Reactor Secondary-Side Heat Removal With Steam-Driven Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nuclear power plants lack an effective passive heat removal system that can continuously extract core decay heat without relying on external power, leading to potential core meltdown and radioactive release hazards during accidents.
Innovation Solution
A reactor secondary side passive residual heat removal system utilizing a steam driven pump, heat exchanger, and isolation valves to form a closed loop that operates independently, enhancing heat removal capacity through vaporization and condensation, and relying on natural circulation for safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an active secondary side residual heat removal system is used, then heat removal capacity is maintained during normal operation, but the system fails when external power is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses steam from the steam generator itself to drive the pump, creating a self-service mechanism that eliminates external power dependency. The steam driven pump utilizes the system's own operational byproducts (steam) to maintain cooling circulation during accidents.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from active power-driven operation to passive steam-driven operation by changing the driving mechanism parameter. This allows the same pump to function using different energy sources (electrical power normally, steam pressure during accidents).
2Reliability
If a passive residual heat removal system is implemented, then external power dependency is eliminated, but system complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The steam driven pump serves multiple functions: it acts as a normal pump during regular operation and automatically becomes a steam-driven pump during accidents. The steam generator also serves dual purposes as both a heat source and a driving mechanism for the safety system.
Solution Approach 2:
Steam acts as an intermediary medium that transfers energy from the steam generator to the pump mechanism. This intermediary allows the system to convert thermal energy into mechanical work without requiring external electrical infrastructure.
3Device complexity
If the heat exchanger outlet is connected directly to the feedwater inlet, then the heat removal path is simplified, but flow control and safety management become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heat removal path is segmented into multiple controllable sections using isolation valves at different locations. This segmentation allows operators to control and isolate different portions of the system independently, enabling precise flow management and safety control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamically controllable valves that can adjust flow rates and redirect steam flow based on operational conditions. This dynamic control capability allows the system to adapt to varying load conditions and accident scenarios while maintaining simplified piping architecture.
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 efficiently and stably removes residual heat from the reactor core, reducing failure probability and improving safety and economy by eliminating the need for external power, thus preventing core meltdown and radioactive releases.
Implementation Method 1
utilize the vaporization and condensation in the system loop to efficiently and stably bring out the residual heat of the reactor core
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger having a heat exchanger inlet and a heat exchanger outlet is arranged
Implementation Method 3
its effect depends on natural physical laws (such as gravity, natural convection, heat conduction, etc.)
Implementation Method 4
the heat exchanger outlet is communicated with the water inlet of the steam driven pump through a second pipe
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a reactor secondary side passive residual heat removal system, comprising: a containment vessel; a steam generator provided with a steam outlet and a water supply inlet; a water tank, the water tank being internally provided with a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger having a heat exchanger inlet and a heat exchanger outlet; and a steam driven pump provided with a steam port, a water inlet and a water outlet, wherein the steam generator, the water tank and the steam driven pump are arranged in the containment vessel, the heat exchanger inlet is in communication with the steam outlet of the steam generator by means of a first pipeline, the heat exchanger outlet is in communication with the water inlet of the steam driven pump by means of a second pipeline, the water outlet of the steam driven pump is in communication with the water supply inlet of the steam generator by means of a third pipeline, and the steam port of the steam driven pump is in communication with the first pipeline by means of a fourth pipeline. The present invention does not rely on an external driving force, thereby greatly reducing the failure probability of the system and improving the safety of the system.