Power generation vessels for land-based power distribution

Abstract

To provide a ship or other vessel that generates electricity so that it can supply power to land when a nuclear reactor is operating at full power. [Solution] A ship and a method for operating a ship. The ship has a power generation system comprising a nuclear reactor and a generator. The nuclear reactor is coupled to the generator to produce electricity. Furthermore, the ship may include a propulsion system comprising an engine and a thruster that receives torque from the engine and moves the ship through the water surrounding the ship. The ship may be part of a temporary power system having an electrical cable that electrically connects the generator to an onshore power distribution system. Multiple buoys may support the electrical cable between the ship and the onshore power distribution system. A method for operating a ship may include the steps of starting the nuclear reactor while the ship is underway and maintaining the nuclear reactor in a standby state.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 (Related Application) This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 464,861, filed May 8, 2023, entitled "MARINE VESSEL FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY FOR ONSHORE DISTRIBUTION", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 【0002】 The present invention relates to a ship and a power generation and distribution system including the ship. 【Background Art】 【0003】 Natural disasters and bad weather such as hurricanes, earthquakes, thunderstorms, and winter storms can cause power outages. In such situations, the power generation plant may be damaged and go offline, or the area may be disconnected from the power generation plant and the power supply may be interrupted. Military conflicts can also lead to damage to power generation plants or disconnection from other power generation plants, resulting in a similar disruption of the power supply. Additionally, depending on the area controlled by the attacking or defending military forces, such power generation plants may not be available. 【Summary of the Invention】 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0004】 In one aspect, the present invention relates to a ship comprising a hull, a propulsion system, and a power generation system. The propulsion system includes an engine and a propeller. The engine generates torque during operation and is drivingly coupled to the propeller to transmit the torque of the engine to the propeller. The propeller receives the torque from the engine and moves the hull through the body of water surrounding the hull. The power generation system includes a nuclear reactor and a generator. The nuclear reactor is coupled to the generator and generates power so that the nuclear reactor can supply power to the onshore when in output operation. 【0005】 In other embodiments, the present invention relates to a temporary power system comprising a ship and a shore power distribution system including a shore electrical connection. The ship comprises a hull and a power generation system. The power generation system comprises a reactor and a generator. The generator is coupled to the reactor and generates electricity when the reactor is operating. Electrical cables electrically connect the generator to the shore electrical connection and supply power from the power generation system to the shore power distribution system. The temporary power system further comprises supports that support the electrical cables between the ship and the shore electrical connection. 【0006】 In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for operating a ship including a power generation system, the power generation system including a reactor and a generator. The method includes the steps of sailing the ship, starting the reactor while the ship is sailing, and keeping the reactor in a standby state while the ship is sailing. 【0007】 The above and other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0008】 [Figure 1] A ship equipped with a nuclear reactor according to a preferred embodiment is shown. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the ship shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the vessel shown in Figure 1 as part of a temporary power system. [Figure 4] A diagram of another ship equipped with a nuclear reactor is shown. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a side view of the ship shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0009】 As mentioned above, natural disasters and severe weather can cause power outages by shutting down power plants or otherwise disrupting the power supply. Such outages can be particularly severe if the area is isolated or remote. For example, many U.S. territories, such as Guam and Puerto Rico, are islands and therefore isolated from power plants outside their territory. Other remote areas, such as Alaska, have limited or no interconnections with other power plants. Due to the lack or limitations of interconnections, power outages at these power plants can result in severe and prolonged blackouts. 【0010】 A so-called "microreactor" is a nuclear reactor that generates relatively small amounts of electricity. For example, the output of these microreactors can be 50 megawatts (MW) or less, for example, between 5 MW and 50 MW. Because microreactors are relatively small, they can be designed to be transportable to remote and isolated areas, and can provide temporary power when remote and isolated areas experience power outages due to natural disasters and severe weather, or when safe and reliable power is required for defense purposes, as detailed below. In the embodiments described herein, a vessel such as a ship or articulated barge is equipped with at least one microreactor. The microreactor on board the vessel can be used as a temporary power plant to supply electricity to land in the event of a power outage or when other temporary power production is required. Therefore, the vessel is preferably located near the coast and then connected to a land-based power distribution system such as a power grid or microgrid to supply electricity to land. 【0011】 The vessels described herein can also be used for military purposes. As mentioned above, electricity may be unavailable or unreliable during conflict. The vessels described herein can be used to supply electricity to troops in locations accessible by sea. Expeditionary forces are units deployed in locations far from existing military facilities and require self-sufficient logistical capabilities, including electricity production. Units engaged in amphibious operations, in particular, may not have access to existing electricity production facilities. For example, units establishing landing bases may not have access to electricity produced on land. The vessels described herein can be rapidly deployed, as described below, to supply electricity and support expeditionary operations. 【0012】 As used herein, the directional terms “fore,” “stern,” “inboard,” and “outboard” have the meanings commonly understood in the art. In relation to a ship, fore is the direction toward the bow, and stern is the direction toward the stern. Similarly, inboard is the direction toward the center of the ship, and outboard is the direction toward the center away from the center of the ship. 【0013】 Figure 1 shows a vessel equipped with a nuclear reactor according to a preferred embodiment. The vessel 100 shown in Figure 1 has a hull 110 and a superstructure 120. The vessel 100 has a bow 102, a stern 104, and a longitudinal centerline 106. The longitudinal centerline 106 is midway between the port and starboard sides of the hull 110 and extends through the middle of the vessel 100 from the bow 102 to the stern 104. The vessel 100 can preferably be a tanker or a converted tanker with a main deck 112. The superstructure 120 may include a wheelhouse 122 (i.e., a bridge) for steering the vessel 100 and living quarters for the crew. The superstructure 120 is located in the aft half, more preferably the aft third, of the vessel 100 and extends upward to position the wheelhouse 122 above the main deck 112 to ensure visibility over the bow 102. The hull 110 of this embodiment is a displacement hull. 