Modular Steam Generator Arranged Around Reactor Vessel Circumference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small-medium modular reactors face challenges with complex structures, limited spatial efficiency, and difficulty in maintenance due to integrated steam generators and pipes, which increase the risk of coolant leakage and complicate repair and inspection processes.
Innovation Solution
An externally integrated steam generator type small modular reactor design where the steam generator is arranged along the circumference of the reactor vessel and a steam drum is arranged along the circumference of the steam generator, eliminating the need for pipes and simplifying the structure to enhance heat transfer area and spatial efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the steam generator is integrated inside the reactor vessel, then the structure is compact, but the spatial efficiency is limited and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator is divided into multiple modular units that can be independently arranged along the circumference of the reactor vessel. Each module can be separately manufactured, installed, and maintained, reducing overall structural complexity while maximizing spatial utilization of the reactor vessel volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generator modules are nested within the reactor vessel circumference, with the steam generator arranged in a circular pattern around the central core. This nested configuration allows the steam generator to occupy the annular space efficiently without interfering with the central core, thereby improving spatial efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If pipes are used to connect components, then the reactor coolant system can be assembled, but the risk of coolant leakage increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator modules are directly connected to the reactor vessel and coolant pumps through integrated mounting structures, eliminating the need for separate pipe connections. This merging of components reduces the number of potential leakage points and simplifies the overall system, making maintenance easier as fewer separate connections need to be inspected and repaired.
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic pipe connections are extracted from the system by designing direct integrated connections between the steam generator modules and other components. The steam generator modules are mounted to interface directly with the reactor vessel and coolant pumps, removing the intermediate piping that would otherwise require maintenance and pose leakage risks.
3Area of stationary object
If the steam generator is arranged along the circumference of the reactor vessel, then the heat transfer area is increased, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator is segmented into multiple identical modular units distributed along the circumference of the reactor vessel. This segmentation allows the total heat transfer area to be increased by simply adding more modules in a standardized manner, rather than designing a complex integrated structure, thereby scaling heat transfer area while maintaining structural simplicity through repetition of standard modules.
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 increases heat transfer area, simplifies the structure, enhances spatial efficiency, reduces the risk of pipe-related issues, and facilitates easier maintenance and inspection, allowing for flexible design modifications and improved operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator surrounding all around the reactor vessel and including a first penetration hole communicating with an inside of the nuclear reactor
Implementation Method 2
a steam drum surrounding all around the steam generator and including a second penetration hole communicating with an inside of the steam generator
Data Source
AI summary
In an externally integrated steam generator type small modular reactor, a steam generator is arranged along the circumference of a reactor vessel cylindrical shell, and a steam drum is arranged along the circumference of the steam generator. The small modular reactor includes: a nuclear reactor including a hemispherical upper head, the reactor vessel cylindrical shell coupled to the upper head and extending downward from the upper head in a cylindrical shape, and a hemispherical lower head provided on a lower portion of the reactor vessel cylindrical shell, wherein a core is placed in the nuclear reactor; the steam generator surrounding all around the reactor vessel cylindrical shell and including a first penetration hole communicating with an inside of the nuclear reactor; and the steam drum surrounding the circumference of the steam generator and including a second penetration hole communicating with an inside of the steam generator.