi-stage ALIP 120).

[0173] In some exemplary embodiments, adjusting the frequency and / or power amplitude of the multi-phase power supplied to the stages of the multi-stage ALIP 120 may include determining a particular frequency and / or power amplitude and controlling the multi-phase power source to cause the multi-phase power source to supply polyphase power having the particular frequency and / or power amplitude to the stages. Determining the particular frequency and / or power amplitude may be responsive to receiving an input command specifying the particular frequency and / or power amplitude of the polyphase power to be supplied to the stages and / or to processing sensor data received from one or more sensor devices (e.g., sensor 192, which may be one or more flow meters, such as one or more Venturi flow meters, which may be configured to generate sensor data indicative of the flow rate of liquid metal coolant 190 through the inlet line 121, the return line 124, and / or the multi-stage ALIP 120, one or more pressure sensors, which may be configured to generate sensor data indicative of the pressure of liquid metal coolant 190 at one or more locations within the inlet line 121, the return line 124, and / or the multi-stage ALIP 120, etc.).

[0174] The input commands and / or sensor data may be processed to determine a desired or target flow rate and / or pressure rise distribution of the liquid metal coolant through at least the multi-stage ALIP 120, an actual flow rate and / or pressure rise distribution of the liquid metal coolant through at least the multi-stage ALIP 120 and / or the primary coolant loop 119, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, where the actual flow rate and / or pressure rise distribution is determined based on processing of the sensor data, the target flow rate and / or pressure rise distribution may be determined based on comparing the actual flow rate and / or pressure rise distribution to a desired, threshold, or target flow rate and / or pressure rise distribution, which may be stored in a memory and / or database. The comparison may include determining a new target flow rate and / or pressure rise distribution based on a determination that the actual flow rate and / or pressure rise distribution exceeds one or more threshold flow rate and / or pressure rise distributions.

[0175] Determining the particular frequency and / or power amplitude may include, for example, in response to an input command and / or in response to processing of received sensor data (e.g., in response to determining a desired, target, and / or actual flow rate and / or pressure rise distribution of liquid metal coolant through at least the multi-stage ALIP 120 and / or the primary coolant loop 119, etc.), accessing an empirically generated look-up table that associates the actual, target, and / or desired liquid metal coolant 190 flow rate and / or pressure rise distribution within the multi-stage ALIP with particular parameters (e.g., frequency and / or power amplitude, start or inhibit states, etc.) of multi-phase power to be supplied to one or more stages, or all stages, of the multi-stage ALIP to implement the associated liquid metal coolant 190 flow rate and / or pressure rise distribution. In some exemplary embodiments, the lookup table may be accessed in response to receiving an input of a desired, target, and / or actual liquid metal coolant 190 flow rate and / or pressure rise distribution in a multi-stage ALIP to identify specific parameters (e.g., frequency and / or power amplitude, start or inhibit states, etc.) of multi-phase power to be supplied by one or more particular multi-phase power sources to a corresponding one or more, or all, stages of the multi-stage ALIP to implement the desired and / or target liquid metal flow rate and / or pressure rise distribution. Operations S804-S818 of any of operations S802-1-S802-N for implementing a desired and / or target liquid metal flow rate and / or pressure rise distribution may send control signals to one or more particular multi-phase power sources to cause the one or more particular multi-phase power sources to adjust the multi-phase power supplied to the corresponding one or more, or all, stages of the multi-stage ALIP according to particular parameters (e.g., frequency and / or power amplitude, start or inhibit state, etc.) of the multi-phase power supplied by the one or more particular multi-phase power sources to the corresponding one or more, or all, stages of the multi-stage ALIP in order to implement the desired and / or target liquid metal flow rate and / or pressure rise distribution.

[0176] 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of configuring a nuclear reactor to improve flow control of liquid metal coolant within the reactor, configuration S900, according to some example embodiments, which may be implemented with respect to any example embodiment of a nuclear reactor included herein, including reactor 110 shown in FIG.

[0177] At S902, configuration S900 may include installing the multi-stage ALIP 120 in the primary coolant loop 119 within the reactor pressure vessel 111. The multi-stage ALIP 120 may be any of the multi-stage ALIP 120 according to any of the example embodiments. The installation may be performed by a human operator. Such installation may include connecting an inlet 122 of the multi-stage ALIP 120 to a suction line 121 of the primary coolant loop 119 and connecting an outlet 123 of the multi-stage ALIP 120 to a return line 124 of the primary coolant loop 119. The installation may include connecting a pump casing 302 of the multi-stage ALIP 120 to a structural support member of the reactor 110 to structurally connect the multi-stage ALIP 120 to the reactor pressure vessel 111, the core inlet plenum 118, the reactor core 112, the primary heat exchanger 114, the suction reservoir 116, or any combination thereof.

