Curved electromagnetic pump

Abstract

A curvilinear electromagnetic pump is configured to follow a curve, such as by joining together multiple linear pump segments offset at an angle relative to one another. A curvilinear electromagnetic pump can be curved in two dimensions or in three dimensions. A curvilinear electromagnetic pump allows for more efficient placement of components and systems within a reactor vessel, significantly reducing the height of the reactor vessel compared to vertically positioned linear pumps. A curvilinear electromagnetic pump can follow the curvature of the reactor vessel wall and can be positioned generally near the bottom of the reactor vessel.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 066,785, filed August 17, 2020, and entitled "CARTRIDGE CORE BARREL FOR NUCLEAR REACTOR," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] 〔background〕 Electromagnetic (EM) pumps are known that utilize the electrical conductivity of liquid metals, such as sodium or sodium-potassium alloys. EM pumps typically have no moving parts, offering greater simplicity and reliability than conventional mechanical pumps. However, EM pumps are relatively large in size compared to their mechanical counterparts for pumping similar volumetric flow rates. Various types of EM pumps have been developed, including helical magnetic pumps, annular linear induction pumps, centrifugal electromagnetic pumps, and flat linear induction pumps.

[0003] Typically, an electromagnetic pump is positioned vertically within the reactor vessel to pump liquid metal from a cold pool near the bottom of the reactor vessel to a high-pressure upper outlet coupled to a pump discharge that includes piping that returns the liquid metal to the bottom of the reactor vessel where it passes through an inlet plenum and into the reactor core.

[0004] To meet the flow demands of the reactor, and because electromagnetic pumps have relatively low efficiency, the electromagnetic pumps are typically very large to generate the necessary pumping power. Often, the length of the electromagnetic pump required to generate the required pumping power is at least partially related to the height of the reactor vessel, which must contain the electromagnetic pump along with other reactor internals.

[0005] Therefore, it would be a significant advantage to have a pump that does not dictate the height of the reactor vessel, but rather allows for more flexibility in the location and orientation of components and systems within the reactor vessel while still providing the pumping power necessary to circulate the liquid metal within the reactor vessel. Additionally, the improved pump can significantly reduce the height of the reactor vessel compared to a typical reactor vessel that uses electromagnetic pumps.

[0006] These and other advantages will become apparent with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings.

[0007] 〔summary〕 According to some embodiments, a nuclear reactor includes a reactor vessel, a core within the reactor vessel, a heat exchanger within the reactor vessel, and a curvilinear electromagnetic pump. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump includes a plurality of linear segments, a first linear segment being offset by a predetermined angle relative to a second linear segment. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and the core and is configured to receive fluid from the heat exchanger and deliver fluid to the core.

[0008] In some embodiments, the reactor vessel may be generally cylindrical in shape, and the curvilinear electromagnetic pump may have a curved shape to follow the shape of the reactor vessel.

[0009] In some embodiments, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump defines a centerline that lies in a single plane. The centerline may be curved within that plane. In some cases, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump defines a centerline that is curved in three dimensions.

[0010] The curvilinear electromagnetic pump may be of single stator or dual stator configuration.

[0011] In some embodiments, the reactor vessel has a geometric center and the curvilinear electromagnetic pump may be located below the geometric center, or in other words, in some cases, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump is located entirely below the geometric center of the reactor vessel.

[0012] According to some embodiments, a curvilinear electromagnetic pump includes a first pump section and a second pump section, the first pump section having a first pump housing, a first linear fluid flow path, and a first outer stator assembly, the first outer stator assembly being configured to be electrically driven to generate a moving magnetic field, and the second pump section having a second pump housing, a second linear fluid flow path, and a second outer stator assembly, the second outer stator assembly being configured to be electrically driven to generate a moving magnetic field, the second pump section being coupled to the first pump section and offset at an angle relative to the first pump section.

[0013] In some cases, the coupler is configured to fluidly connect the first pump section and the second pump section at the angle. The coupler may be wedge-shaped to define an offset angle between the first pump section and the second pump section.

[0014] In some cases, the coupler includes a third outer stator, the third outer stator configured to be driven sequentially with the first outer stator assembly and the second outer stator assembly to move the moving magnetic field along the first pump section, the coupler, and the second pump section.

[0015] The first linear fluid flow path may be in fluid communication with the second linear fluid flow path.

[0016] In some cases, the angle is between 5° and 30°, i.e., the first pump segment defines a linear centerline that is offset relative to the centerline of the second pump segment by an offset angle in the range of about 5° to about 30°.

[0017] In some cases, the centerline of the curvilinear electromagnetic pump is oriented in a horizontal plane.

