Nuclear Instrumentation High Voltage Power Supply with Segmented Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing high voltage power supplies for nuclear reactors, particularly those powering ex-core neutron detectors, face issues with outdated technology, reliability concerns, and the need for a replacement that can accurately provide adjustable DC voltage up to 2500 VDC with minimal AC ripple and fault protection, as the current units are difficult to repair and maintain due to extended vendor lead times and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A high voltage power supply with two independent switched mode power supply modules, one for line-powered switching and another for high voltage switching, incorporating surge protectors, EMI filters, feedback controllers, and fault sensing circuits to ensure stable and adjustable DC output, along with visible indicators for overcurrent, overvoltage, and ripple conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an existing high voltage power supply design is used, then the system operates with proprietary and outdated technology, but repair and replacement become difficult with extended vendor lead times
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is divided into two independent modular sections: a low voltage section (0-30V at 0-5A) and a high voltage section (0-2500V at 0-10mA). Each section can be independently maintained, tested, and replaced, significantly improving repairability while maintaining system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single high voltage power supply is designed to cover all detector requirements, then voltage range is extended to 0-2500VDC, but the supply must serve multiple detector types with different voltage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is segmented into independent low voltage and high voltage modules, allowing each to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system versatility through modular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply incorporates adjustable and variable outputs that can be dynamically configured to match different detector requirements, enabling a single unit to serve multiple detector types with varying voltage needs.
3Power
If the high voltage power supply operates at high voltage levels, then sufficient bias voltage is provided to detectors, but AC ripple and impulsive noise could interfere with neutron generated pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The low voltage switching section is completely separated from the high voltage output path. The low voltage section generates power internally, which is then used by a simple high voltage generator that does not introduce switching ripple to the high voltage output, thereby extracting the harmful switching noise from the high voltage path.
Solution Approach 2:
The low voltage power supply section acts as an intermediary, converting AC input to stable low voltage DC that then powers the high voltage generation stage, isolating the high voltage output from direct AC switching effects and reducing ripple transmission.
4Reliability
If fault protection circuits are added to detect short circuits and degraded load conditions, then system safety is improved, but the supply may shut down during faults
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply incorporates preliminary protective actions through surge protectors, current limiting circuitry, and fault detection circuits that prevent catastrophic failures before they occur, allowing the system to withstand faults and maintain operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design includes beforehand cushioning through multiple protection layers: surge protectors on AC input, current limiting in the low voltage section, and monitoring circuits that prepare the system to handle faults gracefully, cushioning against complete shutdown during transient fault conditions.
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 solution provides a reliable and flexible power supply capable of adjusting from 0 to 2500 VDC with low output ripple, enhanced fault protection, and visible indicators for operational conditions, addressing the limitations of the existing units by improving reliability and reducing the need for multiple supplies during service activities.
Implementation Method 1
a line powered switcher for converting the alternating current input into a steady state direct current
Implementation Method 2
converting the alternating current input into a steady state direct current
Implementation Method 3
a high voltage switcher constructed to raise the voltage level provided by the first module to a desired adjustable output voltage
Implementation Method 4
incorporating surge protectors, EMI filters, feedback controllers
Data Source
AI summary
A high voltage power supply comprising a Line Powered Switcher module for converting a mains powered alternating current input to a direct current output and a High Voltage Switcher module for raising the voltage level of the direct current output. Both modules are independent switched mode power supplies and the high voltage power supply includes ripple, overcurrent and overvoltage protection as well as protection against electromagnetic interference.