Nuclear power plants and methods for energy production of nuclear power plants

Abstract

Example aspects are directed to a nuclear power plant. The nuclear power plant comprises one or more first nuclear sources configured to produce power to supply a utility distribution system for use, wherein each of the one or more first nuclear sources includes a first subsystem configured to provide operational functionality to a corresponding first nuclear source; and one or more second nuclear sources configured to produce power to the one or more first subsystems and to run the nuclear power plant. Such a nuclear power plant may be safer and more reliable because of incorporating small nuclear sources produce power to the one or more first subsystems for operational functionality. Furthermore, fossil fuel backup or grid backup may be removed from the nuclear power plant, which may help to decrease complexity and cost of operation and of internal electricity distribution in the nuclear power plant.

Description

NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS AND METHODS FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority to United States provisional patent application Serial No. 63 / 710,317, entitled “Improvements to nuclear power plants”, filed on October 22, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Example embodiments to energy production from one or more nuclear power plants.BACKGROUND

[0003] In many countries, large-scale prior art nuclear power plants supply power to an electrical power distribution grid. Typically, each nuclear power plant comprises a nuclear reactor, nuclear fuel, reactor power systems, heat transport system and its support systems (also referred to as subsystems). In some examples, the support systems comprise safety systems, coolant systems, control systems, electrical distribution systems, and fluid distributions systems, boilers or steam generators, condensers, a high-pressure and low-pressure turbine systems, a reheat system, a generator and high voltage power transmission system, a switchyard, fossil fuel backup systems, fossil fuel storage facilities, and associated backup systems including pumps, compressors, control systems etc.SUMMARY

[0004] Example embodiments include, among other features and implementations, nuclear power plants that include one or more nuclear sources of one type (e.g., small nuclear source) powering subsystems of nuclear sources of another type (e.g., large nuclear source). Such configurations may help to provide a safer and more reliable nuclear power plant because the nuclear power plant incorporates small nuclear sources that produce power to subsystems of nuclear sources of another type for operational functionality.

[0005] In some applications, because the one or more nuclear sources of one type are configured to power subsystems of nuclear sources of another types, fossil fuel backup or grid back may be removed from the nuclear power plant, which may help to decrease complexity of internal electricity distribution in the nuclear power plant.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a nuclear power plant is described. The nuclear power plant comprises one or more first nuclear sources and one or more second nuclear sources. The one or more first nuclear sources are configured to produce power to supply a utility distribution system for use. Each of the one or more first nuclear sources includes one or more respective first subsystems configured to provide respective operational functionality to the one or more first nuclear sources; and the one or more second nuclear sources configured to produce power to the one or more respective first subsystems.

[0007] In some embodiments, the nuclear power plant comprises an electricity distribution subsystem that is common to the one or more first nuclear sources, wherein the one or more second nuclear sources are configured to produce the power to the one or more respective first subsystems of the one or more first nuclear sources via the electricity distribution subsystem.

[0008] In some embodiments, the one or more respective first subsystems are configured specifically to exclusively obtain operational power from the one or more second nuclear sources.

[0009] In some embodiments, the nuclear power plant is configured specifically to exclusively obtain operational power from the one or more second nuclear sources.

[0010] In some embodiments, the one or more second nuclear sources are configured to produce the power to run all operations of the nuclear power plant other than supplying the electrical power distribution grid for use.

[0011] In some embodiments, the one or more second nuclear sources are operationally isolated from the utility distribution system (e.g., electrical power distribution grid) and the one or more first nuclear sources.

[0012] In some embodiments, the one or more respective first subsystems are electrically isolated from the utility distribution system.

[0013] In some embodiments, the one or more respective first subsystems are electrically isolated from the one or more first nuclear sources.

[0014] In some embodiments, the electricity distribution subsystem is connected to a second utility distribution system via a station input transformer, the station input transformer is configured to receive power from the second utility distribution system.

[0015] In some embodiments, the one or more second nuclear sources comprises a plurality of second nuclear sources, and one of the plurality of second nuclear sources is configured to accommodate a loss of power caused by the other one or more of the plurality of second nuclear sources being unavailable.

[0016] In some embodiments, each of the one or more second nuclear sources includes respective second subsystem, and the nuclear power plant further comprises one or more third nuclear sources configured to produce power to the respective second subsystem of the one or more second nuclear sources.

[0017] In some embodiments, the one or more third nuclear sources are configured to produce power to at least a portion of the one or more respective first subsystems, and the one or more second nuclear sources configured to produce power to other portions of the one or more respective first subsystems.

[0018] In some embodiments, each of the one or more first nuclear sources is configured to produce a first amount of power, each of the one or more second nuclear sources is configured to produce a second amount of power, and the first amount of power is greater than the second amount of power.

[0019] In some embodiments, each of the one or more third nuclear sources is configured to produce a third amount of power, and the second amount is greater than the third amount of power.

[0020] In some embodiments, each of the one or more first nuclear sources applies a first reactor technology, and each of the one or more second nuclear sources applies a second reactor technology, the first reactor technology being different than the second reactor technology.

[0021] In some embodiments, each of the one or more first nuclear sources applies a first reactor technology, each of the one or more second nuclear sources applies a second reactor technology, and each of the one or more third nuclear sources applies a third reactor technology,and the first reactor technology, the second reactor technology and the third reactor technology are different.

[0022] In some embodiments, the power comprises electricity or heat.

[0023] In some embodiments, the utility distribution system comprises an electricity power grid or a heat distribution system.

[0024] In some embodiments, the one or more second nuclear sources are further configured to run the nuclear power plant.