【0014】 As described above, the vessel 100 is preferably located near the coast 302 and connected to the shore power distribution system 310 (see also Figure 3). With respect to various islands and other remote areas, the waters near the coast may be relatively shallow. In addition, the vessel 100 can be used to supply power to remote areas accessible by navigable rivers, but such navigable rivers and anchorages on those rivers may also be relatively shallow. Therefore, the vessel 100, more specifically the hull 110, can preferably be designed as a shallow draft vessel. The hull 110 can preferably have a minimum mean draft of 12 feet or less. To achieve such a draft, the vessel 100, more specifically the hull 110, has a relatively large beam. The formed beam can be at least 80 feet, for example, 80 to 90 feet. In this embodiment, the ship 100, more specifically the hull 110, has an overall length of at least 360 feet, ranging from 360 to 400 feet, and a depth (from the keel to the main deck 112) of at least 20 feet. However, the dimensions of the hull can be varied, and other main dimensions of the hull 110 can be used as long as they can carry the power generation system 200 (including the reactor 210, see Figure 2) and other common cargo / deadweight at a given draft. 【0015】 Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ship 100 shown in Figure 1. The ship 100 is equipped with a power generation system 200. The power generation system 200 is a nuclear power plant and includes a reactor 210 that generates heat, which then produces a high-temperature gaseous fluid such as steam. The steam rotates a turbine 222 that is driven and coupled to a generator 224, and electricity is generated in proportion to the rotation of the turbine 222. The use of the steam cycle described below is an example of several energy conversion options that can be used with the reactor 210 as part of the power generation system 200. Other suitable energy conversion options include, for example, a primary-only Brayton cycle, a primary cooling loop with an intermediate heat exchanger to a secondary Brayton cycle, or a combined cycle of a gas turbine in the primary cooling loop and a Rankine / steam cycle in the secondary cooling loop. 【0016】 In this embodiment, the reactor 210 is a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR), but any suitable reactor 210 and power plant design, such as a pressurized water reactor (PWR) or a boiling water reactor (BWR), can be used. One such suitable reactor 210 is described in U.S. Publication No. 2020 / 0373027, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In this embodiment, the reactor 210 is a microreactor. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the power generation system 200 is shown to comprise a single reactor 210, but the power generation system 200 may comprise two or more reactors 210. In such embodiments, a standardized reactor design (e.g., a standardized microreactor design) increases the total power output of the power generation system 200 without requiring a new reactor design and associated licensing and other regulatory compliance processes. 【0017】 The reactor 210 includes a core 211 housed within a reactor vessel 213 (also called a pressure vessel). The core 211 contains nuclear fuel through which a fluid flows. The fluid flowing through the core 211 absorbs heat from the nuclear reactions occurring in the nuclear fuel within the core 211 and is therefore referred to herein as a coolant (in this embodiment, a primary coolant). As described above, the reactor 210 in this embodiment is a high-temperature gas reactor, and the primary coolant is a gas. Suitable gases that can be used as a primary coolant include, for example, carbon dioxide or helium. Any nuclear fuel can be used, for example, uranium. Uranium can be in some suitable form. One such suitable form is triple-isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles. The particles may consist of uranium nuclei in a ceramic form, such as uranium oxide, which are coated with multiple layers. In some embodiments of TRISO fuel particles, the uranium nuclei are coated with four layers of triple-isotropic material. Since the primary coolant is a gas, the core 211 also includes a moderator. Graphite is an example of a suitable moderator, and in some embodiments, TRISO fuel particles are arranged prismatically within prismatic graphite blocks placed in the core, through which the primary coolant flows. However, other suitable fuel arrangements, such as pebble-bed reactor designs, can also be used. To control nuclear reactions within the core 211, control rods containing neutron absorbers can be used in the reactor. The control rods can be operated by a control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) 212. Suitable control rod drive mechanisms are known in the art and include electric motors that drive screws or nuts to move the control rods into the core 211 to reduce reactivity, or further move them out of the core 211 to increase reactivity. 【0018】 The reactor 210 in this embodiment includes a plurality of fluid loops through which a fluid (also referred to herein as coolant) flows. In this embodiment, the reactor 210 includes a primary coolant loop 215 through which a primary coolant flows. As described above, the primary fluid flows through the core 211 and is heated by nuclear reactions within the core 211 when the reactor is critical. Within the primary coolant loop 215, the core 211 and the reactor vessel 213 are fluidly connected to a heat exchanger, which in this embodiment is a steam generator 217. The heated primary coolant flows from the core 211 to the steam generator 217, and as the primary coolant passes through the steam generator 217, heat from the primary coolant is transferred (absorbed) to a secondary coolant that similarly flows within the steam generator 217. After the primary coolant has cooled, it returns from the steam generator 217 through the primary coolant loop 215 to the reactor vessel 213 and the core 211. A suitable gas circulator 219 can be located within the primary coolant loop 215, such as downstream of the steam generator 217 and upstream of the reactor vessel 213, to assist in the circulation of the primary coolant and create a flow of primary coolant within the primary coolant loop 215. 【0019】 The secondary coolant can be any suitable coolant that absorbs heat from the primary coolant. Preferably, the secondary coolant is a two-phase coolant, which in this embodiment is water. In this embodiment, when the secondary coolant absorbs heat from the primary coolant in the steam generator 217, the water (secondary coolant) undergoes a phase change to steam (water vapor). The secondary coolant is located in a secondary coolant loop 220, and the steam generator 217 is fluidically connected to at least one turbine 222. In this embodiment, multiple turbines 222 connected in series are used. As the steam (secondary coolant) flows through the turbines 222, the steam rotates the turbines 222. The turbines 222 are drive-coupled to a generator 224, and as the turbines 222 rotate, the generator 224 generates electricity. 【0020】 One or more condensers 226 are located within the secondary coolant loop 220, downstream of the turbine 222 and upstream of the steam generator 217. Steam (secondary coolant) flows from the turbine 222 to the condenser 226, where it condenses from steam to liquid. The condenser 226 is fluidically connected to the steam generator 217, and the condensed secondary coolant (liquid) is returned to the steam generator 217. More generally, the condenser 226 may be called a heat exchanger configured to cool and / or condense the secondary coolant by removing heat. In systems where the coolant (e.g., secondary coolant) is a gas, such components may be called a cooler. A secondary coolant pump 228 is located downstream of the condenser 226 and upstream of the steam generator 217, within the secondary coolant loop 220, and can circulate the secondary coolant within the secondary coolant loop 220. 【0021】 The condenser 226 is a heat exchanger that removes heat from steam (secondary coolant) using a suitable cooling medium (such as a condensing fluid) and condenses the steam. In this embodiment, each condenser 226 is fluidically connected to the outside of the hull 110 of the ship 100 and draws the water surrounding the hull 110 into the condenser 226 as the condensing fluid. The condenser 226 can be fluidly connected to the water surrounding the hull by a suitable fluid connection such as a condensing fluid line 232, and a condensing fluid pump 234 can be located in at least one of the condensing fluid lines 232 to circulate the condensing fluid between the condenser 226 and the outside of the hull 110. 