A highly simplified emergency condenser for a boiling water reactor.

Abstract

To provide an emergency coolant system that requires no powered digital control apparatus to activate and operate in nuclear reactors.SOLUTION: Nuclear reactors include isolation condenser systems to provide desired cooling and pressure relief. Isolation condensers are immersed in a separate chamber holding coolant to which the condenser can transfer heat from the nuclear reactor. The chamber may selectively connect to an adjacent coolant reservoir for multiple isolation condensers. A check valve may permit coolant to flow only from the reservoir to the isolation condenser. A passive switch can operate the check valve and other isolating components. Isolation condensers can be activated by opening an inlet and outlet to / from the reactor for coolant flow. Fluidic controls and / or a pressure pulse transmitter may monitor reactor conditions and selectively activate individual isolation condensers by opening such flows.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] A highly simplified emergency condenser for a boiling water reactor. [Background technology]

[0002] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a containment vessel 36 containing a reactor pressure vessel 42 with various configurations of fuel 41 and reactor internals for nuclear power generation in a prior art economically simplified boiling water reactor (ESCBWR). The reactor 42 is conventionally capable of generating thousands of megawatts of thermal energy through nuclear fission. The reactor 42 is located within a drywell 51, which includes an upper drywell 54 and a lower drywell 3, which provide space around and below the reactor 42 for external components and personnel. The reactor 42 is typically tens of meters tall, and the containment vessel 36 is elevated above ground level to facilitate natural circulation cooling and construction from ground level. A sacrificial melt layer 1, referred to as a basemat internal melt arrest and coolable device, is positioned directly below the reactor 1 to cool potential falling debris, melting reactor structure, and / or coolant, preventing their progression to the ground below the containment vessel 36.

[0003] Several different pools and flow paths comprise an emergency reactor coolant system within the containment vessel 36 to provide fluid coolant to the reactor 26 in the event of a transient involving loss of cooling capacity within the plant. For example, the containment vessel 36 may include a pressure suppression chamber 58 that surrounds the reactor 42 in an annular or other manner and holds a suppression pool 59. The suppression pool 59 includes an emergency steam vent used to divert steam from the main steam line into the suppression pool 59 for condensation and heat dissipation, preventing overheating and overpressurization of the containment vessel 36. The suppression pool 59 may also include flow paths that allow fluid entering the drywell 54 to be drained or pumped into the suppression pool 59. The suppression pool 59 may further include other heat exchangers or drains configured to remove heat or pressure from the containment vessel 36 after a loss of coolant accident. Emergency core cooling system lines and pumps 10 may inject coolant from the suppression pool 59 into the reactor 42 to replace lost feedwater and / or other emergency coolant supplies.

[0004] As shown in FIG. 1 , a gravity-driven cooling system (GDCS) pool 37 may further supply coolant to the reactor 42 via piping 57. A passive containment cooling system (PCCS) pool 65 may condense steam within the containment vessel 36, such as steam generated by reactor depressurization, to lower containment pressure or main steam line shutoff and return the condensed fluid to the GDCS pool 37. An isolation cooling system (IC) pool 66 may take steam at pressure directly from the reactor 42 and condense it back to the recondenser 42 for recirculation. These safety systems may be used in any combination in various reactor designs, each to the effect of preventing overheating and damage to the reactor 42 and all other structures within the containment vessel 36 by providing the necessary coolant, removing heat, and / or reducing pressure. Several additional systems are typically present within the containment vessel 36, and several other auxiliary systems are used in related art ESBWRs. Such an ESBRS is described in the General Description of ESBWR Plants, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, June 1, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An exemplary embodiment includes a simplified nuclear reactor with an isolation condenser system that connects to the reactor through an integrally adjustable connection with minimal risk of leaks or failure. In this way, the exemplary reactor can be effectively completely isolated from the isolation condenser system. The isolation condenser system of the exemplary embodiment includes one or more insulated condensers immersed in an isolated coolant, so that the condensers can transfer heat to the immersed coolant when receiving working coolant or moderator from the reactor. The immersed coolant can be drawn from separate coolant reservoirs that supply one or more separate isolation condensers. Barriers can prevent flow between the various isolation condensers. For example, check valves allow coolant to flow only from the reservoir to the isolation condenser, separating the two if the immersed coolant level becomes too high, accounting for an isolation condenser that is excessively hot, highly radioactive, etc.