[0025] In some embodiments, the functionality includes operation functionality, power functionality, or safety functionality.

[0026] In some embodiments, the one or more respective first subsystems include one or more lights, fans, pumps, or control systems.

[0027] In some embodiments, the one or more respective first subsystems include one or more lights, fans, pumps, or control systems.

[0028] According to a second aspect, a method for a nuclear power plant is described. The method comprises: producing, by one or more first nuclear sources, power to supply a utility distribution system for use, wherein each of the one or more first nuclear sources includes one or more respective first subsystems configured to provide respective operational functionality to the one or more first nuclear sources; and producing, by providing one or more second nuclear sources, that are configured to produce power to the one or more respective first subsystems.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method comprises transmitting, from the one or more second nuclear sources through an electricity distribution subsystem that is common to the one or more first nuclear sources, the power to the one or more respective first subsystems of the one or more first nuclear sources via the electricity distribution subsystem.

[0030] In some embodiments, wherein each of the one or more second nuclear sources includes a respective second subsystem, and the method further comprises producing, by one or more third nuclear sources, power to the respective second subsystem of the one or more second nuclear sources.

[0031] In some embodiments, wherein the one or more third nuclear sources are configured to provide power to at least a portion of the one or more respective first subsystems, and the one or more second nuclear sources configured to produce power to the other portions of the one or more respective first subsystems.

[0032] In some embodiments, wherein each of the one or more first nuclear sources applies a first reactor technology, and each of the one or more second nuclear sources applies a second reactor technology, the first reactor technology being different than the second reactor technology.

[0033] In some embodiments, the method further comprises removing fossil fuel backup and / or grid backup.

[0034] This application encompasses various embodiments, including not only method embodiments, but also other embodiments such as apparatus embodiments. Embodiments may incorporate, individually or in combinations, the features disclosed herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] For a more complete understanding of the example embodiments, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made, by way of example, to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art nuclear power plant comprising a single nuclear source and its larger essential systems for its function and its interconnection with the grid, as well as its backup fossil fuel power source.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates an example nuclear power plant in accordance with aspects of example embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates another example nuclear power plant in accordance with aspects of example embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates another example nuclear power plant in accordance with other aspects of example embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating units or modules of a nuclear power plant in which example embodiments may occur.

[0041] FIG. 6 is an example flow chart illustrating a method of configuring a nuclear power plant in accordance with aspects of example embodiments.

[0042] In the drawings, embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for purposes of illustrating certain embodiments and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of example embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] For illustrative purposes, specific example implementations will now be explained in greater detail below in conjunction with the figures.

[0044] The implementations and examples set forth herein represent information sufficient to practice the claimed subject matter and illustrate ways of practicing such subject matter. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying figures, those of skill in the art will understand the concepts of the claimed subject matter and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 1, which illustrates a prior art nuclear power plant. For a typical prior art nuclear power plant 20, regardless of reactor technology selected, one or more large nuclear sources 22 create power (e.g., electricity) which is transmitted to a large output transformer 24. A portion of this power (e.g., electricity) is bypassed to a station input power transformer 26 which transforms some of this high voltage electricity into lower voltage electricity which subsystems of the nuclear power plant 20 consume. The subsystems of the large nuclear sources 22 comprise lights 28, fans 30, pumps 32 and control systems 34, to name a few non-limiting examples. The remainder of the electricity produced is transmitted to an electrical power distribution grid 36. In circumstances where the nuclear source 22 is non-operational, the electricity which the subsystems, the large nuclear source 22, and the nuclear power plant 20 usecan come from the grid 36. In other examples, the subsystems, the large nuclear sources 22 and the nuclear power plant 20 may obtain electricity from one or more fossil fuel backup power sources 38 which are provided with respective fossil fuel storage (not shown) to store a sufficient volume of fossil fuels to provide continuous electricity to the subsystems in an event of an incident. To name a few non-limiting examples, the incident may include both the grid 36 and the nuclear source 22 are unavailable, or the one or more fossil fuel backup power sources 38 are removed, or any other suitable decisions made based on a combination of plant design, operational practice and licenses.

[0046] A typical prior art nuclear power plant would have an electrical output approximately though not limited to 1000 megawatts, of which approximately 1 to 10 megawatts would be returned to the nuclear power plant. In turn, this operation’s power is backed up by one or more fossil fuel power sources 38 which can produce all the power the entire nuclear power plant and the subsystems of the large nuclear source needs to operate. Thus, when operating, the nuclear power plant will output an amount of full 1000 megawatts capacity to the grid 36 and draw its operating power back from the grid 36 in the order of 1 to 10 megawatts to run all of its components (e.g., subsystems). Alternatively, the nuclear power plant 22 outputs to the grid 36 999 to 990 megawatts and retains the remaining power (e.g., 1 to 10 megawatts) output via the station input power transformer 26 for internal operations of the nuclear power plant 22.

[0047] FIG. 2 shows a nuclear power plant 20’ according to an example embodiment. The nuclear power plant 20’ differs from the prior art in that there is no back-up power plant, but a small nuclear source 38’ is included in the nuclear power plant 20’ to provide power to subsystems of the nuclear power plant 20’. The subsystems of the nuclear power plant 20’ may comprise at least lights 28’, fans 30’, pumps 32’ or control systems 34’, to name a few nonlimiting examples. Because the small nuclear source 38’ is included in the nuclear power plant 20’, no input-power transformer is required to power the subsystems of the nuclear power plant 20’.

[0048] It is noted that the nuclear power plant subsystems are designed and implemented with the consideration that the small nuclear source 38’ is operating the subsystems of the nuclear power plant 20’ rather than the large nuclear source 22’, furthermore it can be consideredthat the large nuclear source is further optimized in design with the aforementioned considerations.

