Curvilinear Electromagnetic Pump for Compact Reactor Vessel Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic pumps used in nuclear reactors are relatively large, which dictates the height of the reactor vessel and limits flexibility in component placement, due to their inefficiency and size requirements for pumping liquid metal effectively.
Innovation Solution
A curvilinear electromagnetic pump design that consists of multiple linear segments offset by an angle, allowing the pump to follow the curvature of the reactor vessel, reducing its vertical height and enabling more flexible placement within the reactor vessel while maintaining efficient fluid circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a traditional linear electromagnetic pump is used to pump liquid metal, then the pumping force is sufficient, but the pump size is large and dictates the height of the reactor vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic pump is designed with a curvilinear configuration where the stator and core follow a curved path instead of a straight line. This curvature allows the pump to fit within a compact vertical space while maintaining the necessary pumping length, thereby reducing the overall height of the reactor vessel without sacrificing pumping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pump transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement to a two-dimensional curvilinear arrangement. By utilizing both horizontal and vertical dimensions in a curved configuration, the pump achieves the required pumping length within a reduced vertical envelope, allowing other reactor components to be positioned more flexibly
2Productivity
If a traditional linear electromagnetic pump is used, then the pumping capability is adequate, but the flexibility in location and orientation of components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The curvilinear configuration of the pump allows it to adapt to different spatial arrangements within the reactor vessel. The curved design can be oriented in different directions and positioned flexibly without requiring a strict vertical alignment, thereby improving adaptability in component placement while maintaining pumping capability
3Productivity
If electromagnetic pumps are used to meet flow demands, then the necessary pumping force is generated, but the pump efficiency is low and size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The curvilinear design optimizes the magnetic field distribution and fluid flow path through its curved geometry. This configuration reduces magnetic field leakage and improves coupling between the stator and core, thereby enhancing pump efficiency and reducing energy losses while maintaining the required flow rate
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 curvilinear design reduces the overall height of the reactor vessel by up to 40% compared to traditional linear induction pumps, offering greater flexibility in component placement and reducing the height of the reactor vessel, allowing for more compact and efficient reactor configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a first collection of outer stators, the first collection of outer stators configured to be electrically driven to create a moving magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
Electromagnetic (EM) pumps utilizing the electrical conductivity of liquid metals such as sodium or a sodium-potassium alloy
Data Source
AI summary
A curvilinear electromagnetic pump is configured to follow a curve, such as by coupling multiple linear pump segments together that are offset by an angle with respect to each other. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump can curve within two dimensions, or within three dimensions. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump allows for more efficient arrangement of components and systems within a nuclear reactor vessel and allows a significantly reduced reactor vessel height as compared to a linear pump arranged vertically. The curvilinear electromagnetic pump may follow the curvature of the reactor vessel wall and may be entirely disposed near the bottom of the reactor vessel.