[0006] A switch can passively monitor the coolant level between the isolation condenser and the reservoir and selectively allow flow based on the relative height of a float in the reservoir and coolant surrounding the isolation condenser. Movement of the float can activate a check valve and / or the isolation condenser itself. The isolation condenser in an example system can be activated by opening a fluid loop through the condenser to / from the reactor. For example, fluid control and / or pressure pulse transmitters may monitor reactor conditions, selectively activate individual isolation condensers, trip and / or isolate reactors, and / or trip the rest of the plant based on detected reactor pressure, coolant level, etc. Such passive, reliable sensors can place the plant in a safe shutdown state with unspecified cooling capacity if operation deviates from the design basis. The isolation condenser system of the example embodiment may be located outside the containment vessel in an underground silo with the containment vessel, which may not have another coolant source.

[0007] Exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from a detailed description of the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are given by way of example only and therefore not by way of limitation to the terms to which they refer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional reactor containment vessel and internals. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a highly simplified boiling water reactor system; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example embodiment ICS system usable in an example embodiment reactor system. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a selectively active separation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Because this is a patent document, broad rules of construction should generally be applied when reading it. Everything described and shown herein is an example of the subject matter encompassed by the claims appended hereto. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely for the purpose of illustrating how to make and use the example. Several different embodiments and methods not specifically disclosed herein may fall within the scope of the claims. Thus, the claims are capable of being embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to only the examples set forth herein.

[0010] Terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, but it should be understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element can be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element can be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0011] When an element is referred to as "connected," "coupled," "mated," "mounted," "secured," etc. to another element, it is understood that it may be directly connected to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly connected," "directly coupled," etc. to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" vs. "direct," "adjacent" vs. "directly adjacent," etc.). Similarly, terms such as "communicatively connected" include all variations of information exchange and routing between two electronic devices, whether connected wirelessly or not, including intermediate devices, networks, etc.

[0012] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include both the singular and the plural unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be understood that terms such as "comprise," "include," and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not in themselves exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0013] The structures and operations described below may occur in a different order than that depicted and / or illustrated in the figures. For example, two operations and / or figures shown in succession may actually be performed simultaneously or sometimes in the reverse order, depending on the functionality / operations involved. Similarly, individual operations within the exemplary methods described below may be performed individually or sequentially, so as to provide a loop or other sequence of operations apart from the single operation described below. Any embodiment or method having the features and functions described below, in any workable combination, should be presumed to fall within the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0014] The inventors recognized that conventional auxiliary or emergency coolant systems typically require powered digital controllers to operate and operate within a nuclear reactor. Such emergency systems usually require pumps and / or active valves to monitor proper operation. With several diverse coolant systems, complex logic and controls may be required to achieve activation protocols and selectively activate individual safety systems. These systems are typically located within containment vessels for immediate reactor access, requiring large and complex containment vessels. To overcome these newly recognized problems, as well as other issues, the inventors developed the exemplary embodiments and methods described below to address these and other problems recognized by the inventors, with unique solutions enabled by the exemplary embodiments.

[0015] The present invention is a separated cooling system, a plant including the same, and a method of operating such a system and plant. In contrast to the present invention, several exemplary embodiments and exemplary methods described below illustrate only a few of the various different configurations that may be used with and / or in conjunction with the present invention.

[0016] 2 is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment reactor system 100, including an example embodiment reactor 142, an example embodiment containment vessel 136, and associated cooling and power generation systems. System 100 is also described in commonly owned Hunt, Daygren, and Marquo Application 15585162 for a Highly Simplified Boiling Water Nuclear Reactor for Commercial Power Generation, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0017] 2, exemplary embodiment system 100 may use conventional and known power generation equipment, such as high and low pressure turbines, generators, switch yards, condensers, cooling towers or heat sinks, and may be connected to main feedwater line 120 and main steam line 125 in a manner similar to any power generation equipment. Exemplary embodiment containment vessel 136 is constructed of a resilient, impermeable material to limit the migration of radioactive materials and plant components in the event of a transient or accident scenario.

