Core Catcher Integrated Cooling Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing core catchers with separated cooling paths have a relatively small sectional area and high flow resistance, leading to delayed cooling of molten core materials during a nuclear reactor incident, which can cause structural damage and environmental contamination.
Innovation Solution
A core catcher with an integrated cooling path featuring a main container with an inverted roof shape and a lower structure with dispersed supports, providing an increased heat transfer area and reduced flow resistance, along with an inclined cooling path and heat-resistant layers to enhance cooling efficiency and protect the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a cooling path is separated by a structure supporting the container, then the container can be stably supported, but the cooling path has reduced sectional area and increased flow resistance, delaying cooling of molten core material
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling path is divided into multiple independent cooling channels (first cooling channel, second cooling channel, etc.) that are distributed beneath the container. Each channel operates independently to cool different regions of the molten core material, increasing the total cooling surface area while maintaining structural support through the segmented channel arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channels are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration beneath the container, extending both horizontally and vertically. This spatial distribution increases the cooling path's effective sectional area and reduces flow resistance by providing multiple parallel pathways for cooling water flow, rather than using a single planar cooling surface.
2Strength
If cooling water is supplied through a separated cooling path, then the structure can support the container, but the flow resistance increases and cooling time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure and cooling path are merged into an integrated system where the same structural elements that support the container also serve as the cooling water channels. This eliminates the need for separate support structures, reducing overall flow resistance and enabling faster cooling while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channels are pre-configured in optimal positions and orientations during the container's manufacturing process. The channels are arranged to maximize cooling efficiency from the outset, with inlet and outlet positions predetermined to ensure uniform heat distribution and minimize cooling time before the molten core material is discharged.
3Ease of manufacture
If a horizontal cooling channel shape is used, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the cooling path has small sectional area and high flow resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels incorporate curved and inclined sections rather than purely horizontal straight channels. The channels are designed with smooth transitions and optimized curvature radii to reduce flow resistance and improve water flow distribution, while still maintaining manufacturability through standard bending and forming processes.
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 integrated cooling path design increases the heat transfer area, reduces flow resistance, and improves cooling performance, effectively preventing structural damage and maintaining the integrity of the nuclear reactor building by efficiently cooling the molten core material.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling path having a predetermined distance, thereby removing heat of the molten core material
Implementation Method 2
cooling the molten core material through supplying of cooling water in the lower cavity of the nuclear reactor building
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the present invention is to provide a core catcher having an integrated cooling path, which includes a structure able to effectively collect, retain and cool molten core material discharged through a damaged part of a nuclear reactor pressure container during a major incident in a nuclear power station. To this end, the present invention is a core catcher which is disposed underneath the nuclear reactor pressure container in order to retain and cool molten core material discharged through a damaged part of the nuclear reactor pressure container and prevent interaction between the molten core material and the pressure-holding structure of the reactor building during a major incident in the nuclear power station, and which includes: a main container in the shape of an inverted roof which is provided underneath the nuclear reactor pressure container and collects the molten core material; and a lower structure which is disposed below and outside the main container with supports disposed at scattered points placed in between, thereby forming a cooling path having a predetermined spacing for eliminating the heat of the molten core material.