Nuclear Reactor Safety System Passive Cooling via Segmented Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reactor safety systems face challenges in achieving sufficient cooling efficiency, are complex in structure, and require operator intervention during emergencies, leading to potential malfunctions and increased risks during accidents.
Innovation Solution
A reactor safety system with a simpler structure, utilizing a two-phase heat transfer mechanism, where coolant is selectively distributed between energy release, energy absorbing, and energy transfer spaces within the reactor, allowing for passive cooling without operator intervention, using a heat exchange device connected across these spaces to efficiently transfer heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a complex safety system with multiple components is used to cool the reactor, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The containment vessel is divided into three distinct functional spaces: energy release space (ERS) accommodating the reactor driving system, energy absorbing space (EAS) with coolant, and energy transfer space (ETS) with heat exchange devices. This segmentation allows each space to perform its specific function independently, achieving effective cooling while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure by eliminating the need for complex external cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the cooling function directly within the containment vessel by integrating the heat exchange devices and coolant system inside the vessel. This merging of the cooling system with the containment structure eliminates the need for separate external cooling systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining cooling efficiency.
2Reliability
If a passive safety system without operator intervention is used, then reliability is improved by eliminating human error, but the system requires complex automatic control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system operates passively by utilizing natural thermal-hydraulic phenomena. When abnormal heat is generated in the ERS, the pressure increase automatically drives coolant from the EAS through the heat exchange devices in the ETS back to the ERS, creating a self-sustaining cooling cycle without requiring external power, control systems, or operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transition of the working fluid (water/steam) to drive the passive cooling cycle. The fluid evaporates in the ERS when heated, the steam moves to the EAS and condenses, releasing heat to the coolant, and the condensed water returns to the ERS, creating a continuous passive cooling loop driven by phase change.
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 enables fast and efficient cooling of the reactor during accidents, reducing the risk of damage and environmental impact, while simplifying design, construction, and operation, and minimizing resource consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an energy transfer space (ETS) formed to be isolated from the energy release space and the energy absorbing space and having a heat exchange device provided therein to transfer heat released from the reactor driving system to the coolant
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a two-phase heat transfer mechanism, where coolant is selectively distributed between energy release, energy absorbing, and energy transfer spaces
Implementation Method 3
the coolant is circulated to be released from the pressure vessel and to be reintroduced into the pressure vessel via a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
The heat Energy is transferred to a coolant within the pressure vessel
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a nuclear reactor and an operating method for the reactor. The reactor includes a driving system and a safety system. The safety system includes isolation vessels, heat exchangers, a coolant pipe, and a communication pipe. Fluid is distributed in the safety system according to thermal, pressure, and leak conditions.