[0018] For example, containment vessel 136 may be a monolithically formed concrete structure, potentially with a reinforcing internal steel or rebar framework, several inches or feet thick. Alternatively, for example, as described below, containment vessel 136 may be relatively small and therefore may use an all-steel body so as not to be very expensive or complex to manufacture, thereby improving the strength, radiation shielding, and lifespan of containment vessel 136.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the example embodiment containment vessel 136 may be underground, potentially housed within a reactor silo 190. Ground 90 may surround the silo 190 housing the example embodiment reactor 142 and containment vessel 136, with a concrete lid 191 or other surface shielding level, such as: The silo 190 and lid 191 may be seismically isolated or hardened to minimize any shock waves encountered from the ground. Thus, the impact of a seismic event within the silo 190, such as the example IC 300 and / or control system 165, is minimized. If underground, as shown in FIG. 2, the example embodiment system 100 may present a much smaller strike target and / or may be hardened against surface impact and explosion. Furthermore, if underground, the example embodiment system 100 may provide additional containment against radioactive releases, allowing for easier release in the event of emergency cooling. While not shown, any power generation equipment may be connected to ground and / or located below ground level without losing these benefits.

[0020] Based on the smaller size of the example embodiment reactor 142 described below, the example embodiment containment vessel 136 can be compact and simplified relative to existing nuclear power plants, including ESBWRs. Conventional operational and emergency equipment, including a GDCS, PCCS, suppression pool, BIMCS, backup batteries, wetwells, trii, etc., may be omitted entirely from the containment vessel 136. The containment vessel 136 may be accessible through fewer access points, such as a single top access point below the shield 191 that allows access to the reactor 142 for refueling and maintenance. The relatively small volume of the example embodiment reactor 142 and core 141 may not require BiMAC for floor shutdown and cooling, since there is no realistic scenario for fuel relocation within the containment vessel 136. Nevertheless, the containment vessel 136 of the exemplary embodiment may have sufficient floor thickness and expanse area to accommodate and cool any relocated core, as shown in the figure. 2 Additionally, all penetrations through the containment vessel 136 may be minimized and / or isolated to reduce or effectively eliminate the risk of leakage from the containment vessel 136.

[0021] The example embodiment reactor 142 may be a boiling water reactor, similar to an approved ESBWR design in reactor internal structure and height. The reactor 142 may be less than one-fifth the volume of an ESBRS, for example, operating at less than 1,000 megawatts-heat, generating 600 megawatts or more of electricity with a proportionally smaller core 141. For example, the example embodiment reactor 142 may be approximately 28 meters tall and only 3 meters in diameter, internally matching the interior of an ESBWR but laterally proportionally scaled down to operate at approximately 900 megawatts thermal and 300 megawatts electrical ratings. Alternatively, for example, the reactor 142 may be the same proportions as an ESBWR, with a height-to-width ratio of approximately 3.9, and scaled down to a smaller volume. Of course, other dimensions are possible for the example embodiment reactor 142, such as a smaller height-to-width ratio of 2.7 or 2.0, which may allow for natural circulation with a smaller size or appropriate channel configuration within the reactor.

[0022] By maintaining the example embodiment reactor 142 relatively large and tall, the example embodiment reactor 142 can maintain the natural circulation effect achieved by known ESBWRs. Similarly, a smaller reactor 142 may be located underground with associated cooling equipment and / or may have less risk of overheating and damage due to a smaller fuel inventory within the core 141. Additionally, a smaller example embodiment reactor 142 with a lower power rating may be able to more easily start up, shut down, and / or meet reduced power operation to better match energy demands.