[0178] At S904, configuring S900 may include electrically coupling multi-stage ALIP 120 to a plurality of multi-phase power sources 144-1 through 144-N corresponding to the N stages of multi-stage ALIP 120, thereby electrically connecting the N stages of multi-stage ALIP 120 to separate respective ones of multi-phase power sources 144-1 through 144-N. This coupling may be performed by a human operator. The electrical coupling in S904 may include electrically connecting the sets 320-1 to 320-N of the induction coils 320 of the multi-stage ALIP 120 to separate respective multi-phase power cables 146-1 to 146-N, where each separate respective multi-phase power cable 146-1 to 146-N extends from the multi-stage ALIP 120 to at least the exterior of the reactor pressure vessel 111 via a single power conductor 180, or an extension cord, through a single penetration 182 through the outer wall 111S of the reactor pressure vessel 111. Each of the multi-phase power cables 146-1 to 146-N may be configured to connect a separate multi-phase power source 144-1 to 144-N to a separate stage of the multi-stage ALIP 120.

[0179] At S906, configuration S900 may include coupling (e.g., electrically and / or communicatively coupling) multi-stage ALIP 120 to one or more EMP control systems. This coupling may be performed by a human operator. This coupling may include communicatively coupling multi-stage ALIP 120 to one or more portions of EMP control system 150 via one or more communication lines, and electrically coupling power sources 144-1-144-N to EMP control system 150, thereby communicatively coupling EMP control system 150 indirectly to multi-stage ALIP 120 via multi-phase power sources 144-1-144-N via one or more communication lines, power lines, or the like. EMP control system 150 may include a memory (e.g., a solid state drive or SSD) that stores an instruction program, and a processor (e.g., a central processing unit or CPU) configured to execute the instruction program to independently control each stage of the multiple stages based on independently controlling the multi-phase power provided by separate respective multi-phase power sources 144-1 through 144-N.

[0180] Although a number of exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations are possible. Such variations should not be considered as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications that would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. Furthermore, although a process is disclosed herein, it should be understood that the elements of the described process may be performed in different orders, using different selections of elements, some combinations thereof, and the like. For example, some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed process may be performed using fewer elements than the process shown and described, and some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed process may be performed using more elements than the process shown and described.

Claims

1. 1. A multi-stage annular linear induction pump (ALIP) configured to circulate a liquid metal, comprising: a pump casing having a longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal direction; a plurality of concentric annular walls; a plurality of induction coils within the multi-stage ALIP; and the pump casing at least partially defines an interior of the multi-stage ALIP; the concentric annular walls extend coaxially with the longitudinal axis and collectively define a flow annulus that extends coaxially with the longitudinal axis; The plurality of induction coils include: each surrounding the longitudinal axis, each having a central axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis; are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, a plurality of sets of induction coils; the plurality of sets of induction coils at least partially define respective distinct stages of the plurality of stages of the multi-stage ALIP; a multi-stage ALIP, wherein the plurality of sets of induction coils are configured to be electrically connected to separate respective ones of the plurality of multi-phase power supplies such that the plurality of stages are controlled independently of one another to adjustably control the flow of the liquid metal through the flow annulus based on independent control of the plurality of multi-phase power supplies.

2. 2. The multi-stage ALIP of claim 1, the plurality of sets of induction coils includes a first set of induction coils and a second set of induction coils, the first set of induction coils at least partially defining a first stage of the plurality of stages, and the second set of induction coils at least partially defining a second stage of the plurality of stages; a multi-stage ALIP, wherein the first and second sets of induction coils are at least partially interdigitated with one another in the longitudinal direction such that at least one induction coil of the first set is located between at least two induction coils of the second set in the longitudinal direction.

3. 2. The multi-stage ALIP of claim 1, the plurality of sets of induction coils includes a first set of induction coils and a second set of induction coils, the first set of induction coils at least partially defining a first stage of the plurality of stages, and the second set of induction coils at least partially defining a second stage of the plurality of stages; The first and second sets of induction coils are No induction coil of the first set of induction coils is located between at least two induction coils of the second set of induction coils in the longitudinal direction; and no induction coil of the second set is located between at least two induction coils of the first set in the longitudinal direction; A multi-stage ALIP spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction.