[0049] In the prior art nuclear power plant, 1000 megawatts of power (e.g., electricity) is produced by the large nuclear source 22, yet 1000 to 990 megawatts of power (e.g., electricity) goes to the grid 36, and the difference (e.g., 0-10 megawatts of power) comes from the grid 36 via the input transformer 26.

[0050] In the exemplary nuclear power plant 20’ as shown in FIG. 2, all the power (e.g., the electricity) from the large nuclear source 22’ can go directly to the grid 36, and the small nuclear source 38’ produces the power (e.g., the electricity) required to run the nuclear power plant 20’and subsystems 28’, 30’, 32’, 34’ of the large nuclear source 22’. The subsystems 28’, 30’, 32’, 34’ may provide operational functionality to the large nuclear source 22’.

[0051] It should be understood that although only a single small nuclear source 38’ is shown, it will be appreciated that any number of small nuclear sources of this type may be utilized for supporting a large nuclear source that provides power of a range of 1 to 1000 megawatts.

[0052] It should be also appreciated that the amount of power that the large nuclear source is configured to provide varies based on the design and reactor technologies applied. For example, the amount of power provided by the large nuclear source may be in a range of 100-400 megawatts or a range of 600-1600 megawatts. In other examples, some reactor technologies applied by the large nuclear source may provide 1-2000 megawatts. In some alternative examples, some reactor technologies applied by the large nuclear source may provide 0.1-2000 megawatts.

[0053] It should be also appreciated that an amount of power that the small nuclear source is configured to provide varies based on the design and reactor technologies applied. In some examples, the amount of power provided by the small nuclear source is 0.5-3% of the output (e.g., maximum output) of the larger nuclear source. However, the amount of power provided by the small nuclear source could vary depending on economics and the preference of the reactor design. For example, if the maximum output of the large nuclear source is about 1000 megawatts, the small nuclear source would likely be designed to be 15-30 megawatts. If there are more than one small source, which is more likely, the small nuclear source could vary in size.

[0054] It is noted although the respective exemplary amount of power provided by the large nuclear source and the small nuclear source is illustrated, this is only for ease of understanding of the small nuclear source and the large nuclear source and is not intended for limiting. In other examples, the respective amount of power provided by the large nuclear source and the small nuclear source may vary based on design, configuration, and reactor technology.

[0055] FIG. 3 shows a nuclear power plant 20’ ’ according to another example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the nuclear power plant 20” comprises multiple large nuclear sources 22(1)’, 22(2)’, 22(3)’ (generically referred to as large nuclear source 22’) and multiple small nuclear sources 38(1)’, 38(2)’, 38(3)’, 38(4)’ (generically referred to as small nuclear source 38’). The small nuclear sources 38’ selectively or jointly power nuclear power plant subsystems of each large nuclear source, for example including lights 28’, fans 30’, pumps 32’ and control systems 34’, via a common electricity distribution system 40”.

[0056] Furthermore, in some examples, the common distribution system 40” is connected to the grid 36’ via a station input transformer 26’ and receives power (e.g., electricity) from the grid 36’ at a convenient voltage level and lowers the voltage to a useful amplitude for distribution. It is further understood that the station input transformer 26’ is designed for this purpose, and the voltages provided to the grid 36 by the large output transformer 24 may be different than the voltages provided to the grid 36’ by the station input transformer 26’.

[0057] In an example, the nuclear power plant subsystems may be designed and implemented to be isolated between the grid 36 and the large nuclear source 22’. In such a case, the nuclear power plant subsystems may be powered by the plurality of small nuclear sources 38’, rather than the large nuclear source 22’. The nuclear power plant 20” can operate without associated backup systems (e.g., fossil fuel backup) or power return from the electrical power distribution grid 36.

[0058] In the example nuclear power plant 20” of FIG. 3, the example nuclear power plant 20” comprises three large nuclear sources 22(1)’, 22(2)’, 22(3)” (generically referred to as large nuclear source 22’) and four small nuclear sources 38(1)’, 38(2)’, 38(3)’, 38(4)’ (generically referred to as small nuclear source 38’). In some examples, a subsystem of each large nuclear source is powered by a corresponding small nuclear source. For example, the small nuclear sources 38(1)’ may power the large nuclear source 22(1)’, the small nuclear sources 38(2)’ maypower the large nuclear source 22(2)’, and the small nuclear sources 38(3)’ may power the large nuclear source 22(3)’.

[0059] In other examples, when one small nuclear source (e.g., a small nuclear source 38(1)’) becomes unavailable to power a specific subsystem of a large nuclear source (e.g., large nuclear source 22(1)’), the other small nuclear source (e.g., a small nuclear source 38(2)’ or a small nuclear source 38(4)’) may be configured to provide power to the specific subsystem of a large nuclear source (e.g., large nuclear source 22(1)’) such that power loss of the small nuclear source can be accommodated by the other small nuclear source(e.g., a small nuclear source 38(2)’ or a small nuclear source 38(4)’).

[0060] It is understood that although three large power sources 22’ and four small power sources 38’ are illustrated in FIG. 3 for ease of illustration and understanding, this is only illustrative and not intended to be limiting. In other examples, the number of the large power sources 22’ may be any number greater than one. Furthermore, the number of the small power sources 38’may be any number greater than one.

