Optical Rotor Speed Measurement for Nuclear Core Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the power generated by a nuclear reactor assembly are inaccurate, with errors exceeding 5%, particularly due to sensitivity to electromagnetic environments and disruption of the heat-transfer fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A system that optically measures the rotation speed of a rotor within the heat-transfer fluid flow using incident light radiation greater than 1200 nm, minimizing sensitivity to electromagnetic environments and disrupting the fluid flow, allowing for accurate and reliable measurement of the flow rate and power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic reading is used to measure rotor rotation speed, then the measurement can be performed in the nuclear reactor environment, but the reliability and accuracy are limited due to sensitivity to electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic reading system with an optical measurement system. The optical module emits light through the rotor assembly, and the detector measures the light intensity variations caused by rotor rotation. This optical system is not sensitive to electromagnetic interference from the nuclear reactor environment, thereby improving measurement reliability and accuracy while eliminating the harmful effect of electromagnetic sensitivity.
2Measurement precision
If pressure difference measurement between hot and cold branches is used to determine flow rate, then the overall core power can be determined, but the accuracy remains greater than 5% error and only provides core-scale information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into individual assembly-level units. Each assembly is equipped with its own rotor assembly and optical measurement system, enabling independent flow rate and power measurements for each assembly. This segmentation provides detailed local power information for each assembly rather than only core-scale information, and achieves accuracy within 1% through direct optical measurement of rotation speed.
3Reliability
If conventional flow rate measurement devices are used in the heat-transfer fluid path, then the flow rate can be measured, but the device complexity increases and the measurement reliability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a flow rate measurement indicator (through its rotation) and as part of the structural support system within the assembly. The optical module and detector can be integrated into existing assembly components, reducing overall device complexity while improving reliability through non-contact optical measurement that is not susceptible to electromagnetic interference or fluid contamination.
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 system achieves an accuracy of within 1% of the actual power generated, providing a more reliable and simplified method for real-time power determination compared to existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical module configured to transmit the incident light radiation from the emission module onto the rotor blades, such that the incident light radiation is incident on the rotor blades according to a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotor, and receive a reflected light radiation, the reflected light radiation coming from the reflection, on the rotor blades, of the incident light radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining power generated by a nuclear core assembly immersed in heat transfer fluid. Light radiation reflected from the blades of a rotor located in the heat transfer fluid is used to determine the rotation speed of the rotor. The flow rate of the heat transfer fluid is determined based on the rotation speed. A difference in temperature between an inlet and an outlet of the assembly is calculated. Power generated by the assembly is determined based on the flow rate and the temperature difference.