[0023] Coolant loops, such as main feedwater line 120 and main steam line 125, may flow into reactor 142, thereby providing moderator, coolant, and / or heat transfer fluid for power generation. An emergency coolant source, such as one or more example embodiment emergency condenser systems (IC) 300, may further provide emergency cooling to reactor 142 upon loss of feedwater from line 120. Example embodiment IC 300 may include a steam inlet 162 from example embodiment reactor 142 and a condensate return 163 to reactor 142. Each of these connections to reactor 142 may be integrally connected to reactor 142 within containment vessel 136 and may utilize isolation valves 200 with negligible risk of failure.

[0024] Aside from valve 200, example embodiment containment vessel 136 may be sealed around any other valves or penetrations for power systems, instrumentation, coolant purge lines, etc. Fewer penetrations, smaller size, elimination of internal systems, and / or underground location for containment vessel 136 may allow for higher operating pressures, potentially up to several hundred psig, e.g., 300, reactor pressure, without the possibility of leaks.

[0025] As seen in example embodiment reactor system 100, several various features can significantly reduce the probability of coolant loss, enable responsive and flexible power generation, reduce plant footprint and ground impact targets, and / or simplify nuclear plant construction and operation. In particular, by using known and approved ESBWR design elements with smaller volume and core size, example embodiment reactor 142 can benefit from passive safety features such as natural circulation in ESBWR designs, achieve a significantly smaller and simplified example embodiment containment vessel 136, and enable reliance on a passive isolation condenser 166 for emergency heat removal.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example embodiment IC 300 that can be used in example embodiment plant 100. As shown in FIG. 3, example embodiment IC 300 is fluidly connected to a large reservoir or ICS pool 301, which can include multiple isolation condensers 310, 320, etc. While only first isolation condenser 310 and second isolation condenser 320 are shown in FIG. 3, it is understood that any number of isolation condensers can be supplied from ICS pool 301. Each isolation condenser 310 and 320 can include its own ICS chamber 311 and 321 with independent coolant control and level that can be replenished by IC pool 301. Because ICS 300 can be outside of any containment vessel, ICS pool 301, isolation condensers 310 and 320, and any other components of IC 300 can be easily reached for maintenance, inspection, emergency replenishment, and / or operation regardless of plant conditions.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, each isolation condenser 310 and 320 may be fed by a steam inlet 162 that provides steam generated within the reactor. The steam may pass through a heat exchanger within the isolation condenser 310 to transfer heat to a fluid (e.g., water) within chamber 311, which condenses the steam back into liquid water. A condensate return line 163 then allows this condensate to flow back into the reactor, driven by gravity, steam inertia, and the density gradient between the steam and the condensate. The isolation condensers 310 and 320 may use a dual split loop through two multi-channel heat exchangers as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, other known designs, such as IC designs from approved ESBWR plants, may be used.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, when installing plant system 100 (FIG. 2) using a low-thermal-power reactor, such as one in the 100-megawatt thermal range, a single isolation condenser 310 can provide cooling capacity for the entire reactor. That is, isolation condensers 310 and 320 can each condense all of the steam generated by an embodiment of the low-power reactor to maintain the same steady-state liquid level. Similarly, isolation condensers can have low and / or varying capacities, and can be any number, thereby providing a margin of safety. For example, for all four condensers, each has a condensing capacity of 75% of the total core flow for a "3x safety margin."

[0029] Although each isolation condenser 310 and 320 is shown with its own steam line 162 and condensate return line 163, it is understood that the actual supply and return can branch off from the shared steam 162 and condensate return line 163, so that only a single isolation valve 200 ( FIG. 2 ) is required for all of the ICs 300 having multiple isolation condensers 310, 320. Control of each isolation condenser may be individualized as described below via valves on the steam line 162 and / or condensate return line 163. Alternatively, the first isolation condenser 310 and second isolation condenser 320 can each use individual steam lines 162 and condensate return lines 163 with separate isolation valves 200, such as the example of FIG. 2 .