[0061] Furthermore, in some examples, each of the one or more large nuclear sources (e.g., large nuclear sources 22’) applies a first reactor technology. Each of the one or more small nuclear sources (e.g., small nuclear sources 38’) applies a second reactor technology. The first reactor technology may be selected or configured for the large nuclear sources based on the configuration (e.g., a range of energy / power output) of the large nuclear sources. The second reactor technology may be selected for the small nuclear sources based on the configuration (e.g., a range of energy output) of the small nuclear sources. In some examples, the first reactor technology may be different than the second reactor technology.

[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a nuclear power plant 20’”. As shown in FIG. 4, the nuclear power plant 20’” comprises a first nuclear source (e.g., a large nuclear source 22), a second nuclear source (e.g., small nuclear source 38”), and two third nuclear sources (e.g., smaller nuclear source 38(1)’, 38(2)’). FIG. 4 differs from FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 in that the nuclear power plant 20’” comprises two smaller nuclear sources 38(1)’, 38(2)’. In this embodiment, one smaller nuclear source 38(1)’ powers a portion (e.g., control systems 34’ via its own unique electrical distribution system 40”) of subsystems of the large nuclear source 22.

[0063] The small nuclear source 38” provides power to the remainder of the nuclear power plant 20”’ and the subsystems for the large nuclear source 22, schematically represented as but not limited by: lights 28’, fans 30’ and pumps 32’, via a separate and different power distribution system 40’. In some examples, the small nuclear source 38” may have its subsystems, for example, including lights 28”, fans 30”, pumps 32” and control systems 34”, which are powered by a smaller nuclear source 38(2)’ via a separate and different power distribution system 40”.

[0064] In some examples, a nuclear power plant (e.g., the nuclear power plant 20”) in example embodiments may comprise a large nuclear source 22 generating an amount of 2000 megawatts of power (e.g., electricity or heat) with the majority of subsystems (e.g., 28’, 30’, 32’) of the large nuclear source 22 being powered by a small nuclear source 38” which provides an amount of 100 megawatts, and the remainder of the subsystems (e.g., 34’) being powered by a smaller nuclear source 38(1)’ which provides an amount of 5 megawatts. Furthermore, a smaller nuclear source 38(2)’ outputting 5 megawatts power provides power to the small nuclear source 38” (e.g., providing 100 megawatts) such that the subsystems (e.g., 28”, 30”, 32”) of the small nuclear source 38”are operated and powered by the smaller nuclear source 38(2)’.

[0065] It is understood that although an example where a large nuclear source 22 provides 2000 megawatts of power, a small nuclear source 38” provides 100 megawatts of power, and a smaller nuclear source 38(2)’ provides 5 megawatts of power is illustrated for ease of understanding, this is only illustrative and not intended to be limiting. In other examples, a respective range of power output by the three different nuclear sources (e.g., large nuclear source, small nuclear source, smaller nuclear source) may vary based on appropriate configurations of the nuclear sources 22, 38”, and 38(2)’ and / or the nuclear power plant 20”.

[0066] It should be understood that nuclear power plant subsystems for both the large nuclear source and the small nuclear source are designed and implemented with the consideration that they are being operated via a separate source and isolated from the grid and the nuclear sources. In other words, a subsystem of a large nuclear source may be isolated and separate from a subsystem of a small nuclear source. What is more, a subsystem of a large nuclear source may be isolated from the grid and the large nuclear source. Furthermore, it can be considered that the large nuclear sources are further optimized in design with the aforementionedconsiderations. It should also be understood that a common distribution system may be implemented in a nuclear power plant where inputs and outputs of the nuclear power plant are separate. Thus, many separate and different power distribution systems for the nuclear sources may be eliminated, but the nuclear power plant could include separate inputs and outputs to a common distribution system(s).

[0067] It is to be appreciated that although FIG. 4 shows a nuclear power plant comprising only one large nuclear source, one small nuclear source and two smaller nuclear sources, this is only illustrative and is not intended to be limiting. In other examples, any number of nuclear sources of three different types of nuclear sources might be utilized for each respective role, and it is possible that there could be varying reactor technologies chosen between the large nuclear source, the small nuclear source and the smaller nuclear sources, or for each nuclear source selected. For example, each of the one or more first nuclear sources (e.g., large nuclear source 22) applies a first reactor technology, each of the one or more second nuclear sources (e.g., small nuclear source 38”) applies a second reactor technology, and each of the one or more third nuclear sources (e.g., smaller nuclear sources 38(1)’ and 38(2)’) applies a third reactor technology. In some examples, the first reactor technology, the second reactor technology and the third reactor technology are different.

[0068] The implementation of example embodiments may enable redesign or planning of systems and subsystems of each set of nuclear sources. Furthermore, further iterations of nuclear sources are possible following this trend to further disseminate the burden of system functions of the larger sets of nuclear sources to smaller, more reliable and safer nuclear sources. In other words, other nuclear sources outputting power less than the smaller nuclear source may be included in the nuclear power plant to power subsystems of the smaller nuclear source, in order to distribute the functionalities of a large nuclear source into multiple different types of sized nuclear source.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating units or modules of a nuclear power plant in accordance with an example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, a nuclear power plant 500 comprises one or more first nuclear sources 502 and one or more second nuclear sources 506. The one or more first nuclear sources 502 are configured to produce power to supply a utility distribution system 520 (e.g., an electrical power distribution grid 520) for use. In some examples,each of the one or more first nuclear sources includes a first subsystem 504 configured to provide operational functionality to a corresponding first nuclear source 502. The one or more second nuclear sources 506 are configured to produce power to the one or more first subsystems 504 and to run the nuclear power plant 500. The nuclear power plant 500 could be any nuclear power plant as discussed in the examples of FIGs. 2-4.

