Passive Air Cooling Ducts for Nuclear Reactor Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nuclear reactors face challenges in safely dissipating residual heat during shutdowns, as structural materials may fail due to high temperatures, and energy-driven cooling systems can fail due to power supply issues or operator intervention failures.
Innovation Solution
A passive cooling system integrated into the reactor building, utilizing a network of ducts configured for natural air circulation to dissipate heat from the reactor vessel, eliminating the need for energy supply and operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If auxiliary cooling systems with pumps and ventilation are used to dissipate heat from the reactor, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to energy supply dependency and component failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system utilizes natural convection currents and temperature differentials to drive air flow through the reactor core without requiring external power sources. The system serves itself by using the heat it is designed to remove as the driving force for circulation, eliminating dependency on pumps and ventilation motors that could fail
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical cooling systems (pumps, fans, motors) with a passive thermal convection system. The mechanical energy input required to drive coolant circulation is substituted with natural buoyancy forces generated by temperature differences, removing moving parts that are subject to mechanical failure
2Temperature
If energy-driven cooling systems are implemented to remove heat during shutdown, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to operator intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The passive cooling system automatically responds to temperature changes without operator input. When the reactor core generates heat during shutdown, natural convection automatically initiates and maintains cooling flow, eliminating the need for operators to monitor or activate cooling systems
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system provides continuous heat removal operation as long as temperature differentials exist between the core and ambient environment. The system does not require periodic activation or manual control adjustments, maintaining uninterrupted cooling action throughout the shutdown period
3Temperature
If structural materials are exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods to dissipate decay heat, then heat dissipation is improved, but strength of structural materials deteriorates due to creep and thermal damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary cooling medium that flows through dedicated channels and ducts surrounding the reactor core. This intermediary fluid transfers heat away from structural materials without requiring the materials themselves to withstand extreme thermal stress, protecting them from thermal degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system divides the reactor structure into distinct thermal zones with dedicated cooling channels separated from the core. By segmenting the thermal management function into separate pathways, structural materials are isolated from direct exposure to maximum core temperatures, preventing creep and thermal damage
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 passive cooling system effectively manages heat dissipation without relying on energy or operator intervention, enhancing safety and reliability by preventing structural material failure and ensuring continuous cooling even in emergency scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary cooling system including a plurality of ducts integrated with the reactor building and configured to passively cool the reactor vessel via natural air circulation
Data Source
AI summary
A nuclear reactor facility may include a reactor building, a reactor vessel housed within the reactor building, and an auxiliary cooling system integrated with the reactor building. The reactor building has a visible section above a ground level and a buried section below the ground level. The reactor vessel contains a fuel core and is housed within the buried section of the reactor building below the ground level. The auxiliary cooling system includes a plurality of ducts integrated with the reactor building and is configured to passively cool the reactor vessel via natural air circulation.