Small-Output Nuclear Reactor System with Shared Steam Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nuclear power plants inefficiently install maximum capacity reactors regardless of local electricity demand, leading to inefficiency and increased costs, and existing systems face issues with thermal and seismic stresses, safety concerns, and operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a nuclear reactor system with multiple small-output reactors connected to a single steam generator and turbine, using branch piping and free ball bearings for thermal expansion, and incorporating a coolant purification system for safety and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple small-output nuclear reactors are connected to a single steam generator, then efficiency is improved by matching output to demand, but device complexity increases due to multiple reactor connections and piping arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the nuclear power generation into multiple independent small-output reactors (first nuclear reactor, second nuclear reactor, etc.) that can be individually connected to a single steam generator. This segmentation allows flexible matching of total output to electricity demand while maintaining a shared steam generation system, resolving the contradiction between efficiency improvement and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single steam generator serves multiple functions by receiving thermal energy from multiple different nuclear reactors simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve flexible output matching while avoiding the need for separate steam generation systems for each reactor, thereby improving efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If pipes extend horizontally radially from the steam generator to connect to reactors, then ease of operation is improved, but thermal stress increases due to temperature differences in the piping
Solution Approach 1:
The piping system implements different structural characteristics at different locations: horizontal radial extensions from the steam generator for ease of connection and operation, while incorporating expansion joints or flexible sections at critical thermal stress points. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain operational simplicity while managing thermal stress through localized structural adaptations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a double pipe structure is used with inner and outer tubes, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The double pipe structure nests the inner tube within the outer tube, creating a compact heat exchange arrangement where hot gas flows through the inner tube and cooler gas flows through the outer tube. This nested configuration improves heat exchange efficiency by maximizing thermal contact while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process using standard concentric piping components.
4Temperature
If free ball bearings are used to support reactors and steam generator, then thermal expansion is accommodated, but reliability decreases due to potential movement and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The free ball bearing support system is designed with predetermined clearance and guidance features that allow controlled thermal expansion movement while maintaining stable positioning. The bearing arrangement provides beforehand cushioning against excessive movement, ensuring that thermal expansion is accommodated within safe limits without compromising the reliability and stability of the reactor and steam generator positions.
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
Enhances efficiency by matching reactor output to demand, reduces equipment and construction costs, and improves safety and operational simplicity by addressing thermal and seismic stresses without additional equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator that generates steam from thermal energy extracted from the nuclear reactors
Implementation Method 2
a steam turbine that is connected to the steam generator and converts the energy of the steam into rotational energy
Implementation Method 3
the double pipe is composed of an inner tube and an outer tube that covers the inner tube at intervals in the circumferential direction, and high-temperature gas passing from the nuclear reactor to the steam generator passes through the inner tube, and low-temperature gas returning from the steam generator to the nuclear reactor passes through the outer tube
Data Source
AI summary
The system comprises a plurality of nuclear reactors that use coated fuel particles, a moderator and a coolant, a steam generator, and a steam turbine in communication with the steam generator, with the plurality of nuclear reactors being connected to one of the steam generators.