[0070] Although an example electrical power distribution grid 520 is illustrated and discussed below, this is only illustrative and is not intended to be limiting. In other examples, the utility distribution system may be any other suitable distribution system and may have different configurations. For example, the utility distribution system may include a heat distribution system.

[0071] In some examples, each of the one or more first nuclear sources is configured to produce a first amount of power, and each of the one or more second nuclear sources is configured to produce a second amount of power, and the first amount is greater than the second amount. The amount of power provided by each first nuclear source may be determined based on size, configuration, and reactor technology applied for the first nuclear source. Furthermore, the amount of power provided by each second nuclear source may be determined based on size, configuration, and reactor technology applied for the second nuclear source.

[0072] The second nuclear sources 506 may be small nuclear sources, which are safer and more reliable nuclear sources compared with large nuclear sources. Incorporating the one or more second nuclear sources 506 into the nuclear power plant may greatly improve the nuclear power plant safety and operations. For example, one or more second nuclear source 504 (e.g., small nuclear sources) could power some or all the subsystems for the one or more first nuclear source 504 (e.g., large nuclear source), and / or the some or all of the nuclear power plant 500. In some examples, the first nuclear source 504 (e.g., large nuclear source) would do nothing but produce power to the utility distribution system (e.g., electrical power distribution grid 520) for use, and the second nuclear sources 506 provide power to the some or all the subsystems for the one or more first nuclear source 504 and to run the entire the nuclear power plant 500.

[0073] In some examples, the nuclear power plant 500 further comprises an electricity distribution subsystem that is common to the one or more first nuclear sources 502. The one ormore second nuclear sources 506 are configured to produce the power to the one or more first subsystems 504 of the one or more first nuclear sources 502 via the electricity distribution subsystem.

[0074] In some examples, the first subsystem 504 is configured specifically to exclusively obtain operational power from the one or more second nuclear sources 506.

[0075] In some examples, the nuclear power plant 500 is configured specifically to exclusively obtain operational power from the one or more second nuclear sources 506.

[0076] In some examples, the one or more second nuclear sources 506 are configured to provide power to run all operations of the nuclear power plant 500 other than supplying the utility distribution system 520 (e.g., the electrical power distribution grid 520) for use.

[0077] In some examples, the one or more first subsystem 504 are operationally isolated from the utility distribution system 520 (e.g., the electrical power distribution grid 520). In some examples, although the large nuclear source (e.g., the first nuclear source 502) comprises its own subsystems (e.g., the first subsystems 504), the operation of the first subsystem 504 are independent on the large nuclear source 502. The operations, power, safety, or functionality of the first subsystem are isolated from the large nuclear source 502. In other words, though the large nuclear source 502 includes its subsystems 504, the subsystems 504 are configured to operate independently of the large nuclear source the subsystems 504 support.

[0078] In some examples, the one or more first subsystem 504 are operationally isolated from the one or more first nuclear sources 502.

[0079] In some examples, the one or more second nuclear sources 506 comprises a plurality of second nuclear sources, and one of the plurality of second nuclear sources is configured to accommodate a loss of power caused by the other one of the plurality of second nuclear sources being unavailable.

[0080] In some examples, each of the one or more second nuclear sources 506 includes a second subsystem 508. Alternatively, the nuclear power plant 500 further comprises one or more third nuclear sources 510 configured to produce power to the one or more second subsystems 508 of the one or more second nuclear sources 506. In some implementations, each of the one ormore third nuclear sources is configured to produce a third amount of power, and the second amount is greater than the third amount.

[0081] In some examples, the one or more third nuclear sources 510 are configured to provide power to at least a portion of the one or more first subsystems 504, and the one or more second nuclear sources 506 configured to produce power to the other portions of the one or more first subsystems 504.

[0082] In some examples, the one or more first subsystems 504 may include one or more lights, fans, pumps, or control systems, such as at least lights 28’, fans 30’, pumps 32’ or control systems 34’ as shown in the examples of FIGs. 2-4.

[0083] In some examples, the one or more second subsystems 508 may include one or more lights, fans, pumps, or control systems, such as at least lights 28”, fans 30”, pumps 32” or control systems 34” as shown in the examples of FIG. 4.

[0084] It is noted that although exemplary components of each first subsystem 504 or each second subsystems 508 are illustrated, this is not intended to be limiting. In other examples, the components of each first subsystem 504 may have any other suitable configurations to perform operational functionalities of the first nuclear source 502, and the components of each second subsystem 508 may have any other suitable configurations to perform operational functionalities of the second nuclear source 506.

[0085] In some examples, each of the one or more first nuclear sources applies a first reactor technology, and each of the one or more second nuclear sources applies a second reactor technology. The first reactor technology is different than the second reactor technology.

[0086] In some examples, each of the one or more first nuclear sources applies a first reactor technology, each of the one or more second nuclear sources applies a second reactor technology, and each of the one or more third nuclear sources applies a third reactor technology. The first reactor technology, the second reactor technology and the third reactor technology are different.

[0087] In some examples, the power produced by the nuclear power plant comprises electricity or heat.

[0088] FIG. 6 is an example flow chart illustrating a method 600 that may be applied to construct a nuclear power plant, such as the nuclear power plants in the examples of FIGs. 2-5.

[0089] At step 602 of the method 600, one or more first nuclear sources produce power to supply a utility distribution system (e.g., an electrical power distribution grid) for use, and each of the one or more first nuclear sources includes one or more respective first subsystem configured to provide respective operational functionalities to the one or more corresponding first nuclear sources.

[0090] At step 604 of the method 600, one or more second nuclear sources produce power to the one or more first respective subsystems.