[0030] Each isolation condenser 310 and 320 may use its own chamber 311 and 321, respectively, so that coolant levels can be maintained for each despite drawing from the common pool 301. For example, check valve 340 between pool 301 and chamber 311 may only allow one-way flow from pool 301 to chamber 311. In this way, evaporation or boil-off from chamber 311 can be replenished from pool 301 without necessarily reducing or affecting the level in the other chamber 321. Similarly, check valve 340 may prevent coolant from flowing into pool 301 if chamber 311 is at a higher fill level.

[0031] The passive switch 330 can detect when the ICS chamber should be isolated, without active or DCIS control, via a check valve 340 or other connection to the pool 301. The passive switch 330 can also indicate when the emergency condenser 311, 321, etc. should be deactivated. For example, the passive switch 330 can use two floats 331, one in the pool 301 and one in the ICS chamber 311. The floats move on the surface of a coolant, such as liquid water, so that when they are attached to either side of a pivot, the position of the switch 330 can shift. If the coolant level in the ICS chamber 311 is lower than in the pool 301, this may be reflected in the positioning of the floats 331, and the switch 330 will open the check valve 340 between the floats 331 (indicated by the arrow), keeping the emergency condenser 310 active and refilling the ICS chamber 311.

[0032] Alternatively, for example, if the coolant level in ICS chamber 321 exceeds the level in pool 301, this may indicate a failure or rupture of isolation condenser 320, thereby allowing reactor coolant to enter ICS chamber 321. Float 331 in the opposite vertical relative position in this situation may close switch 330 and close check valve 340 (indicated by arrow X), potentially deactivating or isolating isolation condenser 320 and preventing further reactor leakage and / or coolant flow into ICS chamber 321 and pool 301.

[0033] 3, it is understood that other passive or low failure mode devices may be used to detect abnormal or undesirable conditions in the isolation condensers and their chambers. For example, a relative pressure detector, a radiation detector, a level-based coolant contact actuator, a temperature monitor, etc. may indicate that the isolation condenser should be removed and / or shut off from a common coolant source such as pool 301.

[0034] Similarly, a passive switch 330 or another detector can activate an additional isolation condenser as additional IC cooling or condensation is required, such as when chamber 321 approaches boiling. Additional isolation structures, separate from check valve 340, can be activated upon detection of an undesirable operating condition in example embodiment IC 300, such as an inoperable or leaking isolation condenser 320 requiring isolation of chamber 321. Additional modes of activating and deactivating isolation condensers 310 and 320 are described below in connection with FIG. 4.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment selective active separation system 165. As seen in FIG. 2, the example embodiment system 165 may be connected or coupled to the reactor 142, valve 200, ICS 300, and / or containment vessel 136 to control their operation. As seen in FIG. 4, the active separation system 165 may include multiple fluid controllers 166A, 166B, etc., each coupled to an isolation condenser 310, 320, etc. It is understood that any number may be used, although only two fluid controllers and two isolation condensers are shown in FIG. 4. The fluid controllers 166A and 166B may be connected to the reactor 142 via a common pressure line 143. The pressure line 143 may extend through the containment vessel with appropriate penetration seals or fluid controllers 166.

[0036] At a pressure set point in pressure line 143 that reflects the pressure in reactor 142, fluid control 166 A can activate isolation condenser 310. The pressure set point can be, for example, a high pressure associated with reactor overheating or isolation from feedwater or turbine losses. Fluid control 166 A may be configured to directly actuate a valve, rupture an accumulator, passively use reactor pressure to open a valve, and / or otherwise ensure the coolant loop is open to isolation condenser 310 at a set point. As shown in FIG. 4, the actuated valve can be a valve on condensate return line 163.

[0037] For example, the valve may be an isolation valve 200 (FIG. 2). The condensate return line 163 may be connected to the reactor 142 or another valve to isolate the individual isolation condensers from such lines. The fluid control 166A may also operate a valve on the steam inlet 162, or the steam inlet 162 may remain open to the isolation condenser 310 at all times. Thus, opening only the single valve for the condensate return 163 prevents water hammer, since the water already flows through the isolation condenser 310 at reactor pressure.