【0022】 In some embodiments, the condenser 226 may include (or be) a ballast tank (cooling ballast tank 229) that is fluidly connected to the water surrounding the hull 110. The coolant line of the secondary cooling loop 220 can pass through the cooling ballast tank 229 containing water to effect heat exchange with the water in the cooling ballast tank 229 and to cool and / or condense the secondary coolant. The cooling ballast tank 229 used to cool the coolant of the reactor 210 can be the ballast tank 152 described below, but the ballast tank 152 used for ship stability during navigation is preferably empty during operation of the reactor 210 to reduce the draft while the ship 100 is moored and connected to the onshore electrical distribution system 310. Therefore, the cooling ballast tank 229 is a separate ballast tank in which water is contained during operation of the reactor 210. In some embodiments, the cooling ballast tank 229 can also be disposed within the ship 100 to provide shielding from radiation from the reactor 210. 【0023】 In some embodiments, an intermediate loop including an intermediate heat exchanger can be used. Such an intermediate loop is fluidly connected to the condenser 226, receives heat from the secondary coolant, and transfers that heat to the water in the body of water surrounding the hull 110 via the intermediate heat exchanger. Such an intermediate loop can be used, for example, when the ship 100 is operating in seawater or in other bodies of water containing components that pose a concern for corrosion to the condenser 226 (or the cooling device). 【0024】 The power generation system 200 of this embodiment is disposed in front of the upper structure 120 at the central part of the ship 100. The components of the power generation system 200, more specifically, the components of the reactor 210 and the primary coolant loop 215, can be arranged in the containment structure 202. In some embodiments, the reactor 210 is located within the hull 110, but a part of the power generation system 200 may extend above the main deck 112, and the containment structure 202 may extend above the main deck 112, but preferably, the containment structure 202 is arranged at a sufficiently low position so as not to obstruct the view from the steering room 122. The components of the power generation system 200, more specifically, the components of the reactor 210, can be arranged within the ship 100 in order to minimize the trim of the ship in a state where no ballast is loaded. For example, the support facilities of the reactor 210 can be positioned behind the reactor 210 to help disperse the load of the power generation system 200 around the longitudinal center of buoyancy (LCB) of the ship 100 (hull 110). In other embodiments, when the reactor vessel 213 is relatively heavy, the reactor vessel 213 can be positioned such that the longitudinal center line 106 passes therethrough and extends, and / or can be positioned at the center of buoyancy (LCB) of the ship 100 (hull 110). 【0025】 Since the reactor 210 emits radiation, a shielding body 240 is provided to absorb various forms of radiation emitted from the reactor 210. Because the draft of the ship 100 is shallow, a large portion of the reactor 210, more specifically the reactor vessel 213 (e.g., at least the majority of the reactor vessel 213), may be located above the waterline 108 of the ship 100. Thus, only the lower side of the reactor 210 can be shielded by the water surrounding the hull 110, and the additional shielding body 240 on the ship 100 can be used to shield the other parts of the reactor 210. The shielding body 240 can be positioned around the reactor vessel 213 and / or the primary coolant loop 215. More specifically, the shielding body 240 can be positioned around the reactor vessel 213 and / or the primary cooling loop 215, for example, outside and forward and aft of the reactor vessel 213 and / or the primary cooling loop 215. Furthermore, the shielding body 240 can also be positioned above the reactor vessel 213 and / or the primary cooling loop 215. 【0026】 In some embodiments, the shielding body 240 is a fixed shielding body 242. The fixed shielding body 242 is a material suitable for shielding radiation, such as metal and plastic. If metal is used, the metal can be steel or a high-density metal, such as lead or tungsten, which is a suitable shielding metal. The fixed shielding body 242 can be, for example, a metal plate and / or plastic sheet positioned around the reactor vessel 213 and / or primary coolant loop 215. 【0027】 Since the reactor 210 generates the most radiation during operation, the shielding 240 is primarily used during and immediately after the operation of the reactor 210. Therefore, the shielding 240 can be reduced when the reactor 210 is shut down. Instead of or in addition to the fixed shielding 242, the shielding 240 can be a removable (or movable) shield. Such a removable shield can be, for example, water. Thus, one or more shielding tanks 244 can be positioned around the reactor vessel 213 and / or the primary cooling loop 215 in the manner described above. Each shielding tank 244 can be fluidically connected to the water surrounding the vessel by appropriate fluid connections such as a shielding line 246, and a shielding pump 248 can be placed in the shielding line 246 to supply water to and / or discharge water from the shielding tanks 244. Thus, the water added to the shielding tanks 244 can be used to shield from radiation from the reactor 210 during its operation. If reactor 210 is shut down and the shielding provided by the water in shielding tank 244 is no longer needed, the water can be removed from shielding tank 244 (for example, by draining it with a pump). 【0028】 As will be described later, in some embodiments, the reactor 210 is not used as a power source for the ship 100, but is used only when the ship 100 is moored or for a limited time while the ship 100 is underway. While the ship 100 is underway, water can be removed from the shielding tank 244, which lowers the ship's center of gravity and improves the ship's navigational stability, especially under open water conditions. Such a lowering of the center of gravity is particularly useful when a substantial portion (e.g., most) of the shielding body 240 is located above the waterline 108. In the embodiment schematically shown in Figure 2, the shielding body 240 used is a combination of a fixed shielding body 242 and a shielding tank 244. 【0029】 The schematic diagram of the power generation system 200 shown in Figure 2 shows one steam generator 217 and one secondary coolant loop 220. However, the power generation system 200 is not limited to this, and the reactor vessel 213 can be fluidly connected to multiple steam generators 217, and therefore the power generation system 200 can have multiple secondary coolant loops 220. Therefore, the power generation system 200 can also have multiple generators 224. As described above, the reactor 210 is preferably a microreactor, and in such embodiments, the power generation system 200, more specifically the generators 224, is configured such that the power generation amount (electrical output) is preferably 50 megawatts electric (MWe) or less, more preferably between 5 MWe and 50 MWe. 【0030】 Furthermore, the ship 100 is equipped with a propulsion system 130 for moving the ship 100 on the water. The propulsion system 130 includes an engine 131 and a thruster 133. The engine 131 is a machine that converts power into motion to drive the thruster 133, and more specifically, a machine that generates torque when in operation. The engine 131 can be, for example, a gas turbine engine, an internal combustion engine, or an electric motor. The engine 131 is connected to a power source 135 suitable for the engine 131. A suitable power source 135 may be, for example, a liquid fuel such as diesel fuel (petroleum-based, biomass-based, or a combination thereof) or other hydrocarbon fuels if the engine 131 is a gas turbine engine or an internal combustion engine, or electricity from a battery or fuel cell if the engine 131 is an electric motor. 【0031】 The engine 131 is driven and coupled to the thruster 133, transmitting torque from the engine 131 to the thruster 133. The thruster 133 receives the torque generated by the engine 131 and moves the hull 110 through the water surrounding the hull 110 when the engine 131 is operating. In this embodiment, the thruster 133 is a propeller, and the engine 131 is driven and coupled to the thruster 133 by a shaft 137 coupled to the propeller (thruster 133). Thus, the ship 100 is equipped with a rudder 114 located behind the propeller (thruster 133) to steer the ship 100 as the ship 100 moves across the water by the propulsion system 130. However, any suitable thruster 133 and propulsion system 130 can be used, including, for example, an azimuth thruster / drive (e.g., pod drive) propulsion system. In addition, while a single engine 131 driving a single propeller (thruster 133) is shown, in other embodiments, the engine 131 may drive multiple propellers (thrusters 133). In yet another embodiment, the propulsion system 130 may include multiple engines 131, each with a corresponding thruster 133. 