[0018] Additionally, the first pump section may include a first inner stator assembly, and additionally, the second pump section may include a second inner stator assembly.

[0019] In some embodiments, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump is disposed within the reactor vessel, and the curvilinear electromagnetic pump is configured to follow the curve of the reactor vessel wall. The reactor vessel wall may be cylindrical, and the pump may follow the curvature of the cylindrical wall.

[0020] In some examples, the reactor vessel defines a geometric center and the curvilinear electromagnetic pump is positioned generally below the geometric center. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump can be positioned near a bottom of the reactor vessel and have a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet below the geometric center.

[0021] The curvilinear electromagnetic pump may have an inlet in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and an outlet in fluid communication with an inlet plenum of the reactor core.

[0022] In some cases, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump includes a third pump section having a third pump housing, a third linear flow path, and a third outer stator assembly, the third pump section coupled to the second pump section and offset by the angle relative to the second pump section.

[0023] In some cases, the centerline of the curvilinear electromagnetic pump is not a plane. In some embodiments, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump follows an arc, such as an arc defined by the wall of a nuclear reactor vessel.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A is a top-down schematic view of a typical sodium fast reactor showing the layout of systems within the reactor vessel, according to some embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of a typical sodium fast reactor taken along line AA of FIG. 1A, showing the layout of systems within the reactor vessel, according to some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a dual-stator linear electromagnetic pump, according to some embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a curvilinear electromagnetic pump, according to some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a curvilinear electromagnetic pump having a coupler between adjacent pump sections, according to some embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a nuclear reactor utilizing a curvilinear electromagnetic pump that curves in a vertical plane, according to some embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 6A shows a schematic top view of a nuclear reactor vessel showing a curvilinear electromagnetic pump that curves in a horizontal plane, according to some embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 6B illustrates a schematic side view of a nuclear reactor vessel showing a curvilinear electromagnetic pump that curves in a horizontal plane, according to some embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 7A shows a schematic side view of a nuclear reactor vessel showing a curvilinear electromagnetic pump that curves in three dimensions, according to some embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 7B shows a schematic top view of a reactor vessel showing a curvilinear electromagnetic pump that curves in three dimensions, according to some embodiments.

[0034] Detailed Description This disclosure relates generally to the configuration and arrangement of electromagnetic pumps, and more particularly to curvilinear electromagnetic pumps that can be used where space is limited or to reduce the overall envelope of components. While the following description is useful in the design and construction of sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFRs), many of the concepts disclosed herein may be equally applicable to other reactor types, and the disclosure should not be limited to SFR technology unless otherwise specified.

[0035] 1A and 1B show a nuclear reactor vessel 100 having a core 102, an in-vessel storage system (IVS) 104, and an electromagnetic pump 106. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1A. This may represent a typical configuration in which the core 102, which may include a core former, a core barrel, an IVS 104, and a support cylinder housing shielding, is typically centrally located within the vessel 100 with other vessel systems distributed concentrically around the core 102. The IVS 104 is typically coupled to the core barrel and provides storage space to support core assembly replacement (e.g., refueling, shuffling, etc.). In some embodiments, the core assembly includes fuel pins, control rods, neutron reflectors, neutron absorbers, or other components configured to fit within the IVS and be selectively inserted into and removed from the core. Additional details of these components are not germane to this description and therefore will not be described further.

[0036] During normal operation, heat generated within the core 102 heats a primary coolant, which in some cases is liquid sodium. The sodium passes upward through the core 102 and is discharged into a sodium hot pool 108 above the core 102. The sodium from the hot pool 108 enters a heat exchanger 110 and dissipates heat to a secondary coolant that passes through the heat exchanger 110. In some cases, the secondary coolant may be sodium, molten salt, or other fluid coolant.

[0037] As sodium from the hot pool 108 passes through heat exchanger 110, the liquid sodium exits the heat exchanger and enters the cold pool 112 below the heat exchanger 110. In some embodiments, the sodium in the cold pool 112 enters the electromagnetic sodium pump 106 by way of a pump inlet 114 located toward the lower end of the pump 106. The electromagnetic sodium pump 106 pumps the sodium upward to a high-pressure upper outlet 116 that is sealed against mixing with the sodium in the hot pool 108. The high-pressure upper outlet 116 connects to a pump discharge and piping that returns the sodium to the inlet of the reactor core 118.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the electromagnetic pump 106 may be inverted so that the inlet is near the top end of the pump and the outlet is adjacent the bottom end of the pump. Either configuration is equally applicable to the embodiments described herein.