[0038] Another fluid control 166B may open a valve associated with another isolation condenser 320 at a set point. Or, for example, fluid control 166B may have a higher pressure activation set point so that it is activated only if the set point for activation of fluid control 166A of isolation condenser 310 has already been activated. For example, isolation condenser 310 may leak or fail to activate, as determined by passive switch 330 (FIG. 3). Passive switch 330 may reclose the valve opened by fluid control 166A, shut down fluid control 166A, close another valve, such as the steam inlet valve of condenser 310, or otherwise take isolation condenser 310 offline.

[0039] If the isolation condenser 310 is inadequate, inoperable, or deactivated, the pressure in the reactor 142 may rise again without the cooling or condensing system, especially if the reactor 142 (FIG. 2) is isolated by the isolation valve 200 due to a transient event. Eventually, the pressure will rise to the higher setting of the fluid control valve 166B, activating the isolation condenser 320 to provide pressure relief and cooling. This setting may be repeated any number of times, or may be by independently operable fluid controls 166 for any number of different desired pressure setpoints, thereby providing a suppressed and redundant amount of heat removal and condensation to the reactor 142.

[0040] 4, pressure pulse transmitter 167 is connected to reactor 142 via reactor fluid line 144. Pressure pulse transmitter 167 may in turn activate one or all of isolation condensers 310, 320, etc. Pressure pulse transmitter 167 is a passive device that detects the water level in reactor 142 and opens and / or closes any valves, including isolation valve 200, activates isolation condensers 310 and / or 320, isolates reactor 142 from main steam line 125, isolates reactor 142 from main feedwater line 120, etc. Pressure pulse transmitter 167 may be of the type described in Passive Pressure Pulse Transmitter by AREVA, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, or may be another known type of pressure pulse transmitter.

[0041] The pressure pulse transmitter 167 may activate valves based on water level within the reactor 142 instead of pressure. Thus, the pressure pulse transmitter 167 can provide an alternative and independent measure of reactor functionality and safety to trigger safety functions. For example, the pressure pulse transmitter 167 can detect abnormal water levels approaching the top of the reactor core or fuel, at which point it can activate all associated valves, such as the isolation condensers 310 and 320. Alternatively, for example, the pressure pulse transmitter 167 may be configured with several water level setpoints to selectively activate or shut down systems, such as the isolation condenser 310 at a first low reactor coolant level and the isolation condenser 320 at a second, lower reactor coolant level. Furthermore, the pressure pulse transmitter 167 may deactivate the isolation condensers 310 and 320, or shut down ICS valves on the condensate return line 163 or steam inlet 162 upon detection of high reactor coolant levels.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4 , in the exemplary embodiment, the fluid control 166 and / or pressure pulse transmitter 167 can also interface with the isolation valves 200 isolating the reactor 142 from the main feedwater line 120 and / or the main steam line 125, in addition to the valves associated with the isolation condensers 310, 320. While control connection 168 is used to illustrate the operational control of various valves controlling flow to the isolation condenser, main steam, feedwater, etc., it is understood that the control connection may be contained within a single body with the fluid control and operating valves or may be, for example, actuator lines or other powered connections that open and close valves. Similarly, the fluid control 166 and / or pressure pulse transmitter 167 can use control logic to selectively open and close combinations of valves to achieve a desired plant configuration. For example, in conjunction with actuation of IC 300, the isolation valves 200 for the main feedwater 120 and main steam outlet 125 can be closed to isolate the reactor 142 via a single fluid control 166A or transmitter 167. Alternatively, different fluid control devices 166 may place the plant in different configurations, including triggering reactor SCRAM and / or main turbine trips based on detected pressure deterioration.

[0043] Thus, while exemplary embodiments and methods are described, those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments may be modified and substituted through routine experimentation while still falling within the scope of the following claims. For example, a variety of different coolants and fuel types may be adapted to the exemplary embodiments and methods simply through proper operation and fueling of the exemplary embodiments and fall within the scope of the claims. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the scope of these claims.