【0032】 In this embodiment, the engine 131 drives the thruster 133 independently of the power generation system 200, more specifically the reactor 210. The thruster 133 receives torque from the engine 131 to move the hull 110 through the water surrounding it, but does not receive torque or other input from the power generation system 200, more specifically the reactor 210. Thus, the thruster 133 can receive torque from the engine 131 alone to move the hull 110 through the water surrounding it. In other words, during the navigation of the ship 100, the reactor 210 is not used to move the ship 100 on the water or to operate the ship 100 in any other way. In this embodiment, the reactor 210 is not coupled to the thruster 133 to generate torque for the thruster 133. More specifically, the reactor 210 is not fluidly connected to a machine (such as a turbine) that generates torque to drive the thruster 133. Such fluid connections include indirect fluid connections in which the primary fluid flowing through the reactor 210 is connected to a fluid flowing through another loop, such as a secondary cooling loop 220, via a heat exchanger such as a steam generator 217. Rather, the reactor 210 is used as part of a power generation system 200, as detailed below, to supply power to land as a temporary (or emergency) power source to the onshore power distribution system 310 (see Figure 3). Thus, the propulsion system 130 may also include a generator 139 coupled to an engine 131. The engine 131 is driven and coupled to the generator 139 to supply power to the ship 100 to operate the ship 100's auxiliary systems while the ship 100 is in motion. 【0033】 Preferably, the reactor 210 is designed with passive safety features so that it does not rely on active safety systems in the event of an accident. For example, the HTGR design described herein enables this passively safe reactor. However, the propulsion system 130 can be used as an emergency backup system for the reactor 210 if necessary. Thus, the propulsion system 130 can be connected to the nuclear reactor 210 and can power various safety systems of the reactor 210, for example, it can power appropriate gas circulators 219, secondary coolant pumps 228, and / or condensate pumps 234 to cool the core 211 in the event of an accident. 【0034】 As detailed below, the power generation system 200 and the reactor 210 can operate without adding or constructing any further infrastructure on land. Thus, other emergency or disaster response systems can be installed on the ship 100, and / or other onboard systems can be used for both ship operations and the power generation system 200, including the reactor 210. One such system may be an onboard fire protection system 140. In this embodiment, the fire protection system 140 is a water spraying system, but other suitable fire extinguishing systems may also be used. The fire protection system 140 includes one or more sprinkler heads 142 that are fluidly connected to a fire extinguishing agent source 144 to receive fire extinguishing agent from the fire extinguishing agent source 144. If the fire extinguishing agent used is water, the fire extinguishing agent source 144 may be a body of water surrounding the hull 110, but in other embodiments, the fire extinguishing agent source 144 is a tank (fire extinguishing agent tank) that contains the fire extinguishing agent (e.g., a chemical fire extinguishing agent such as halon). The sprinkler heads 142 can be installed throughout the ship 100, including in the engine room, and can also be installed inside the storage structure 202 to extinguish any fires that may occur within the storage structure 202. The fire protection system 140 also includes one or more water discharge valves 146 that are fluidly connected between the fire extinguishing agent supply source 144 and the sprinkler heads 142. When a fire or other hazard is detected, the water discharge valves 146 receive a fire hazard signal from a detector or manual alarm device indicating that a fire has been detected, and in response to this signal, they open the water discharge valves to allow the fire extinguishing agent to flow from the fire extinguishing agent supply source 144 to the sprinkler heads 142. 【0035】 As described above, the ship 100 is preferably designed to minimize weight and allow for a shallow draft when positioned near the shore 302 (see Figure 3). However, such a shallow draft may result in less-than-ideal sea-keeping characteristics for the ship 100 during navigation, particularly in rough weather conditions in open water. The ship 100 of this embodiment, more specifically the hull 110, may have one or more ballast tanks 152. Each ballast tank 152 is fluidly connected to the water surrounding the hull by appropriate fluid connections, such as ballast lines 154, and a ballast pump 156 is located in the ballast line 154 and can supply water to and / or discharge water from the ballast tanks 152. The water added to the ballast tanks 152 becomes ballast for the ship 100, increasing the ship 100's weight and consequently its draft. One or more ballast tanks 152 are configured to be filled with water to load ballast onto the hull 110, and loading ballast increases the draft of the displacement hull 110. The preferred average draft of the hull 110 described above is when the ship 100 (hull 110) is not loaded with ballast. Therefore, by adding ballast using the ballast tanks 152, the stability and seaworthiness of the ship 100 during navigation can be improved. When fully loaded with ballast, one or more ballast tanks 152 can increase the draft of the hull 110, and the average draft with ballast loaded is 70% to 80% of the mold depth of the hull 110. 【0036】 The vessel 100, more specifically the power generation system 200 described herein, can be used as a temporary power plant supplying emergency or temporary power to the coast as part of a temporary power system 300. Figure 3 shows a temporary power system 300 according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the vessel 100 is moored near the coast 302. In many cases, the vessel 100 will be moored near the coast 302 because there may not be permanent mooring facilities for the vessel 100 at the location where the power supply system 200 is supplying power, or such mooring facilities may be damaged, for example, by bad weather. The vessel 100 can be anchored by deploying one or more anchors 109 (see Figure 2). However, the vessel 100 may also be moored to a pier (permanent or temporary) or other suitable mooring facilities instead of anchoring. In some embodiments, the vessel is preferably located within 500 feet of the shoreline 302, more preferably within 300 feet of the shoreline 302, and even more preferably within 200 feet of the shoreline 302. 【0037】 Electricity is distributed onshore by a shore power distribution system 310, such as a power grid or microgrid, and the power generation system 200 is connected to the shore power distribution system 310. In this embodiment, the shore power distribution system 310 includes a substation 312 located near the coast 302. Transmission lines 314 connect the substation 312 to other parts of the shore power distribution system 310 that require power. The substation 312 includes a shore electrical connection 316, and the transmission lines 314 are electrically connected to the shore electrical connection 316. The power generation system 200, more specifically the generator 224, is electrically connected to the shore electrical connection 316 by at least one electrical cable 252. In this embodiment, the electrical cable 252 is part of the power generation system 200 and can be detachably connected to the shore electrical connection 316 to supply power from the power generation system 200 to the shore power distribution system 310. When the vessel is located close to the shore 302, the length of the cable is preferably 500 feet or less, more preferably 200 to 300 feet. 