[0039] In many cases, the height h of the reactor vessel 100 is determined, at least in part, by the vertical height of the electromagnetic pump 106. The electromagnetic pump 106 can be sized to generate a desired net positive suction head (NPSH) and volumetric flow of coolant through the reactor vessel 100. In some cases, the electromagnetic pump 106 has a desired length to generate the magnetohydrodynamic forces necessary to achieve the desired circulation characteristics.

[0040] In some cases, electromagnetic pumps 106 are used to transport fluids with high conductivity, such as sodium. Notably, electromagnetic pumps have no bearings or moving parts, thus simplifying their operation and reducing maintenance requirements compared to mechanical pumps.

[0041] Generally, electromagnetic pumps operate according to Fleming's left-hand rule, i.e., when a current-carrying conductor is subjected to a magnetic field, a force acts on the conductor. For example, a pump uses electrical power to move a conductive fluid. A magnetic field is set perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, and an electric current is passed through the fluid flow. The result is an electromagnetic force that moves the liquid through the pump.

[0042] Electromagnetic pumps are known in the art and typically include an outer stator and an inner central core. Electromagnetic pumps operate on the principle that a force acts on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field. The high conductivity of a flowing fluid (e.g., sodium, lithium, potassium, or a metal alloy) allows it to generate an expansive force when present in a conduit and exposed to a magnetic field and electric current. These types of pumps have been operated to pump thousands of gallons per minute without any moving parts or required maintenance.

[0043] Any suitable electromagnetic pump may be utilized within the scope of the present invention, such as, for example, a direct current conduction pump, an alternating current conduction pump, a fixed magnet configuration, a rotating magnet configuration, a single-phase induction, a multi-phase induction, a single stator pump, a dual stator pump, a planar linear induction, an annular linear induction, a helical induction, or a pump using electromagnets or permanent magnets. The disclosed concepts and embodiments are applicable to any suitable electromagnetic pump now known or later developed, and the disclosure herein should not be limited to any particular configuration of pump unless otherwise specified.

[0044] One particular pump configuration that has proven suitable as a primary coolant pump in SFRs is the annular linear induction pump (ALIP). In some cases, ALIPs are selected due to their reduced size compared to DC conduction pumps, despite the DC conduction pumps having higher efficiency. However, while ALIP pumps are significantly smaller than DC conduction pumps that provide similar flow characteristics, ALIP pumps are still relatively large and, in some cases, are a driving factor in reactor vessel height. By reducing the pump height, a corresponding reduction in reactor vessel height can be achieved.

[0045] Historically, ALIP pumps have been positioned vertically within the reactor vessel, as shown in FIG. 1B, with their height typically determined by the flow characteristics required within the reactor vessel.

[0046] An ALIP typically includes an annular linear flow path or conduit surrounded by columns composed of alternating annular stator coils and magnetic stator iron. In some cases, a double stator system includes an inner stator arrangement concentrically arranged and enclosed within the pump's central linear liquid flow conduit. The second stator column may also include alternating annular coils and magnetic stator iron. In a dual stator configuration, both rows of stators act on the liquid passing linearly through the annular flow conduit.

[0047] In some cases, a dual stator arrangement has the added benefit of providing greater pumping capacity per pump unit size and reducing heat transferred to the sodium from magnetic induction heating. In some cases, electromagnetic pumps are used to pump the cryogenic fluid after it exits the primary heat exchanger and deliver it to the core inlet. Therefore, it may be desirable to limit any induction heating of the cryogenic fluid to maintain a desired ΔT between the hot and cold pools.

[0048] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a dual-stator annular linear induction pump 200. The electromagnetic pump 200 generally comprises a pump housing 202, which may be cylindrical, enclosing an electromagnetic induction system and providing the necessary protection to allow the pump 200 to operate submerged. An outer stator assembly 204 includes a collection of outer stators 206(1), 206(2), ... 206(n) and is disposed between the pump housing 202 and an annular flow passage 208. The outer stator assembly may include multiple alternating stacked annular stator units having stator iron and stator coils, as known in the art. In some cases, the stator iron rigs and stator coils are alternately stacked to form concentric rings around the annular flow passage 208.

[0049] Inner stator assembly 210 includes an assembly of inner stators 212(1), 212(2), ... 212(n) and is disposed within annular flow passage 208. Outer stator assembly 204 and inner stator assembly 210 may be similarly configured and wired. In use, an input voltage, typically comprising three-phase alternating current, is supplied to stator assemblies 204, 210. Current is provided along the stator assembly to generate a traveling magnetic field, which in turn generates currents on the surface of the liquid metal within annular flow passage 208 and generates an electromagnetic force that moves the liquid metal through annular flow passage 208.