Claims

1. A nuclear reactor and at least one primary coolant loop connected to the reactor; an emergency condenser system connected to the reactor; The isolation condenser system comprises: a heat exchanger immersed in the coolant chamber; a coolant pool; a flow path between the coolant pool and the coolant chamber that allows coolant to flow from the coolant pool to the coolant chamber when the coolant level in the coolant chamber is lower than the coolant level in the coolant pool; a steam line connecting the reactor to an inlet of the heat exchanger; a condensate return line connecting the outlet of the heat exchanger to the reactor; wherein the inlet is located vertically above the outlet.

2. The isolation condenser system comprises: at least one isolation condenser within the coolant chamber; 2. The nuclear reactor system of claim 1, wherein the flow path can be opened and closed to connect and isolate the coolant pool and the coolant chamber, and the isolation condenser is configured to transfer heat from the reactor coolant to the coolant chamber.

3. 3. The nuclear reactor system of claim 2, wherein the isolation condenser system includes a plurality of the isolation condensers, each in one of a plurality of coolant chambers, and each coolant chamber connected to the coolant pool by a flow path that can be opened and closed.

4. The isolation condenser system comprises: a check valve preventing the flow of coolant from the coolant chamber to the coolant pool; a switch configured to determine a relative coolant level between the coolant chamber and the coolant pool and to activate the check valve based on the relative coolant levels; The nuclear reactor system of claim 2 further comprising:

5. the switch is passive and includes a first float in the coolant chamber and a second float in the coolant pool; The nuclear reactor system of claim 4 , configured to isolate the coolant chamber when the relative position of the first float is above the second float.

6. a containment vessel surrounding the reactor; the isolation condenser system is external to the containment vessel; the containment vessel and the isolation condenser system are underground, and there are no open coolant sources or active coolant pumps within the containment vessel; 10. The nuclear reactor system of claim 1, further comprising a silo that seismically shields the containment vessel and the isolation condenser system.

7. The nuclear reactor system of claim 1 , further comprising a selective active separation system configured to activate at least one isolation condenser of the isolation condenser system.

8. 8. The nuclear reactor system of claim 7, wherein the selective active separation system includes a plurality of fluid control devices, and the isolation condenser system includes a plurality of isolation condensers, each of the fluid control devices configured to operate one of the isolation condensers at a reactor pressure set point.

9. 9. The nuclear reactor system of claim 8, wherein the reactor pressure set point is different for each of the fluid control devices such that each one of the isolation condensers operates at a different reactor pressure.

10. The selective active separation system is configured to operate the isolation condenser system at a reactor water level set point.

8. The nuclear reactor system of claim 7, further comprising a pressure pulse transmitter configured in the isolation condenser.

11. 10. The nuclear reactor system of claim 1, wherein the nuclear reactor is a maximum 1000 megawatt thermal rated boiling water nuclear reactor.

12. 10. The nuclear reactor system of claim 1, wherein the nuclear reactor includes a pressure reactor containing a core of nuclear fuel, the pressure reactor having a height to width ratio greater than 3.

9.

13. 10. The nuclear reactor system of claim 1, further comprising an impermeable containment vessel completely surrounding said nuclear reactor.

14. 14. The nuclear reactor system of claim 13, wherein there is no liquid coolant pool outside the reactor and inside the containment vessel.

15. 14. The nuclear reactor system of claim 13, wherein there are no pumps inside the containment vessel.

16. 14. The nuclear reactor system of claim 13, wherein the containment vessel and the reactor extend underground.

17. 14. The nuclear reactor system of claim 13, further comprising a silo extending underground and housing the nuclear reactor, the containment vessel, and the isolation condenser system.

18. The nuclear reactor system of claim 1 , wherein the heat exchanger includes a plurality of vertical channels extending downwardly and submerged in the coolant chamber.

19. 20. The nuclear reactor system of claim 18, wherein the steam lines extend horizontally, dividing different vertical channels of the plurality of vertical channels, and the condensate return line combines flows from the different vertical channels into a single flow that connects directly to the reactor and separates from the primary coolant loop.

20. 2. The nuclear reactor system of claim 1, wherein the isolation condenser system forms a loop with the nuclear reactor such that fluid entering the isolation condenser system from the nuclear reactor can only flow back from the isolation condenser system to the nuclear reactor.

Images