Nuclear Reactor Control Rod Addressing via Electromagnetic Induction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current control rod addressing methods in nuclear power plants are labor-intensive, prone to human error, and communication failures, and require extensive operator intervention, leading to prolonged test durations and uncertainty, while also affecting reactivity control.
Innovation Solution
A nuclear power plant reactor control rod addressing device and method utilizing lifting coils, rod position probes with secondary and primary coils, and a voltage detector to selectively energize coils and detect induced voltages, ensuring accurate connectivity and correspondence between control and measurement channels without moving the control rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the current addressing test method is used with manual operations, then the test can be completed, but the operator workload increases and human error risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-testing by automatically energizing lifting coils and detecting induced voltages through rod position probes, eliminating the need for manual operator operations and reducing human error risk
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation system is replaced with an automated electromagnetic field-based testing system that uses lifting coils and voltage detectors to perform addressing tests without human intervention
2Reliability
If control rods are moved during addressing test, then connectivity can be tested, but reactivity control is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rod position probes with secondary coils as intermediaries to detect electromagnetic field changes without requiring physical movement of control rods, allowing connectivity testing while maintaining reactivity control
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical rod movement system is replaced with an electromagnetic field-based detection system that uses lifting coils and voltage detectors to test connectivity without physically moving the control rods
3Ease of operation
If manual communication with operator is required, then control can be coordinated, but communication failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-testing and self-diagnosis without requiring continuous operator communication, automatically energizing coils and detecting voltages to complete addressing tests independently
4Reliability
If multiple unit status control works are performed, then addressing test can be completed, but test duration increases to 5-20 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system enables continuous addressing testing without interruptions for unit status control works, maintaining constant testing operation to reduce total test duration from 5-20 hours
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation system requiring multiple unit status control works is replaced with an automated electromagnetic field-based system that can continuously test connectivity without such interruptions
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 solution reduces operator workload, minimizes human and communication errors, and significantly shortens test duration, enhancing efficiency and safety by automating the addressing process.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting coil generates a magnetic field when energized, which induces a voltage in the secondary coil of the rod position probe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates a nuclear power plant reactor control rod addressing device and the method thereof. The device includes a plurality of control rods, a driving power, lifting coils LC, and a voltage detector. The control rod includes a rod position probe and a rod stroke cover. The rod position probe and the lifting coil LC are disposed on the rod stroke cover. The rod position probe and the lifting coil LC are coaxially disposed. The rod position probe includes a secondary coil. The driving power is respectively connected to each of the lifting coils LC. The voltage detector is respectively connected to the secondary coil of each of the rod position probes. The driving power is configured to selectively energize one lifting coil LC such that the one lifting coil LC generates a first induced magnetic field. The secondary coil arranged coaxially with the one lifting coil LC is configured to generate a first induced voltage under the action of the first induced magnetic field. The voltage detector is configured to detect the first induced voltage to complete addressing of the control rod. The implementation of the present disclosure may reduce workload of the operator, reduce risk of human failure, reduce risk of communication failure, and greatly improve work efficiency and safety.