[0050] In some cases, the electromagnetic pump 200 has an inlet 214 at one end and an outlet 216 at an opposite end. In some cases, the electromagnetic pump 200 is immersed in the fluid such that the fluid enters the annular flow path 208 by being immersed in the fluid. When a stepped current is applied, a magnetic field is generated and conveyed from the inlet 214 to the outlet 216, which in turn conveys the conductive fluid from the inlet 214 to the outlet 216.

[0051] The electromagnetic pump 200 can be customized through electrical variables such as input current voltage, frequency, coil turns, and pole pitch, which can be determined from the number of pole pairs of the moving magnetic field and core length. In some cases, the stator packs are referred to as coil packs, and these terms may be used interchangeably. The number of coil packs can be determined based on the required length and input current of the electromagnetic pump 200. In some cases, polyphase power current is applied, such that three or more energized conductors carry alternating current with a defined phase angle between the voltage waves in each conductor. For example, in a three-phase system, the phase angle is 120°. The application of polyphase current results in a rotating magnetic field that can be sequentially applied to the coil packs 204, 210 along the length of the electromagnetic pump 200.

[0052] Regardless of their type or configuration, electromagnetic pumps all share a common characteristic: the pumped fluid flows linearly through a linear fluid conduit. The conduit may be annular, have a circular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, an oval cross-section, or any other suitable geometric shape, but the fluid conduit is straight along its length. Therefore, when installing an electromagnetic pump in a confined space, such as within a nuclear reactor vessel, it can be difficult to locate all of the reactor interiors so that the electromagnetic pump can be properly installed. Furthermore, the required height of the electromagnetic pump within the reactor vessel determines, at least in part, the placement of other components. For example, in some embodiments, an electromagnetic pump typically has an inlet near the bottom end of the pump that draws fluid from a cold pool and an outlet near the top end of the pump that delivers the fluid to a heat exchanger. As a result, the heat exchanger is typically located high within the reactor vessel near the outlet of the electromagnetic pump.

[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a single-stator curvilinear electromagnetic pump 300. In some cases, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 300 is comprised of multiple separate linear segments 302(1), 302(2), 302(n) coupled together and offset at an angle relative to adjacent sections. In some cases, segment 302(1) includes multiple coil packs 304(1), 304(2), 304(n) angled relative to each other. In some cases, the relative angle may be on the order of 5° to 30°, or 5°, 8°, 10°, 12°, 15°, 20°, or 30° or more. As used herein, the term "curvilinear" is a broad term. When used to describe an electromagnetic pump, its use refers to a pump having two or more linear segments with centerlines that are not colinear. For example, when referring to pump embodiments as described herein, "curved" or "bent" refers to multiple straight line segments that are offset from one another by an angle. In some cases, multiple pump segments are described as being offset from one another and defining a curve or an arc. In this case, it is understood that the pump segments may be straight, but are offset from one another by an angle to cause fluid flowing through the pump to change direction as it flows therethrough. In some cases, electromagnetic pump sections may be curved, or the electromagnetic pump may be made up of linear sections that are offset from adjacent sections by an angle. In any case, the electromagnetic pump may be described as "curved," "following a curve," "defining a curve," or "curvilinear."

[0054] A pump housing 306 may be provided to house the segments 304(2), and the pump housing 306 may likewise be segmented at an angle corresponding to the angular offset of adjacent coil packs. In some cases, the pump housing 306 is shaped to have a smooth curve, which in some embodiments may have a constant radius. In some cases, the pump housing 306 follows a smooth curve, while the segments 304 within the housing may each define a straight flow path. In some cases, the segments 304 each define a centerline, and the centerlines of the segments 304 are not collinear from one segment to the next.

[0055] In some examples, segments 302(1), 302(2) may be coupled via any suitable method or mechanism, which may include welding, mechanical fasteners, or other coupling methods, and may further include any suitable sealer to promote a fluid-tight coupling to increase pump efficiency.

[0056] Any number of coil packs 304(1) may be provided, and in some embodiments, six coil packs are provided per segment 302(1). In some cases where three-phase power is provided, a six-coil pack segment 302(1) provides one complete revolution of the magnetic field to direct the conductive fluid through the segment 302(1). Of course, any suitable number of coil packs per segment may be used, such as, for example, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, or more.

[0057] Although the illustrated embodiment shows a single stator configuration, it is contemplated that a dual stator configuration is entirely possible and will function in the same manner, mutatis mutandis.

[0058] 4 illustrates a portion of a dual stator curved electromagnetic pump 300 in which a first segment 402 is connected to a second segment 404 by a coupler 406. In some cases, the coupler 406 may be wedge-shaped and define a predetermined angle such that when the coupler 406 is used to connect the first segment 402 and the second segment 404, the segments are angled relative to one another. While the figure illustrates a dual stator pump, it should be understood that a single stator pump can be used and function in a similar manner.

