Nuclear Reactor Module Sensor Coupling During Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nuclear reactor servicing methods require disassembly and separate maintenance operations for refueling and inspection, which can be inefficient and may not allow for continuous monitoring of reactor parameters during relocation, especially when moving modules between operating and servicing areas.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for decoupling and recoupling sensors of a nuclear reactor module from one receiver to another, allowing for continuous monitoring and real-time signal display during relocation, using a crane with a conduit for signal routing and interface panels for sensor connection, enabling orthogonal movement and error detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are decoupled from the first sensor receiver and coupled to the second sensor receiver during relocation, then continuous monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor receiver system is segmented into a first sensor receiver for the reactor bay and a second sensor receiver for the servicing area. This segmentation allows sensors to be selectively coupled to different receivers based on the reactor module's location, enabling continuous monitoring throughout relocation and servicing operations without requiring a complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary coupling mechanisms including electrical cables, connectors, and interface panels that facilitate the transition of sensor connections from the first receiver to the second receiver. These intermediaries enable seamless signal transmission during the decoupling and recoupling process, maintaining monitoring continuity while managing the complexity of sensor reconfiguration.
2Measurement precision
If sensor decoupling and recoupling is performed during reactor module relocation, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of signal transmission accuracy by comparing readings from the first sensor receiver with readings from the second sensor receiver before completing the sensor decoupling process. This preliminary action ensures measurement precision is maintained while minimizing time loss by identifying and resolving any transmission issues before they affect ongoing monitoring operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where signal levels from sensors are continuously monitored and compared between the first and second receivers during the transition process. This real-time feedback allows operators to verify signal integrity and make immediate adjustments if transmission accuracy degrades, ensuring measurement precision while minimizing interruption time to the relocation process.
3Ease of operation
If the nuclear reactor module is moved from reactor bay to servicing area, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs intermediary signal transmission components including electrical cables routed through the crane, connectors, and interface panels that maintain reliable signal transmission during reactor module relocation. These intermediaries bridge the gap between the moving reactor module and the stationary sensor receivers, ensuring continuous monitoring capability throughout the move from reactor bay to servicing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical hard-wired sensor connections with flexible electrical cable connections that can accommodate the movement and repositioning of the reactor module. This substitution allows the reactor module to be easily moved to different locations while maintaining reliable signal transmission through the flexible cable infrastructure, improving operational ease without sacrificing monitoring reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for servicing a nuclear reactor module are provided. Such systems include a crane that couples to the reactor module. The crane includes a conduit for routing signals from sensors of the reactor module to sensor receivers. The crane includes a drive mechanism to move the reactor module from a reactor bay to a servicing area. The drive mechanism moves the reactor module in a first direction and a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The crane includes a support bracket for mounting sensor signal receivers that receive the signals from the sensors within the nuclear reactor module. The system includes a display to display representations of the signals from the sensors of the nuclear reactor module in a servicing area. Another display displays representations of the signals from the sensors of the nuclear reactor module in an operator area.