[0091] In some examples, the one or more second nuclear source may further run the nuclear power plant.

[0092] In some examples, an electricity distribution subsystem that is common to the one or more first nuclear sources. The one or more second nuclear sources are configured to produce the power to the one or more first subsystems of the one or more first nuclear sources via the electricity distribution subsystem.

[0093] In some examples, each of the one or more second nuclear sources includes a second subsystem. One or more third nuclear sources that are configured to produce power to the one or more second subsystems of the one or more second nuclear sources.

[0094] In some examples, the one or more third nuclear sources are configured to produce power to at least a portion of the one or more respective first subsystems, and the one or more second nuclear sources configured to produce power to the other portions of the one or more respective first subsystems.

[0095] In some examples, each of the one or more first nuclear sources applies a first reactor technology, and each of the one or more second nuclear sources applies a second reactor technology. The first reactor technology is different than the second reactor technology.

[0096] Alternatively, fossil fuel backup and / or grid backup may be removed from the nuclear power plants.

[0097] To name a few non-limiting examples, possible benefits of example embodiments may comprise any or all of the following:

[0098] Because one or more small nuclear sources are incorporated in the nuclear power plant, fossil fuels are removed from the design and operation of the nuclear power plant and its operations.

[0099] In some implementations, each large nuclear power source is powered by a respective dedicated small nuclear source, independent simplification and modularization of design of systems for the large nuclear power sources may be achieved.

[0100] Because no grid backup or fossil fuel backup systems are needed in examples of the nuclear power plant, the nuclear power plant are simplified and balanced.

[0101] In some applications, a small nuclear source may be utilized to power more than two large nuclear sources. Thus, redundance of small nuclear sources may be reduced, and distribution to large nuclear sources in multiple nuclear sources of nuclear power plants may be standardized.

[0102] Example embodiments of the nuclear power plant include different sized nuclear sources, which divide systems for the conventional large nuclear source to small different dedicated nuclear sources.

[0103] Because complex and large electrical redistribution from a main power transformer and / or switchyard back into the nuclear power plant is removed, the complexity of the nuclear power plant may be reduced.

[0104] Because the multiple size and scale of nuclear sources are isolated from each other and from an electrical power distribution grid, the nuclear power plant provides independent connections with the electrical power distribution grid.

[0105] The large nuclear source may apply large nuclear reactor technologies. Simplification of path and associated equipment of power from the large nuclear reactor technologies to the electrical power distribution grid or thermal distribution may be achieved.

[0106] Because no grid backup or fossil fuel backup systems are needed in example embodiments of the nuclear power plant, complexity of the nuclear power plant and internal electricity distribution, including a reduction in materials and equipment may be decreased.

[0107] The large nuclear source of examples of the nuclear power plant may apply similar reactor technology as the small the nuclear source of examples of the nuclear power plant. In other examples, the large nuclear source of the nuclear power plant may apply different reactor technology as the small nuclear source of the nuclear power plant. The use of similar and dissimilar large and small nuclear sources technology in one nuclear power plant may add flexibilities and diversities of configuring example of the nuclear power plant.

[0108] It is possible to recycle nuclear fuel between dissimilar nuclear source reactor design technologies applied in examples of the nuclear power plant. For example, the spent fuel from the large nuclear source may be utilized as fuel in the small nuclear source. This recycling process may be performed by intent and design.

[0109] Examples of the nuclear power plant can include redesigns of large nuclear source’ s safety systems based on considerations of probabilistic and deterministic risk and safety modeling, reliability and functionality of small nuclear sources, compared with conventional nuclear power plants.

[0110] The dependence of operation of the nuclear power plant and its safety systems from large nuclear source output are minimized.[OHl] Effects of disturbances or transients from the electricity grid to the large nuclear source and the turbine generator set on the operation of the nuclear power plant may be reduced and minimized by including the smaller nuclear sources in the nuclear power plant to power subsystems of the large nuclear source.

[0112] Because large nuclear sources can be powered by isolated small nuclear sources, rather than dependent on it is fuel for operation, efficiency of consuming fuel in the large nuclear sources may be increased. Furthermore, both during operation and during emergent events, safety of operating the large nuclear source may be increased.

[0113] Because the nuclear power plant involves small nuclear sources, risk of nuclear accidents involving the large nuclear sources may be reduced.

[0114] It becomes possible to use or continuously use islanding sites from the larger electricity grid to powering large nuclear sources via small nuclear sources.

[0115] By including the small nuclear sources, the whole nuclear site, including the nuclear power plant, ancillary buildings and facilities, may be powered by the small nuclear sources.

[0116] In some examples, the small nuclear sources may be utilized during the construction, outage, refurbishment or decommissioning phases of the life cycle of the nuclear power plant and / or the large nuclear sources.

[0117] The construction costs for the entire nuclear power plant may be modularized and reduced.

[0118] The construction times for the entire nuclear power plant may be modularized and reduced.

[0119] The construction materials for the entire nuclear power plant may be decreased.

[0120] The capital costs for the entire nuclear power plant may be decreased.

[0121] In some implementations, it might be possible to provide new financial models for the overall cost of nuclear power plant due to its modularity and multiple sets of reactors.

[0122] In some examples, decentralization, dissemination and subdivision of nuclear operating license amongst the large and small nuclear sources enables savings on licensing of nuclear power plant.

[0123] In some examples, because examples of the nuclear power plant may provide decentralization, dissemination and subdivision of nuclear seismic qualification amongst the large and small nuclear sources, the independently powered systems may help to increase savings on design and construction standards.