[0059] In some cases, the structure and configuration of the coupler 406 is similar to the structure and configuration of the first segment 402 and / or the second segment 404. For example, the coupler 406 may have a pump housing 408 with a similar or identical cross-sectional shape and size. The coupler 406 may further define a flow path in fluid communication with the first segment 402 and the second segment 404. Similarly, the coupler 406 may optionally include one or more coil packs 410 that can be energized to pump fluid. The coil packs in the coupler 406 may be electrically driven in sequence with the coil packs present in the segments 402, 404, such that a magnetic field passes sequentially from the first segment 402, through the coupler 406, and into the second segment 404.

[0060] In some cases, the coupler 406 may not include a coil pack, and the conductive fluid flows through the coupler 406 by fluid inertia, by active feed pressure upstream of the coupler 406, by lower pressure downstream of the coupler 406, or by a combination of forces.

[0061] The coupler 406 may be connected to the first segment 402 via any suitable method or structure, including, but not limited to, welding, bolts, fasteners, adhesives, clamps, or any other suitable connection method. The offset between the first segment 402 and the second segment 404 can be any suitable offset angle. In some cases, the offset angle is approximately 3°, 5°, 8°, 10°, 12°, 15°, 18°, 20°, or more.

[0062] 5 shows a schematic diagram of a nuclear reactor 500 having a reactor vessel 502, a core 504, a heat exchanger 506, and a curved electromagnetic pump 508. Of course, the schematic omits many of the structures and components typically found within a nuclear reactor, but rather shows the primary coolant flow path.

[0063] Primary coolant in cold pool 510 is drawn into pump 508 where it is delivered to inlet 512 of core 504. The coolant is heated in core 504 and exits into hot pool 514 and enters heat exchanger 506. The coolant exits heat exchanger 506 and enters the cold pool, completing the cycle.

[0064] Providing a curvilinear electromagnetic pump 508 provides several advantages. For example, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 508 may significantly increase flexibility in placement of the electromagnetic pump 508 within the reactor vessel 502, may allow the reactor vessel 502 to be significantly smaller compared to placements using vertically positioned linear induction pumps, and may significantly increase flexibility in placement of other components within the reactor vessel 502. For example, in the illustrated configuration in which the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 508 is curved in a single direction in a vertical plane, the overall height of the pump 508 may be reduced by up to approximately 40% compared to a vertically positioned linear electromagnetic pump of the same length, assuming the pump is configured to traverse a 90° arc. As a result, the height h of the reactor vessel may be reduced by a corresponding amount. Of course, other locations and placements of the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 508 are possible and are contemplated to provide additional advantages.

[0065] 6A and 6B schematically illustrate an embodiment of a reactor vessel 500 in which a curvilinear electromagnetic pump 508 is positioned horizontally. As shown, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 508 can be shaped to follow the curvature of the reactor vessel 502. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic pump 508 can be positioned near the bottom of the reactor vessel 502. Thus, the inlet to the electromagnetic pump 506 and the outlet from the electromagnetic pump 506 are both positioned near the bottom of the reactor vessel 502. Notably, the pump configurations described herein allow one or more heat exchangers 506 to be positioned much lower within the reactor vessel 502 compared to vertically oriented pumps. For example, if the electromagnetic pump 506 does not require a substantial amount of vertical space within the reactor vessel 502, the heat exchanger 506 can be positioned lower within the reactor vessel. In some cases, the bottom of the heat exchanger is positioned below the top of the core 504.

[0066] Curvilinear electromagnetic pumps 508 may extend a distance around reactor vessel 502, and in some cases may trace an arc shape of approximately 90° to 120°. In some cases, one or more electromagnetic pumps 508 may be positioned near the bottom of the reactor vessel and each may extend in an arc of approximately 45°, or 90°, or 120°, or some other suitable arc angle about the wall of reactor vessel 502, and may generally follow the curvature of the reactor vessel wall.

[0067] In some embodiments, the one or more curvilinear electromagnetic pumps 508 are oriented horizontally within the reactor vessel 502. In other words, the one or more electromagnetic pumps 506 define at least a portion of a fluid flow path that is located in a horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the one or more curvilinear electromagnetic pumps 508 define a flow path that approximates a curved outer wall of the reactor vessel 506. In some cases, the reactor vessel 502 can define a geometric center 606, and the curvilinear electromagnetic pumps 508 can be located entirely below the geometric center 606 of the reactor vessel 506. In some cases, the inlet 602 and the outlet 604 are disposed below the geometric center 606 of the reactor vessel 502.