4. 2. The multi-stage ALIP of claim 1, the plurality of sets of induction coils includes a first set of induction coils and a second set of induction coils, the first set of induction coils at least partially defining a first stage of the plurality of stages, and the second set of induction coils at least partially defining a second stage of the plurality of stages; The first and second sets of induction coils have different inherent characteristics, the different inherent characteristics being: the material composition of the induction coil; the longitudinal spacing between opposing surfaces of adjacent induction coils of the same set; a thickness of the induction coil in the longitudinal direction; an annular thickness of the induction coil in a radial direction extending perpendicular to said longitudinal direction; The inner diameter of the induction coil, and Induction coil outer diameter A multi-stage ALIP including at least one of:

5. 2. The multi-stage ALIP of claim 1, At least two induction coils of a given set of induction coils of the plurality of sets of induction coils have different inherent characteristics, the different inherent characteristics being: the material composition of the induction coil; the longitudinal spacing between opposing surfaces of adjacent induction coils of the same set; a thickness of the induction coil in the longitudinal direction; an annular thickness of the induction coil in a radial direction extending perpendicular to said longitudinal direction; The inner diameter of the induction coil, and Induction coil outer diameter A multi-stage ALIP including at least one of:

6. 2. The multi-stage ALIP of claim 1, the multi-stage ALIP further includes a central core extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis and surrounded by the concentric annular wall; The plurality of stages further comprises: the material composition of the central core; and a diameter of the central core in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction a multi-stage ALIP at least partially defined by the longitudinal deformation of at least one of:

7. 2. The multi-stage ALIP of claim 1, The plurality of stages further comprises: an outer diameter of the inner annular wall of said concentric annular wall; an inner diameter of the outer annular wall of said concentric annular wall; the radial thickness of the annular wall, and Flow annulus shape a multi-stage ALIP at least partially defined by the longitudinal deformation of at least one of:

8. A nuclear reactor configured to be cooled via circulation of liquid metal, comprising: a reactor pressure vessel; a reactor core within the reactor pressure vessel; a multi-stage annular linear induction pump (ALIP) according to claim 1, located within the reactor pressure vessel and configured to circulate liquid metal coolant through a primary coolant flow path including the reactor core; A nuclear reactor comprising:

9. A nuclear reactor according to claim 8. each separate multi-phase power source configured to provide multi-phase power over a separate multi-phase power cable of the plurality of multi-phase power cables; the plurality of sets of induction coils are electrically connected to respective separate ones of the plurality of multi-phase power cables; the plurality of multi-phase power cables are at least partially contained within a single power conductor cable; the single power conductor cable extends between at least a casing of the multi-stage ALIP and at least the outside of the reactor pressure vessel through a single opening in an outer wall of the reactor pressure vessel, and the sets of induction coils are electrically coupled to separate respective multi-phase power sources through the single opening in the outer wall of the reactor pressure vessel.

10. The reactor of claim 8, a control system configured to independently control the plurality of multi-phase power sources to independently control the supply of multi-phase electrical power to each of the plurality of stages of the multi-stage ALIP to adjustably control the flow of the liquid metal coolant through the primary coolant flow path.

11. 10. A method of operating the multi-stage ALIP of claim 1, comprising: providing first multi-phase electrical power to a first stage of the plurality of stages via a first multi-phase electrical power source of the plurality of multi-phase electrical power sources to flow liquid metal through the flow annulus; independently controlling a separate supply of second multi-phase power to a second stage of the plurality of stages via a second multi-phase power source of the plurality of multi-phase power sources to adjustably control the flow of liquid metal through the flow annulus; A method comprising:

12. 12. The method of claim 11, The method, wherein the independently controlling includes inhibiting the separate supply of the second multi-phase power to the second stage while maintaining the supply of the first multi-phase power to the first stage.

13. 12. The method of claim 11, The independently controlling a frequency of the second multi-phase power supplied to the second stage that is independent of the frequency of the first multi-phase power supplied to the first stage; and the current of the second multi-phase power supplied to the second stage being independent of the current of the first multi-phase power supplied to the first stage; and independently adjusting at least one of:

14. 1. A method of configuring a nuclear reactor for improved flow control of liquid metal coolant within the reactor, comprising: installing a multi-stage ALIP according to claim 1 having a plurality of stages in a primary coolant loop within a reactor pressure vessel of said nuclear reactor; electrically connecting the stages of the multi-stage ALIP to separate respective multi-phase power sources via separate respective multi-phase power cables; communicatively coupling the multi-stage ALIP to an electromagnetic pump control system; Equipped with the electromagnetic pump control system includes a memory storing an instruction program and a processor configured to execute the instruction program to independently control each stage of the plurality of stages based on independently controlling the polyphase power supplied by each of the separate polyphase power sources; method.

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