Hollow Cell Container for Radioactive Waste Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nuclear power plant containers face challenges in safely storing radioactive waste and minimizing damage from unexpected events like earthquakes and tsunamis, as existing structures may collapse, leading to radioactive leakage and overheating, requiring a solution that enhances safety and structural integrity while reducing economic and manpower costs.
Innovation Solution
A nuclear power plant container structure featuring a hollow, three-dimensional arrangement of cells with a cladding and filler materials like cooling water or boron-containing fluids, which circulate to suppress nuclear reactions and block radioactivity, with lead added for enhanced radiation blocking, and a backup system for continuous cooling and emergency fluid supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a concrete structure with multiple blocking walls is used to store radioactive waste, then safety and radiation shielding are improved, but weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage structure is divided into multiple independent cells arranged in a three-dimensional pattern. Each cell can function independently, and the segmentation allows for reduced material usage while maintaining overall safety through distributed containment rather than a single massive concrete structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material construction combining metal alloys for cell structures with selective filler materials (such as concrete, soil, or other shielding materials) placed strategically within cells. This composite approach provides radiation shielding and structural integrity with reduced weight compared to traditional all-concrete designs.
2Weight of stationary object
If a hollow structure with cells is used to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but structural strength and rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the structure have different properties optimized for their specific functions. Cell walls are designed with appropriate thickness and material composition for structural strength, while hollow portions contain fillers optimized for radiation shielding. This local optimization maintains structural integrity while reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar layouts to a three-dimensional arrangement of cells. This dimensional change allows for more efficient load distribution and structural strength with reduced material usage, as the three-dimensional configuration provides better structural rigidity per unit weight.
3Reliability
If filler materials are added to block radiation and suppress nuclear reactions, then radiation shielding and nuclear reaction suppression are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Filler materials are placed selectively in specific cells or specific regions within cells based on radiation shielding requirements and nuclear reaction suppression needs. This localized placement provides effective radiation blocking and nuclear reaction suppression without requiring filler materials throughout the entire structure, thereby reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filler materials serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide radiation shielding, suppress nuclear reactions through boron content, and can be selected to match the structural requirements of different cell regions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function, simplifying the overall device complexity.
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 structure minimizes damage from impacts, delays nuclear reactions, and provides continuous cooling and radiation blocking, even in the event of collapse, reducing the risk of radioactive leakage and overheating, thus enhancing safety and reducing economic losses.
Implementation Method 1
a filler that is selectively filled in hollow portions of the cells, and suppresses nuclear reactions of the radioactive waste
Implementation Method 2
The filler may include cooling water or a fluid containing boron (Br)
Implementation Method 3
The filler may include lead (Pb)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a nuclear power plant container structure, the structure comprising: a hollow structure having a plurality of cells, each having a hollow portion therein, which are partitioned by cell walls and air-ranged in a three-dimensional pattern so as to form an empty space for sealing and storing the radioactive waste therein; a cladding for surrounding the outside of the hollow structure; and a filler selectively filled into the hollow portions of the cells for suppressing nuclear reactions of the radioactive waste or blocking radioactivity radiated from the radioactive waste.