Radioactive Waste Ventilation Module Wind-Resistant Airflow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ventilated vertical modules for storing high-level radioactive waste face reduced heat rejection capacity due to wind-induced skewed air flow, particularly in systems with only two inlet or outlet ducts, leading to inadequate thermal performance.
Innovation Solution
The design features a module with a hermetically closed outer shell and an inner shell forming a space between them, with multiple inlet and outlet passageways and ducts configured to maintain consistent air pressure and independent operation, ensuring efficient ventilation and radiation shielding, even in high wind conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a VVO uses only two inlet or outlet ducts, then the structure is simpler, but wind-induced skewed air flow reduces heat rejection capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The single duct system is segmented into multiple inlet ducts and outlet ducts distributed around the VVO structure. This segmentation allows each duct to handle a portion of the air flow independently, preventing wind from skewing the entire air flow path and maintaining heat rejection capacity even when some ducts experience wind interference.
2Temperature
If inlet ducts are positioned to maximize heat rejection, then thermal performance improves, but air pressure consistency deteriorates under wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet ducts are positioned and configured to achieve equipotential air pressure distribution around the VVO structure. By distributing ducts symmetrically and designing them with similar flow characteristics, the system maintains relatively uniform air pressure at all inlet points even under wind loading, preventing pressure imbalances that would disrupt thermal performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the VVO structure is made more massive for better radiation shielding, then shielding effectiveness improves, but the weight and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The VVO structure employs composite construction combining steel and concrete materials. The steel provides structural strength and radiation shielding, while the concrete adds mass for enhanced shielding and thermal mass for heat management. This composite approach achieves effective radiation shielding without requiring excessive weight from a single material type.
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
This configuration enhances the heat rejection capacity and maintains consistent air pressure across inlet ducts, reducing the impact of wind on thermal performance and ensuring reliable operation of the storage system.
Implementation Method 1
cool air enters the VVO chamber through inlet ventilation ducts, flows upward past the loaded canister, and exits the VVO at an elevated temperature through outlet ventilation ducts
Implementation Method 2
an outer shell having a hermetically closed bottom end and an inner shell disposed inside the outer shell
Data Source
AI summary
A module for storing high level radioactive waste includes an outer shell, having a hermetically closed bottom end, and an inner shell forming a cavity and being positioned inside the outer shell to form a space therebetween. At least one divider extends from the top to the bottom of the inner shell to create a plurality of inlet passageways through the space, each inlet passageway connecting to a bottom portion of the cavity. A plurality of inlet ducts each connect at least one of the inlet passageways and ambient atmosphere, and each includes an inlet duct cover affixed atop a surrounding inlet wall, the inlet wall being peripherally perforated. A removable lid is positioned atop the inner shell and has at least one outlet passageway connecting the cavity and the ambient atmosphere, the lid and the top of the inner shell being configured to form a hermetic seal therebetween.