[0124] In some examples, because examples of the nuclear power plant may provide decentralization, dissemination and subdivision of nuclear emergency response qualifications amongst the large and small nuclear sources, the systems or subsystems of the nuclear power plant may help to increase savings on design and construction standards.

[0125] In some examples, the nuclear power plant may be configured to provide decentralization, dissemination and subdivision of the safety of the large nuclear sources to the smaller, safer and more reliable operation of the smaller nuclear sources.

[0126] In some examples, the nuclear power plant may be configured to provide decentralization, dissemination and subdivision of nuclear operating standards and regulations amongst the large and small nuclear sources, which may help to increase savings on equipment selection and procurement, application of organizational and regulatory oversight.

[0127] In some examples, the nuclear power plant may be configured to provide decentralization, dissemination and subdivision of operations, which may help to reduce maintenance response to running nuclear power plant.

[0128] In some examples, the nuclear power plant may be configured to decentralize, disseminate and subdivide the probabilistic risk and safety of the nuclear power plant.

[0129] In some examples, the nuclear power plant may be configured to decentralize, disseminate and subdivide insurance and liability of the nuclear power plant to respectively independent nuclear sources.

[0130] In some examples, the nuclear power plant may be configured to decrease organizational burden to an emergency response to a large nuclear source or grid transient because the small nuclear sources are configured to power the subsystems of the large nuclear sources.

[0131] In some examples, flexibility and adaptability of example embodiments of the nuclear power plant to various sites may be increased. The nuclear power plant can be based on updates of a design to its modularized systems and nuclear sources, rather than a redesign of the entire nuclear power plant.

[0132] In some examples, second set of nuclear sources by their design that are connected to the grid during operation or islanding processes may be reduced or avoided.

[0133] Example embodiments include a nuclear power plant. In particular, by incorporating small nuclear sources to power the subsystem of the large nuclear sources, fossil fuel backup or grid back may be removed from the nuclear power plant, which may enable the nuclear power plant to be safer and more reliable. The small nuclear sources may be isolated from the grid during operation, which may increase the flexibility of powering subsystems of the large nuclear sources.

[0134] In some embodiments, the nuclear power plant may include an electricity distribution subsystem that is common to a plurality of first nuclear sources (e.g., large nuclear sources).

[0135] In some examples, when the nuclear power plant comprises a plurality of second nuclear sources, one of the plurality of second nuclear sources may accommodate a loss of power caused by the other one of the plurality of second nuclear sources being unavailable.

[0136] In some implementations, reactor technologies for different types / size types of nuclear sources (e.g., the large nuclear source, small nuclear source, and the smaller nuclear sources) are different.

[0137] It is to be understood that although electricity is illustrated as a type of power in some example embodiments, this is only illustrative and is not intended to be limiting. In other examples, the power may include heat or any other suitable energy. The configuration of the grid and components in the nuclear power plant may be varied for the heat generation and supply accordingly.

[0138] In example embodiments, the terms “a” or “an” are defined to mean “at least one”, that is, these terms do not exclude a plural number of items, unless stated otherwise.

[0139] In example embodiments, terms such as “substantially”, “generally” and “about”, which modify a value, condition or characteristic of a feature of an example embodiment, should be understood to mean that the value, condition or characteristic is defined within tolerances that are acceptable for the proper operation of the example embodiment for its intended application.

[0140] In example embodiments, unless stated otherwise, the terms “connected” and “coupled”, and derivatives and variants thereof, refer herein to any structural or functional connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements. For example, the connection or coupling between the elements can be acoustical, mechanical, optical, electrical, thermal, logical, or any combinations thereof.

[0141] In example embodiments, expressions such as “match”, “matching” and “matched”, including variants and derivatives thereof, are intended to refer herein to a condition in which two or more elements are either the same or within some predetermined tolerance of each other. That is, these terms are meant to encompass not only “exactly” or “identically” matching the twoelements but also “substantially”, “approximately” or “subjectively” matching the two or more elements, as well as providing a higher or best match among a plurality of matching possibilities.

[0142] In example embodiments, the expression “based on” is intended to mean “based at least partly on”, that is, this expression can mean “based solely on” or “based partially on”, and so should not be interpreted in a limited manner. More particularly, the expression “based on” could also be understood as meaning “depending on”, “representative of’, “indicative of’, “associated with” or similar expressions.

[0143] In example embodiments, "at least one" means one or more, and "a plurality of means two or more. The term "and / or" describes an association relationship of associated objects, and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may indicate the following three cases: Only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists, where A and B may be singular or plural. The character " / " indicates an "or" relationship between associated objects. "At least one of the following items (pieces)" or a similar expression thereof indicates any combination of these items, including a single item (piece) or any combination of a plurality of items (pieces). For example, "at least one of A, B, or C" includes: only A; only B; only C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B, and C, and "at least one of A, B, and C" may also be understood as including: only A; only B; only C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B, and C. In addition, unless otherwise specified, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" in embodiments of this application are used to distinguish between a plurality of objects, and are not used to limit a sequence, a time sequence, priorities, or importance of the plurality of objects.

[0144] A person skilled in the art should understand that embodiments of this application may be provided as a method, an apparatus (or system), computer-readable storage medium, or a computer program product. Therefore, this application may use a form of a hardware-only embodiment, a software-only embodiment, or an embodiment with a combination of software and hardware. Moreover, this application may use a form of a computer program product that is implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to a disk memory, an optical memory, and the like) that include computer-usable program code.