【0038】 In this embodiment, the electrical cable 252 extends from the ship 100 to the shore electrical connection 316 and is supported by a support structure such as a plurality of buoys 322. By supporting the electrical cable 252 with a plurality of buoys 322, the system can be deployed and quickly adapted to various marine environments. When the ship 100 is anchored, the ship 100 may rotate due to wind and ocean currents and move up and down due to tides. By supporting the electrical cable 252 with a plurality of buoys 322, the electrical cable 252 can float under these conditions and move with the ship 100. In addition, by supporting the electrical cable 252 with a plurality of buoys 322, the electrical cable 252 can be deployed regardless of the specific shape of the seabed and can avoid reefs and other obstacles. The buoys 322 can be 36 inches or less in diameter and are placed at the necessary intervals to support the weight of the electrical cable 252. By positioning the ship 100 near the shore 302, the weight of the electrical cable 252 is minimized, and part of the weight of the electrical cable 252 is supported by the ship 100. By supporting the electrical cable 252 with multiple buoys 322, the electrical cable 252 is positioned above and / or above the water surface. 【0039】 In some embodiments, the buoy 322 can be stored on the ship 100, and the ship 100 may be equipped with at least one small boat 324 (see Figure 1) which can be operated as a buoy-laying vessel for deploying the buoy 322 and the electrical cable 252. The ship 100 may also be equipped with a hoist 326 (see Figure 1) for deploying and retrieving the small boat 324. The small boat 324 is a boat that can be carried on the ship 100. As described above, such a boat can also be deployed (retrieved) using the hoist 326. The small boat 324 may be, for example, a rigid inflatable boat, or a boat with a rigid hull and an inflatable collar (air-filled or foam-filled). The small boat may include a workboat, preferably with an overall length of 50 feet or less, more preferably 40 feet or less. Such a boat may be a semi-displaced hull boat, and may include an aluminum hull landing craft with a relatively flat bottom to minimize draft and facilitate landing. Furthermore, in order to minimize the draft, the small boat 324 can be a waterjet-propelled boat and is equipped with a ship propulsion system that is a waterjet drive unit. Due to this feature of minimizing the draft, the small boat 324 can approach the shore 302 to position the buoy 322 and lay the electrical cable 252. 【0040】 In this embodiment, the electrical cable 252 is deployable and therefore movably coupled to the hull 110, moving between a storage position and a deployment position. In Figure 3, the electrical cable 252 is shown in the deployment position, suspended from several buoys 322 and connected to the shore electrical connection 316. Figure 2 shows the electrical cable 252 in the storage position. In the storage position, the electrical cable 252 is housed within the ship 100. Various suitable methods can be used to house the electrical cable 252 on the ship 100. In this embodiment, the ship 100 is equipped with a cable reel 254, and the electrical cable 252 is configured to be wound onto and unwound from the cable reel 254, moving between a storage position and a deployment position, respectively. A drive mechanism 256 is driven and coupled to the cable reel 254 to rotate the cable reel 254 to deploy or store the electrical cable 252. As the drive mechanism 256, any suitable one can be used, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 256 is an auxiliary system of the ship 100, which is powered by the propulsion system 130. To protect the electrical cables 252 from natural forces, particularly in the marine environment, the electrical cables 252 and cable reels 254 are protected by a housing 258 in their storage position. In Figure 2, the housing 258 is shown as being located on the main deck 112, but the housing 258 can also be located on other parts of the ship 100, such as the hull 110. 【0041】 As will be described later, the shipborne microreactor described herein can start supplying power quickly because the ship 100 has the functions and components to operate the power generation system 200 and reactor 210 without the addition or construction of additional infrastructure on land. Accordingly, the power generation system 200 may further include a transformer 262 located on the ship 100 (inside the hull 110), as shown in Figure 2. The transformer 262 is electrically connected to the generator 224 and converts the voltage of the power generated by the generator 224 to a voltage suitable for distribution at the onshore power distribution system 310. In some embodiments, the shipborne transformer 262 allows the power generation system 200 to be electrically connected to the onshore power distribution system 310 at a point other than the substation 312. The transformer 262 may be electrically located between the generator 224 and the electrical cable 252 and / or cable reel 254. 【0042】 The power generation system 200, including the reactor 210, can be operated from a control room 124 (also called the power generation system control room or reactor control room). The control room 124 can be located in various positions on the ship 100, but in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the control room 124 is located within the superstructure 120. For safety reasons, the control room 124 is preferably a room that can be isolated and protected from other compartments on the ship 100. More specifically, the control room 124 is located away from the wheelhouse 122. By locating the control room 124 on the ship 100, the power generation system 200 and the reactor 210 can be operated without the need for additional onshore infrastructure, as will be described later. 【0043】 Figures 4 and 5 show another vessel equipped with a power generation system 200 and a reactor 210 according to another preferred embodiment. The vessel described in the above embodiment is a ship 100, more specifically a tanker. However, the vessel is not limited thereto, and other vessels may be equipped with a power generation system 200 and may operate as described herein. Other suitable vessels include barges that can be moved by tugboats. The vessels described herein are preferably suitable for safe ocean navigation, and if the vessel is a barge, preferably the vessel is an integrated tug barge (ITB) or an articulated tug barge (ATB). 【0044】 Figures 4 and 5 show a tugboat 400 equipped with a power generation system 200 and a reactor 210. The tugboat 400 of this embodiment is similar to the power generation system 200 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The above description of these components also applies to this embodiment, and a detailed description of these components is omitted here. Accordingly, in the tugboat 400 of this embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used for components that are the same as or similar to the components of the ship 100 described above. 【0045】 The articulated tug-barge 400 includes a barge 410 and a tugboat 420. The barge 410 includes a bow 412 and a stern 414. As described above, the articulated tug-barge 400 is preferably designed for safe ocean navigation, and therefore the bow 412 is preferably a bow of a ship shape having, for example, a V-shape. The stern 414 of the barge 410 includes a U-shaped recess of a shape and size in which the corresponding tugboat 420 is placed. Thus, a portion of the barge 410 can extend parallel to the tugboat 420. 【0046】 The tugboat 420 is coupled to the barge 410 in a U-shaped recess by a suitable coupling system. In this embodiment, the barge and tug unit is a coupled tug-barge, and the coupling system allows for forward and backward pitching motion between the barge 410 and the tugboat 420. Any suitable coupled or "hinge-type" coupling system can be used, including, for example, the Intercon Coupler System® manufactured by Intercontinental Engineering-Manufacturing Corporation in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. 【0047】 Microreactors as described herein can be made small enough that their components can be transported in containers by truck, airplane, or ship, and then assembled to provide temporary power. Such methods are time-consuming because they require the installation and subsequent startup of a reactor. The shipborne microreactor described herein can provide emergency or temporary power more quickly. The power generation system 200 is already assembled on the ship (e.g., ship 100 or articulated tug-barge 400), thus eliminating assembly time. In addition, starting up a reactor can be a time-consuming process. The reactor 210 described herein can be started up while the ship (e.g., ship 100 or articulated tug-barge 400) is at sea, for example, while it is en route to a location where power will be supplied. While at sea, the ship (e.g., ship 100 or articulated tug-barge 400) is not anchored and is not firmly fixed to the shore or ground. In such cases, the power generation system 200 of the vessel (e.g., ship 100 or articulated tug barge 400) can begin supplying power to the shore power distribution system 310 as soon as the vessel arrives and connects to the shore power distribution system 310. In the following description, we will refer to a vessel that can be ship 100 or articulated tug barge 400 as described in this paragraph. 