Annular Linear Induction Pump for Compact Molten Sodium Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic pumps for sodium cooled reactors are inefficient and complex, making them unsuitable for use in compact microreactors, which require reliable and efficient fluid transport systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact annular linear induction pump with a unique coil design and paramagnetic fluid, utilizing a stator with slots and coils wired in series, generates a magnetic flux to efficiently transport molten sodium coolant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional electromagnetic pumps are used in sodium cooled reactors, then fluid transport capability is achieved, but device complexity and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pump components with an electromagnetic pump that uses magnetic fields to transport molten sodium. The electromagnetic pump includes a stator with coils and a rotor with permanent magnets, eliminating mechanical seals, bearings, and moving parts that would compromise sodium integrity. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining fluid transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the mechanical drive train from traditional pump designs. By using direct electromagnetic coupling between the stator coils and rotor magnets, the design removes intermediate mechanical components such as couplings, belts, and gears, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Volume of moving object
If pump size is reduced for microreactor applications, then transportability and compactness improve, but power efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional axial or radial pump configurations to a toroidal (doughnut-shaped) geometry. This dimensional change allows the pump to generate rotational flow patterns that are inherently more efficient at smaller scales. The toroidal path lengthens the fluid residence time in the magnetic field, improving energy transfer efficiency while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for microreactors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the magnetic field parameters specifically for small-scale operation. By adjusting the coil winding density, magnet strength, and operating frequency, the electromagnetic pump maintains high power efficiency despite its reduced size. The system operates at frequencies and field strengths tailored to the smaller volume, preventing efficiency degradation that typically occurs when scaling down electromagnetic devices.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional pump designs are scaled down for microreactors, then compactness is achieved, but reliability and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces all mechanical components that contact or seal against sodium with electromagnetic fields. The electromagnetic pump has no mechanical seals, bearings, or rotating shafts that could fail or leak sodium. The sodium flows through a stationary toroidal channel while being driven by the rotating magnetic field, eliminating mechanical failure modes and improving reliability for safety-critical microreactor applications.
4Ease of manufacture
If electromagnetic pump components are simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost decreases, but manufacturing precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise magnetic material properties and geometric parameters that can be achieved through modern manufacturing techniques. By selecting materials and design parameters that align with current capabilities (such as sintered permanent magnets and precision-machined toroidal channels), the design achieves high manufacturing precision without excessive complexity. The standardized coil windings and modular stator- rotor assembly facilitate easier manufacturing while maintaining the required precision for efficient electromagnetic coupling.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The pump achieves improved flow rate and pressure while maintaining a compact form factor, ensuring safety and low maintenance, suitable for microreactors with electrically conductive coolants.
Implementation Method 1
application of a current generator to the electromagnetic circuit creating a magnetic flux
Implementation Method 2
creating a magnetic flux
Data Source
AI summary
The compact annular linear pump has a duct, with an inlet and an outlet, positioned to surround an inner core. The duct has a fluid with paramagnetic properties disposed within it. Surrounding the duct is a stator having a first end and a second end. The stator has a plurality of slots that is divisible by three. There is a tooth at each end of the stator and between each slot. There is an electromagnetic circuit with three conductors wired in series disposed within the stator. Within each slot is a coil. Each of the three conductors travel through the stator by alternating through pairs of slots, each coil belonging to a single conductor and alternating conductors every third coil pair. The fluid travels from the inlet to the outlet by application of a current generator to the electromagnetic circuit creating a magnetic flux.