[0068] As shown, the electromagnetic pump 508 can be positioned such that the inlet 602 is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger 506. The outlet 604 can be in fluid communication with the core 504, for example, by being fluidly coupled to an inlet plenum of the core 504. In this configuration, the electromagnetic pump 508 occupies little vertical space within the reactor vessel 502, and the height h of the reactor vessel 502 can be substantially less than a reactor vessel in which a linear electromagnetic pump is positioned vertically.

[0069] 7A and 7B schematically illustrate further configurations of a curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 disposed within a nuclear reactor vessel 704. According to some embodiments, the curvilinear pump may be described as defining a plane curve. In other words, the centerline of the curvilinear electromagnetic pump may lie in a single plane, even though the centerline may define a curve. In some cases, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump may be curved in more than one dimension. In other words, the centerline of the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 may not lie in a single plane. As shown, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 can be curved in multiple directions. In some cases, the centerline of the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 may lie in three dimensions. For example, the centerline of the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 may be helical. In any event, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 may be curved in more than one direction, as shown.

[0070] The curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 may have an inlet 706 in fluid communication with a heat exchanger 708. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 may have an outlet 710 near a core plenum 712 in fluid communication with a reactor core 714. In some cases, the reactor vessel 704 has a generally cylindrical shape, and the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 may generally follow the curvature of the reactor vessel 704.

[0071] During operation, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 pumps a cooled fluid into the reactor core 714 where it is heated by the nuclear fission reactions occurring within the reactor core 714. The heated fluid travels upward from the reactor core to the hot pool 716 where it is drawn into one or more heat exchangers 708. The fluid is cooled as it passes through the heat exchangers 708 and is drawn into the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 as it exits the heat exchangers 708.

[0072] In the illustrated configuration, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 requires substantially less vertical space within the reactor vessel 704 compared to a vertically positioned linear electromagnetic pump of the same length. As a result, the reactor vessel 704 can be sized to have a significantly lower height h than conventional reactor vessels. Furthermore, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 provides a much wider range of design and layout options for the components and systems within the reactor vessel 704.

[0073] According to some embodiments, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 may comprise one or more lengths that are relatively straight in combination with one or more lengths that are curved. In some cases, the curvilinear flow path is defined by individual straight segments of the linear induction pump that are offset with respect to one another and joined by a conduit connecting the outlet of one segment to the inlet of another segment.

[0074] In some cases, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 may be located substantially in a horizontal plane but have an elevated upstream intake end. For example, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 may have an inlet end at a higher elevation than the outlet end. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 may be positioned near the bottom of the reactor vessel and extend to a location on the inner periphery of the reactor vessel in an arc of approximately 100°, 120°, 130°, 140°, or 150°, etc. In some cases, multiple curvilinear electromagnetic pumps 702 may be positioned near the bottom of the reactor vessel 704 and follow the curvature of the reactor vessel wall 704. In some examples, a first curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702 may partially overlap a second curvilinear electromagnetic pump 702. For example, if the curvilinear electromagnetic pumps 702 have inlet ends at a higher elevation than the outlet ends, the inlet end of the first pump 702 may be positioned above the outlet end of the second pump 702. This arrangement allows multiple curvilinear electromagnetic pumps to lie substantially in a horizontal plane but define flow paths that form an arc greater than 360°. As an example, four curvilinear electromagnetic pumps can be positioned near the bottom of the reactor vessel, each defining a flow path that traverses a 120° arc. To avoid interference between adjacent pumps, the inlet end of each pump can be elevated above the outlet of the adjacent pump, resulting in the pump flow paths overlapping in vertical space. Although the pumps define a three-dimensional curvature, this allows the pumps to be sized to any suitable length while still allowing for a substantially horizontal flow path near the bottom of the reactor vessel.

[0075] In some cases, the outlet from the heat exchanger is bifurcated and enters two or more curved electromagnetic pumps 702. Thus, in some cases, there are more electromagnetic pumps 702 than there are heat exchangers within the reactor vessel 704.

[0076] This disclosure describes exemplary embodiments and is therefore not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure and the appended claims in any way. The embodiments have been described above with the help of functional building blocks that illustrate implementations of specific components, functions, and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional components have been arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description. Alternative boundaries may be defined to the extent that the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.

[0077] The foregoing description of specific embodiments will make fully apparent the general nature of the disclosed embodiments, which can be readily modified and / or adapted for various uses such as such specific embodiments by applying the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the general concepts of the disclosed embodiments and without undue experimentation. Accordingly, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. The descriptions or terminology herein are for the purposes of description and not of limitation, as the terms or descriptions of the specification would be interpreted by one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teaching and guidance presented herein.