【0048】 To enable such operation, the shipborne microreactor described herein includes functions and components that enable the operation of the power generation system 200 and the reactor 210 without the addition or construction of additional onshore infrastructure. Since these components and systems are installed on the ship, they can also be used while the ship is underway. For example, the reactor 210 may have a black start function that does not depend on infrastructure outside the ship 100 and does not require connection to an external power grid for startup. Instead, the reactor 210 can be electrically connected to a startup power source on the ship 100 for startup operations. A suitable startup power source could be, for example, the propulsion system 130, more specifically the generator 139 that supplies startup power. Another suitable startup power source could be an onboard battery storage means. The startup power source, such as the generator 139 of the propulsion system 130, supplies power to the control rod drive mechanism 212 and other equipment and control devices necessary for reactor startup. 【0049】 As described above, the advantage of the shipborne micro-reactor described herein is that the reactor can be started while the ship is underway. Therefore, the method of operating the ship includes starting the reactor 210 while the ship is underway. Starting the reactor 210 includes supplying power to the control rod drive mechanism 212 from a power source such as the generator 139, as described above, and withdrawing the control rods from the reactor. Preferably, after starting, the reactor 210 is kept in a standby state. In the standby state, the reactor 210 can be kept at an output level below the point at which active heat removal is required. 【0050】 The vessel can move to a location where the power generation system 200 will supply power. The reactor 210 can be started while the vessel is in transit as described above, but the reactor 210 can also be started when the vessel is in another operating state and then moved to a location where the power generation system 200 will supply power. If the reactor 210 is started before or during transit, no power generation is required, so the reactor 210 is preferably kept in standby mode during transit. When the vessel arrives at a location where the power generation system 200 will supply power, the vessel is moored as described above, and then the generator 224 is connected to the onshore power distribution system 310 in the manner described above. Once the generator 224 is connected to the onshore power distribution system 310, the reactor 210 can quickly transition from standby mode to output mode, and the turbine 222 and generator 224 become operational and supply power to the onshore power distribution system 310. 【0051】 Further aspects of this disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses. 【0052】 A ship comprises a hull, a propulsion system, and a power generation system. The propulsion system includes an engine and a thruster. The engine generates torque when operating and is driven and coupled to the thruster, transmitting the engine's torque to the thruster. The thruster receives torque from the engine and moves the ship through the water surrounding the hull. The power generation system includes a reactor and a generator. The reactor is coupled to the generator, which generates electricity so that the reactor can supply power to land when operating at full power. 【0053】 In the vessels described in the above clause, the engine is one of the following: a gas turbine engine, an internal combustion engine, or an electric motor. 【0054】 In any of the vessels described in the above clauses, the propulsion system is a propeller, and the engine is driven and coupled to the propulsion system by a shaft coupled to the propeller. 【0055】 In any of the vessels described in the above clauses, the propulsion system moves the hull through the waters surrounding the hull without input from the power generation system. 【0056】 In any of the vessels described above, the propulsion system receives only torque from the engine to move the hull through the waters surrounding it. 【0057】 In any of the vessels described in the above clauses, the power generation system includes a shielding body positioned at least partially around the reactor, the shielding body including at least one shielding tank that can be filled with water to shield from radiation emitted from the reactor. 【0058】 In any of the vessels described in the above clauses, the hull has a waterline, and the reactor includes a reactor vessel, the majority of which is located above the waterline when the hull is not ballasted. 【0059】 Any of the above-mentioned vessels further comprises a transformer electrically connected to the generator in order to convert the voltage of the power generated by the generator. 【0060】 In any of the vessels described in the above clauses, the power generation system further includes at least one turbine driven-coupled to a generator such that the generator generates electricity when at least one turbine is rotating, the at least one turbine being fluidly connected to a steam source which receives steam from the steam source to rotate the at least one turbine, the steam source receiving heat from the reactor and generating steam when the reactor is operating at full power. 【0061】 Any of the vessels described in the above clauses shall further be equipped with a control room for controlling the power generation system. 【0062】 In any of the vessels described in the above clauses, a wheelhouse for steering the vessel is further provided, and a control room is located separately from the wheelhouse. 【0063】 In any of the vessels described in the above clauses, the hull is a displacement hull. 【0064】 In any of the vessels described in the above clauses, the displacement hull shall have a width of at least 85 feet. 【0065】 In any of the vessels described in the above clauses, the displacement hull shall have a draft of 12 feet or less. 【0066】 Any of the above-mentioned vessels further comprises one or more ballast tanks configured to be filled with water for loading ballast into a displacement hull. 【0067】 In any of the vessels described above, when ballast is loaded onto a displacement hull, the water increases the draft of the displacement hull. 【0068】 In any of the vessels described in the above clauses, a displacement hull shall have a draft of 12 feet or less when not loaded with ballast. 【0069】 Any of the above-mentioned vessels further comprises an electrical cable that is electrically connected to the generator and can connect the generator to a shore power distribution system. 【0070】 Any of the above-mentioned vessels further comprises a transformer electrically connected to the generator and converting the voltage of the power generated by the generator, the transformer being electrically positioned between the generator and the electrical cable. 【0071】 In any of the vessels described in the above clauses, the electrical cables are movably coupled to the hull and move between a storage position and a deployment position. 【0072】 In any of the vessels described in the above clauses, a cable reel is further provided, and the electrical cable is configured to be wound onto or unwound from the cable reel, and moves between a storage position and a deployment position, respectively. 【0073】 The temporary power system includes a vessel and a shore power distribution system including a shore electrical connection. The vessel includes a hull and a power generation system. The power generation system includes a reactor and a generator. The generator is coupled to the reactor and generates electricity when the reactor is operating. Electrical cables electrically connect the generator and the shore electrical connection, supplying power from the power generation system to the shore power distribution system. The temporary power system also further includes supports that hold up the electrical cables between the vessel and the shore electrical connection. 【0074】 In the temporary power system described above, the power generation system shall have a capacity of 50 megawatts or less. 【0075】 In any of the temporary power systems described in the above clauses, the power generation system shall have a capacity between 5 megawatts and 50 megawatts. 