Passive Cooling Apparatus for Spent Fuel Pool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems for spent fuel pools require a power supply to function, leading to a disruption in cooling water supply during accidents, which can cause damage to nuclear fuel due to depletion of cooling water.
Innovation Solution
A passive cooling apparatus with a floating device and emergency cooling water supply pipe that uses gravity to supply cooling water from a pool positioned above the spent fuel pool, eliminating the need for a separate power supply and allowing continuous cooling even during power failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a forced cooling system using heat exchanger and pump is used, then cooling efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates when power supply is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into two independent parts: a forced cooling system (heat exchanger and pump) for normal operation, and a passive cooling system (emergency cooling water supply pipe with floating valve) for emergency situations. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function while ensuring overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency cooling water supply pipe is pre-filled with cooling water and the floating valve is pre-positioned in the closed state. When the water level drops due to power failure, the floating valve automatically opens to supply cooling water without requiring any external power or control systems.
2Reliability
If a passive cooling system with floating valve is used, then reliability during power failure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating valve automatically responds to water level changes without external control. When the cooling water level in the spent fuel pool drops, the floating valve rises and opens the emergency cooling water supply pipe, allowing cooling water to flow in from the cooling water pool above. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex power supply systems, sensors, or control circuits while maintaining high reliability during power failures.
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
Prevents or delays damage to nuclear fuel by maintaining cooling water supply without external power, ensuring radioactive material containment and efficient heat management in both normal and emergency conditions.
Implementation Method 1
uses gravity to supply cooling water from a pool positioned above the spent fuel pool
Implementation Method 2
a floating device configured to be elevated according to a water level of a cooling water in the spent fuel pool
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for cooling a spent fuel pool having a heat exchanger includes a cooling water pool positioned above the spent fuel pool; a floating device configured to be elevated according to a water level of a cooling water in the spent fuel pool; and an emergency cooling water supply pipe configured to form a path through which the cooling water of the cooling water pool is moved to the spent fuel pool and configured to include a floating valve that opens or closes a flow passage of the cooling water in connection with the elevation of the floating device.