[0078] The breadth and disclosure of embodiments of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the disclosure of the following claims and their equivalents.

[0079] Unless otherwise specified or understood otherwise within the context as used, conditional language such as "can," "could," "might," or "may," among others, is generally intended to convey that a particular implementation may include, but other implementations do not include, particular features, elements, and / or operations. Thus, such conditional language generally does not imply that the features, elements, and / or operations are in any way required for one or more implementations, or that one or more implementations necessarily include logic for determining whether these features, elements, and / or operations should be included or performed in any particular implementation, with or without user input or prompting.

[0080] The specification and drawings disclose examples of systems, equipment, apparatus, and techniques that allow reactor modules to be fabricated in a manufacturing facility and transported to a construction site where the modules can be assembled, thereby significantly reducing the complexity and expense of on-site fabrication. Additionally, reactor systems are simplified, further facilitating factory fabrication instead of field fabrication.

[0081] Those skilled in the art will recognize that any process or method disclosed herein can be varied in many ways. The process parameters and order of the processes described and / or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be changed as desired. For example, although the processes illustrated and / or described herein may be illustrated or described in a particular order, these processes do not necessarily have to be performed in the order illustrated or described.

[0082] The various exemplary methods described and / or illustrated herein may omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein or may include additional steps in addition to those disclosed. Furthermore, the steps of any method disclosed herein may be combined with any one or more steps of any other method disclosed herein.

[0083] Of course, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of elements and / or methodologies for purposes of describing the various features of the present disclosure, but those skilled in the art will recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the disclosed features are possible. Accordingly, various modifications can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from consideration of the specification and accompanying drawings, as well as from practice of the disclosed embodiments presented herein. The examples presented in the specification and accompanying drawings are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0084] Unless otherwise stated, the terms "connected to" and "coupled to" (and their derivatives), when used in the specification, should be interpreted to allow for both direct and indirect (i.e., via other elements or components) connections. Furthermore, the terms "a" or "an" as used in the specification should be interpreted to mean "at least one of," and finally, for ease of use, the terms "including" and "having" (and their derivatives) as used in the specification are interchangeable with, and have the same meaning as, the term "comprising."

[0085] From the foregoing and the accompanying drawings, it will be understood that, although specific implementations have been described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims and the elements described therein. In addition, although specific implementation aspects are presented below in specific claim forms, the inventors contemplate various aspects of any available claim form. For example, while only some aspects may currently be recited as being embodied in a particular configuration, other aspects may likewise be embodied. Various modifications and changes can be made, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. All such modifications and changes are intended to be encompassed, and therefore the above description should be regarded in an illustrative, and not a limiting, sense. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0086] [Figure 1A] 1 is a top-down schematic view of a typical sodium fast reactor showing the layout of systems within the reactor vessel, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of a typical sodium fast reactor taken along line AA of FIG. 1A showing the layout of systems within the reactor vessel, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a dual-stator linear electromagnetic pump, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a curvilinear electromagnetic pump, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a curvilinear electromagnetic pump having a coupler between adjacent pump sections, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a nuclear reactor utilizing a curvilinear electromagnetic pump that curves in a vertical plane, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates a schematic top view of a nuclear reactor vessel showing a curvilinear electromagnetic pump that curves in a horizontal plane, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a nuclear reactor vessel showing a curvilinear electromagnetic pump that curves in a horizontal plane, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a nuclear reactor vessel showing a curvilinear electromagnetic pump that curves in three dimensions, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7B] 1 illustrates a schematic top view of a reactor vessel showing a curvilinear electromagnetic pump that curves in three dimensions, according to some embodiments.

Claims

1. A nuclear reactor, a reactor vessel; a reactor core within the reactor vessel; a heat exchanger within the reactor vessel; a curvilinear electromagnetic pump including a plurality of linear segments, a first linear segment offset at a predetermined angle relative to a second linear segment, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and the reactor core, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump configured to receive fluid from the heat exchanger and deliver the fluid to the reactor core; Including, A nuclear reactor, wherein a plurality of said linear segments are connected to each other in series.

2. A nuclear reactor, a reactor vessel; a reactor core within the reactor vessel; a heat exchanger within the reactor vessel; a curvilinear electromagnetic pump including a plurality of linear segments, a first linear segment offset at a predetermined angle relative to a second linear segment, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and the reactor core, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump configured to receive fluid from the heat exchanger and deliver the fluid to the reactor core; Including, the reactor vessel is generally cylindrical; A nuclear reactor, wherein the curved electromagnetic pump has a shape that approximates the shape of the reactor vessel.