【0076】 In any of the temporary power systems described in the preceding clauses, the vessel further comprises a transformer electrically connected to a generator and converting the voltage of the power generated by the generator, the transformer being electrically positioned between the generator and the electrical cable. 【0077】 In any of the temporary power systems described in the above clauses, the electrical cables are detachably connected to the onshore electrical connections. 【0078】 In any of the temporary power systems described in the above provisions, the electrical cable is movably coupled to the vessel and moves between a storage position and a deployment position, and multiple buoys support the electrical cable when it is in the deployment position. 【0079】 In any of the temporary power systems described in the above provisions, a cable reel is further provided, and the electrical cable is wound onto the cable reel in a storage position. 【0080】 In any of the temporary power systems described in the above provisions, the support shall position the electrical cable at least one of the following: (i) on the surface of the water surrounding the hull, or (ii) above the surface of the water surrounding the hull. 【0081】 In any of the temporary power systems described in the above clauses, the support structure consists of multiple buoys. 【0082】 In any of the temporary power systems described in the above clauses, the vessel is a barge. 【0083】 In any of the temporary power systems described in the above clauses, the barge shall have a draft of 12 feet or less. 【0084】 In any of the temporary power systems described in the above clauses, the vessel is a vessel having a displacement hull. 【0085】 In any temporary power system under the above provisions, the vessel shall have a draft of 12 feet or less. 【0086】 In any of the temporary power systems described in the above provisions, the vessel shall further include a control room for controlling the power generation system. 【0087】 In any of the temporary power systems described in the above provisions, the vessel shall further have a wheelhouse for steering the vessel, and the control room shall be separate from the wheelhouse. 【0088】 In any of the temporary power systems described in the above clauses, the ship includes a propulsion system including an engine and a propeller, the engine generating torque when operating and being driven-coupled to the propeller to transmit torque from the engine to the propeller, the propeller receiving torque from the engine without receiving torque from the reactor, and moving the displacement hull through the waters surrounding the displacement hull. 【0089】 A method for operating a vessel having any of the above provisions. The vessel has a power generation system including a reactor and a generator. The method includes the steps of navigating the vessel, starting the reactor while the vessel is underway, and keeping the reactor in a standby state while the vessel is underway. 【0090】 In any of the methods described above, the step of starting up the reactor includes the step of supplying power from a power source to a control rod drive mechanism in order to withdraw the control rods from the reactor. 【0091】 In any manner described in the preceding clause, the vessel includes a propulsion system including an engine and a generator coupled to the engine, the engine being driven and coupled to the generator to supply electricity as a power source. 【0092】 In any of the above provisions, the further step is to move the vessel through a body of water surrounding the hull using a propulsion system. The propulsion system includes an engine and a thruster coupled to the engine to receive the torque generated by the engine. 【0093】 In any of the above provisions, the step of moving the vessel includes the step of moving the vessel through a body of water using a propulsion system while the reactor is running. 【0094】 In any of the above provisions, the step of moving the vessel includes the step of moving the vessel through a body of water using a propulsion system while keeping the reactor in standby mode. 【0095】 In any of the above provisions, the further steps include mooring the vessel and electrically connecting the generator of a power generation system located on the vessel to a shore power distribution system. The power generation system includes a generator and a reactor. The generator is coupled to the reactor and generates electricity when the reactor is operating. 【0096】 In any of the above provisions, the mooring step includes the step of anchoring the vessel. 【0097】 The method described in any of the above provisions further includes the step of operating a power generation system at the reactor's output state to generate electricity and supplying the electricity to an onshore power distribution system. 【0098】 In any of the above provisions, the step of electrically connecting a generator of a power generation system located on a ship to a shore power distribution system includes the step of deploying an electrical cable that is movably coupled to the hull of the ship. 【0099】 In any of the methods described above, the step of laying the electrical cable includes the step of unwinding the electrical cable from the cable reel. 【0100】 In any of the methods described above, the step of deploying the electrical cable includes deploying a number of buoys to support the electrical cable between the vessel and the shore electrical connection of the shore power distribution system. 【0101】 Although the present invention has been described based on specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand many further modifications and variations based on this disclosure. Accordingly, the present invention can be carried out in ways other than those specifically described. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is determined not by the foregoing description but by any claims and equivalents supported by this application. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0102】 100 ships 102 Bow 104 Stern 106 Longitudinal centerline 110 hull 120 Superstructure 122 Wheelhouse 200 power generation systems 202 Storage Structure 252 Electrical Cables 254 Cable Reels 302 Coast 310 Land-based electric power distribution system 316 Land Electrical Connection Section 322 V 324 Small boats 326 Hoist

Claims

[Claim 1] The hull and, A propulsion system including an engine and a thruster, wherein the engine generates torque when operating, is driven and coupled to the thruster to transmit torque from the engine to the thruster, and the thruster receives torque from the engine and moves the hull through the water surrounding the hull; A power generation system including a nuclear reactor and a generator, wherein the nuclear reactor is coupled to the generator and generates electricity so that it can supply power to land when the nuclear reactor is operating at full power, A ship equipped with the following features. [Claim 2] The vessel according to claim 1, wherein the engine is one of a gas turbine engine, an internal combustion engine, or an electric motor. [Claim 3] The vessel according to claim 1, wherein the propulsion device is a propeller, and the engine is driven and coupled to the propulsion device by a shaft coupled to the propeller. [Claim 4] The vessel according to claim 1, wherein the propulsion system moves the hull through the waters surrounding the hull without input from the power generation system. [Claim 5] The vessel according to claim 1, wherein the propulsion system receives only torque from the engine in order to move the hull through the water area surrounding the hull. [Claim 6] The vessel according to claim 1, wherein the power generation system includes a shielding body positioned at least partially around the reactor, the shielding body includes at least one shielding tank that can be filled with water to shield from radiation emitted from the reactor. [Claim 7] The vessel according to claim 1, wherein the hull has a waterline, the reactor includes a reactor vessel, and the majority of the reactor vessel is located above the waterline when the hull is not ballasted. [Claim 8] The vessel according to claim 1, further comprising a transformer electrically connected to the generator for converting the voltage of the power generated by the generator. [Claim 9] The ship according to claim 1, wherein the power generation system further includes at least one turbine driven and coupled to a generator, the generator generating electricity when the at least one turbine rotates, the at least one turbine being fluidly