Compact PWR with Horizontal Steam Generators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) designs require large spaces and are costly due to the use of large diameter pipes connecting the reactor core, steam generators, and coolant pumps, which also pose risks for coolant accidents and complicate maintenance and refueling operations.
Innovation Solution
A compact PWR design with horizontal steam generators and a pressurizer, connected to the reactor pressure vessel using nozzles without large diameter pipes, allowing for a reduced volume and weight of the primary circuit, facilitating easy maintenance and refueling, and minimizing seismic stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large diameter pipes are used to connect the reactor core, steam generators, and coolant pumps, then the reliability of coolant circulation is improved, but the volume and weight of the primary circuit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steam generators and coolant pumps into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate large diameter connection pipes. The steam generators are positioned directly on the reactor pressure vessel upper head, and coolant pumps are integrated within the same structure, creating a compact primary circuit that reduces volume while maintaining circulation reliability through direct connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement requiring large diameter pipes to a vertical arrangement where steam generators and pumps are stacked above the reactor pressure vessel. This dimensional change allows coolant circulation without extensive horizontal piping, reducing the overall volume occupied by the primary circuit while maintaining flow paths.
2Ease of operation
If large diameter pipes are used to connect the reactor components, then the ease of coolant flow is improved, but the cost of the reactor containment building increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating steam generators and coolant pumps into a single unit directly connected to the reactor pressure vessel, the patent eliminates the need for expensive large diameter pipes and associated support structures. This merging reduces material costs, construction complexity, and overall building cost while maintaining efficient coolant flow through direct integrated connections.
3Volume of stationary object
If the steam generators are positioned vertically above the reactor core, then the compactness of the reactor design is improved, but the maintenance accessibility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines steam generators and coolant pumps into an integrated unit with a common structure. This merging creates internal access pathways and serviceable interfaces that allow maintenance personnel to reach components from the top of the reactor pressure vessel, improving accessibility while maintaining the compact vertical arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit structure acts as an intermediary that provides access channels and service interfaces between the vertically positioned steam generators/pumps and the external maintenance environment. This intermediary structure allows maintenance without requiring horizontal pipe connections or disassembling the entire reactor.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If horizontal steam generators are used, then the seismic stress resistance is improved, but the traditional vertical arrangement compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges steam generators and coolant pumps into a single integrated unit with a low center of gravity. This integration creates a compact mass distribution that resists seismic forces effectively, while the horizontal orientation of steam generators within the unit provides seismic stress resistance. The combined unit maintains compact volume through efficient spatial arrangement of its integrated components.
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
This design reduces the risk of large loss of coolant accidents, simplifies maintenance and refueling, and decreases the reactor containment building's height and weight, making it more cost-effective and resilient to earthquakes.
Implementation Method 1
reactor coolant pumps with nozzles located in the upper side of the reactor pressure vessel
Implementation Method 2
horizontal steam generators...connected to the reactor pressure vessel using nozzles
Implementation Method 3
pressurizer with nozzles located in the upper side of the reactor pressure vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A compact pressurized water nuclear reactor having connected to the reactor pressure vessel a plurality of pressure vessels connected by nozzles, and connected by curved horizontal pressure vessel heads by having their central axis horizontal, with reduced stress and simple single connection between the respective nozzle of the reactor pressure vessel with the respective nozzle of each curved horizontal pressure vessel heads, all with the same internal and external design pressure.