3. the curvilinear electromagnetic pump defines a centerline; the centerline lies in a single plane; 2. The nuclear reactor of claim 1, wherein said centerline is a line passing through the centers of a plurality of said linear segments.

4. A nuclear reactor, a reactor vessel; a reactor core within the reactor vessel; a heat exchanger within the reactor vessel; a curvilinear electromagnetic pump including a plurality of linear segments, a first linear segment offset at a predetermined angle relative to a second linear segment, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and the reactor core, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump configured to receive fluid from the heat exchanger and deliver the fluid to the reactor core; Including, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump defines a centerline; the centerline is curved in three dimensions; A nuclear reactor, wherein the center line is a line passing through the centers of a plurality of the linear segments.

5. 10. The nuclear reactor of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear electromagnetic pump includes a single stator configuration.

6. 10. The nuclear reactor of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear electromagnetic pump includes a dual stator configuration.

7. A nuclear reactor, a reactor vessel; a reactor core within the reactor vessel; a heat exchanger within the reactor vessel; a curvilinear electromagnetic pump including a plurality of linear segments, a first linear segment offset at a predetermined angle relative to a second linear segment, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and the reactor core, the curvilinear electromagnetic pump configured to receive fluid from the heat exchanger and deliver the fluid to the reactor core; Including, the reactor vessel has a geometric center; 10. A nuclear reactor, wherein the curvilinear electromagnetic pump is located below the geometric center.

8. A curved electromagnetic pump, a first pump section, the first pump section comprising: a first pump housing; a first linear fluid flow path; a first pump section including a first outer stator assembly, the first outer stator assembly configured to be electrically driven to generate a moving magnetic field; a second pump section, the second pump section comprising: a second pump housing; a second linear fluid flow path; a second pump section including a second outer stator assembly, the second outer stator assembly configured to be electrically driven to generate a moving magnetic field; Including, 10. A curvilinear electromagnetic pump, wherein the second pump section is coupled to the first pump section in series with each other and offset at an angle relative to the first pump section.

9. further comprising a coupler; 9. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump of claim 8, wherein the coupler is configured to fluidly connect the first pump section and the second pump section at the angle.

10. the coupler includes a third outer stator; 10. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump of claim 9, wherein the third outer stator is configured to be driven sequentially with the first outer stator assembly and the second outer stator assembly to move the moving magnetic field along the first pump section, the coupler, and the second pump section.

11. 9. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump of claim 8, wherein the first linear fluid flow path is in fluid communication with the second linear fluid flow path.

12. The curved electromagnetic pump according to claim 8, wherein the angle is between 5° and 30°.

13. a centerline of the curvilinear electromagnetic pump is oriented in a horizontal plane; 9. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump according to claim 8, wherein the center line is a line passing through the centers of a plurality of the pump sections.

14. the first pump section further includes a first inner stator assembly; 9. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump of claim 8, wherein the second pump section further comprises a second inner stator assembly.

15. A curved electromagnetic pump, a first pump section, the first pump section comprising: a first pump housing; a first linear fluid flow path; a first pump section including a first outer stator assembly, the first outer stator assembly configured to be electrically driven to generate a moving magnetic field; a second pump section, the second pump section comprising: a second pump housing; a second linear fluid flow path; a second pump section including a second outer stator assembly, the second outer stator assembly configured to be electrically driven to generate a moving magnetic field; Including, the second pump section is coupled to the first pump section and is offset at an angle relative to the first pump section; the curved electromagnetic pump is disposed within the reactor vessel; 1. A curvilinear electromagnetic pump, characterized in that the curvilinear electromagnetic pump is configured to follow the curve of the reactor vessel wall.

16. the reactor vessel defines a geometric center; 16. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump of claim 15, wherein the curvilinear electromagnetic pump is located entirely below the geometric center.

17. 16. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump of claim 15, wherein the curvilinear electromagnetic pump has an inlet in fluid communication with a heat exchanger and an outlet in fluid communication with an inlet plenum of a reactor core.

18. a third pump section, the third pump section comprising: a third pump housing; a third linear fluid flow path; and a third outer stator assembly; 9. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump of claim 8, wherein the third pump section includes a third pump section coupled to the second pump section in series with each other and offset by the angle relative to the second pump section.

19. the centerline of the curvilinear electromagnetic pump does not lie in a single plane; 19. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump according to claim 18, wherein the centerline is a line passing through the centers of a plurality of the pump sections.

20. 20. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump according to claim 18, wherein the curvilinear electromagnetic pump follows a circular arc.

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