connected to a steam supply source and receiving steam from the steam supply source to rotate the at least one turbine, the steam supply source receiving heat from the reactor and generating steam when the reactor is operating at full power. [Claim 10] The vessel according to claim 1, further comprising a control room for controlling the power generation system. [Claim 11] The vessel according to claim 10, further comprising a wheelhouse for steering the vessel, wherein the control room is located apart from the wheelhouse. [Claim 12] The vessel according to claim 1, wherein the hull is a displacement hull. [Claim 13] The vessel according to claim 12, wherein the displacement hull has a width of at least 85 feet. [Claim 14] The vessel according to claim 13, wherein the displacement hull has a draft of 12 feet or less. [Claim 15] The vessel according to claim 12, further comprising one or more ballast tanks configured to be filled with water for loading ballast onto the displacement hull. [Claim 16] The vessel according to claim 15, wherein when ballast is loaded onto the displacement hull, the water increases the draft of the displacement hull. [Claim 17] The vessel according to claim 15, wherein the displacement hull has a draft of 12 feet or less when no ballast is loaded. [Claim 18] The vessel according to claim 1, further comprising an electrical cable electrically connected to the generator and capable of connecting the generator to a land-based power distribution system. [Claim 19] The vessel according to claim 18, further comprising a transformer electrically connected to the generator and converting the voltage of the power generated by the generator, wherein the transformer is electrically positioned between the generator and the electrical cable. [Claim 20] The vessel according to claim 18, wherein the electrical cable is movably coupled to the hull and moves between a storage position and a deployment position. [Claim 21] The vessel according to claim 20, further comprising a cable reel, wherein the electrical cable is configured to be wound onto or unwound from the cable reel, and moves between the storage position and the deployment position, respectively. [Claim 22] A shore power distribution system including a shore electrical connection section, A ship comprising a hull and a power generation system, wherein the power generation system comprises a nuclear reactor and a generator, and the nuclear reactor, in operation, is coupled with the generator to generate electricity. An electrical cable that electrically connects the generator and the shore electrical connection and supplies power from the power generation system to the shore power distribution system, A support for the electrical cable between the ship and the shore electrical connection, A temporary power system equipped with [a specific feature / feature]. [Claim 23] The temporary power system according to claim 22, wherein the power generation system has a capacity of 50 megawatts or less. [Claim 24] The temporary power system according to claim 22, wherein the power generation system has a capacity between 5 megawatts electric and 50 megawatts electric. [Claim 25] The temporary power system according to claim 22, wherein the vessel further comprises a transformer electrically connected to the generator and converting the voltage of the power generated by the generator, the transformer being electrically positioned between the generator and the electrical cable. [Claim 26] The temporary power system according to claim 22, wherein the electrical cable is detachably connected to the land-based electrical connection. [Claim 27] The temporary power system according to claim 22, wherein the electrical cable is movably coupled to the vessel and moves between a storage position and a deployment position, and a plurality of buoys support the electrical cable when the electrical cable is in the deployment position. [Claim 28] The temporary power system according to claim 27, further comprising a cable reel, wherein the electrical cable is wound onto the cable reel in a storage position. [Claim 29] The temporary power system according to claim 22, wherein the support body positions the electrical cable at least one of (i) on the surface of the body of water surrounding the hull, or (ii) above the surface of the body of water surrounding the hull. [Claim 30] The temporary power system according to claim 29, wherein the support is a plurality of buoys. [Claim 31] The temporary power system according to claim 22, wherein the vessel is a barge. [Claim 32] The temporary power system according to claim 31, wherein the barge has a draft of 12 feet or less. [Claim 33] The temporary power system according to claim 22, wherein the vessel further comprises a control room for controlling the power generation system. [Claim 34] The temporary power system according to claim 33, wherein the vessel further comprises a wheelhouse for steering the vessel, and the control room is separate from the wheelhouse. [Claim 35] The temporary power system according to claim 22, wherein the vessel is a vessel having a displacement hull. [Claim 36] The temporary power system according to claim 35, wherein the vessel has a draft of 12 feet or less. [Claim 37] The temporary power system according to claim 35, wherein the vessel includes a propulsion system including an engine and a propeller, the engine generating torque when operating and being driven-coupled to the propeller to transmit torque from the engine to the propeller, the propeller receiving torque from the engine without receiving torque from the reactor, and moving the displacement vessel through the waters surrounding the displacement vessel. [Claim 38] A method for operating a ship having a power generation system including a nuclear reactor and a generator, The steps of navigating the aforementioned vessel, The steps include starting the reactor while the aforementioned vessel is underway, The steps include maintaining the reactor in a standby state while the vessel is underway, Methods that include... [Claim 39] The method according to claim 38, wherein the step of starting the reactor includes the step of supplying power from a power source to a control rod drive mechanism in order to withdraw the control rods in the reactor. [Claim 40] The method according to claim 39, wherein the vessel includes a propulsion system including an engine and a generator coupled to the engine, the engine being driven-coupled to the generator and supplying power as the power source. [Claim 41] The method according to claim 38, further comprising the step of moving the vessel through a body of water surrounding the hull using a propulsion system, wherein the propulsion system includes an engine and a thruster coupled to the engine to receive torque generated by the engine. [Claim 42] The method according to claim 41, wherein the step of moving the vessel includes the step of moving the vessel through the water using the propulsion system while starting the reactor. [Claim 43] The step of moving the vessel includes the step of moving the vessel through the water using the propulsion system while keeping the reactor in a standby state. The method according to claim 41. [Claim 44] The steps include mooring the aforementioned vessel, The steps include electrically connecting the generator of the power generation system located on the ship to a shore power distribution system, The method according to claim 38, including the method described in claim 38. [Claim 45] The method according to claim 44, wherein the step of mooring the vessel includes the step of anchoring the vessel. [Claim 46] The method according to claim 44, further comprising the steps of operating the power generation system in the output state of the nuclear reactor to generate electricity and supplying the electricity to the onshore power distribution system. [Claim 47] The method according to claim 44, wherein the step of electrically connecting the generator of the power generation system located on the ship to a shore power distribution system includes the step of deploying an electrical cable that is movably coupled to the hull of the ship. [Claim 48] The method according to claim 47, wherein the step of deploying the electrical cable includes the step of unwinding the electrical cable from a cable reel. [Claim 49] The method according to claim 47, wherein the step of deploying the electrical cable includes deploying a plurality of buoys to support the electrical cable between the vessel and the shore electrical connection of the shore power distribution system.

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