[0145] This application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the method, the device (system), and the computer program product according to this application. It should be understood that computer program instructions may be used toimplement each process and / or each block in the flowcharts and / or the block diagrams and a combination of a process and / or a block in the flowcharts and / or the block diagrams. The computer program instructions may be provided for a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, an embedded processor, or a processor of another programmable data processing device and enable a machine to execute the instructions. When executed by any computer or the processor of a programmable data processing device, the instructions cause the apparatus to implement specific functions as described in one or more procedures in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams. The computer program instructions may alternatively be stored in a computer-readable memory that can indicate a computer or another programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory generate an artifact that includes an instruction apparatus. The instruction apparatus implements a specific function in one or more procedures in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

[0146] The computer program instructions may alternatively be loaded onto a computer or another programmable data processing device, so that a series of operations and steps are performed on the computer or the another programmable device, so that computer-implemented processing is generated. Therefore, the instructions executed on the computer or on another programmable device provide steps for implementing specific functions as described in one or more procedures in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

[0147] It is clear that a person skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover these modifications and variations of this application provided that they fall within the scope of protection defined by the following claims and their equivalent technologies.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A nuclear power plant comprising: one or more first nuclear sources configured to produce power to supply a utility distribution system for use, wherein each of the one or more first nuclear sources includes one or more respective first subsystems configured to provide respective operational functionality to the one or more first nuclear sources; and one or more second nuclear sources configured to produce power to the one or more respective first subsystems.

2. The nuclear power plant of claim 1, further comprising an electricity distribution subsystem that is common to the one or more first nuclear sources, wherein the one or more second nuclear sources are configured to produce the power to the one or more respective first subsystems of the one or more first nuclear sources via the electricity distribution subsystem.

3. The nuclear power plant of claim 1 or 2, where the one or more respective first subsystems are configured specifically to exclusively obtain operational power from the one or more second nuclear sources.

4. The nuclear power plant of any one of claims 1-3, where the nuclear power plant is configured specifically to exclusively obtain operational power from the one or more second nuclear sources.

5. The nuclear power plant of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more second nuclear sources configured to produce the power to run all operations of the nuclear power plant other than supplying the utility distribution system for use.

6. The nuclear power plant of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the one or more respective first subsystems are operationally isolated from the utility distribution system and the one or more first nuclear sources.

7. The nuclear power plant of claim 6, wherein the one or more respective first subsystems being operationally isolated from the utility distribution system and the one or more firstnuclear sources comprises the one or more respective first subsystems are electrically isolated from the utility distribution system and the one or more first nuclear sources.

8. The nuclear power plant of claim 2, wherein the electricity distribution subsystem is connected to a second utility distribution system via a station input transformer, the station input transformer is configured to receive power from the second utility distribution system.

9. The nuclear power plant of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the one or more second nuclear sources comprises a plurality of second nuclear sources, and one of the plurality of second nuclear sources is configured to accommodate a loss of power caused by the other one of the plurality of second nuclear sources being unavailable.

10. The nuclear power plant of any one of claims 1-9, wherein each of the one or more second nuclear sources includes a respective second subsystem, and the nuclear power plant further comprises one or more third nuclear sources configured to produce power to the respective second subsystem of the one or more second nuclear sources.

11. The nuclear power plant of claim 10, wherein the one or more third nuclear sources are configured to provide power to at least a portion of the one or more respective first subsystems, and the one or more second nuclear sources configured to produce power to other portions of the one or more respective first subsystems.

12. The nuclear power plant of claim 10, wherein each of the one or more first nuclear sources is configured to produce a first amount of power, each of the one or more second nuclear sources is configured to produce a second amount of power, and the first amount of power is greater than the second amount of power.

13. The nuclear power plant of claim 12, wherein each of the one or more third nuclear sources is configured to produce a third amount of power, and the second amount is greater than the third amount of power.

14. The nuclear power plant of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein each of the one or more first nuclear sources applies a first reactor technology, and each of the one or more second nuclear sources applies a second reactor technology, the first reactor technology being different than the second reactor technology.

15. The nuclear power plant of claim 10, wherein each of the one or more first nuclear sources applies a first reactor technology, each of the one or more second nuclear sources applies a second reactor technology, and each of the one or more third nuclear sources applies a third reactor technology, and the first reactor technology, the second reactor technology and the third reactor technology are different.

16. The nuclear power plant of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the utility distribution system comprises an electricity power grid or a heat distribution system.

17. The nuclear power plant of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the one or more second nuclear sources are further configured to run the nuclear power plant.

18. The nuclear power plant of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the functionality includes operation functionality, power functionality, or safety functionality.

19. A method for a nuclear power plant comprising: producing, by one or more first nuclear sources, power to supply a utility distribution system for use, wherein each of the one or more first nuclear sources includes one or more respective first subsystems configured to provide respective operational functionality to the one or more first nuclear sources; and producing, by providing one or more second nuclear sources, that are configured to produce power to the one or more respective first subsystems.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: transmitting, from the one or more second nuclear sources through an electricity distribution subsystem that is common to the one or more first nuclear sources, the power to the one or more respective first subsystems of the one or more first nuclear sources via the electricity distribution subsystem.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein each of the one or more second nuclear sources includes a respective second subsystem, and further comprising: producing, by one or more third nuclear sources, power to the respective second subsystem of the one or more second nuclear sources.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the one or more third nuclear sources are configured to provide power to at least a portion of the one or more respective first subsystems, and theone or more second nuclear sources configured to produce power to the other portions of the one or more respective first subsystems.

23. The method of any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein each of the one or more first nuclear sources applies a first reactor technology, and each of the one or more second nuclear sources applies a second reactor technology, the first reactor technology being different than the second reactor technology.

24. The method of any one of claims 19 to 23, the method further comprising removing fossil fuel backup and / or grid backup.

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