Sealed Power Conversion System for Nuclear Decay Heat Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nuclear power generators require complex redundant heat transfer systems to manage decay heat after shutdown, which are not suitable for advanced reactor designs with sealed nuclear cores, leading to inefficiencies and system complexity.
Innovation Solution
A compact, sealed power conversion system that utilizes a closed-loop design with a source heat exchanger and turbomachinery components to efficiently convert thermal energy from a nuclear reactor core to electricity, eliminating the need for external balance-of-plant components and complex piping networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional redundant heat transfer systems are used to manage decay heat after shutdown, then heat removal reliability is improved, but system complexity and device complexity increase due to complex piping networks, valves, and heat exchangers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heat removal functions into a single integrated passive heat exchanger assembly that is directly coupled to the reactor core. This merging eliminates the need for separate piping networks, valves, and multiple heat exchangers, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining redundant heat removal capability through the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The passive heat exchanger assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a heat transfer component and a structural support element, while providing both active and passive heat removal modes. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If passive heat transfer mechanisms are used in advanced reactor designs with sealed cores, then heat removal reliability is improved, but adaptability decreases because conventional heat removal systems are not suitable for sealed nuclear cores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat exchanger assembly directly from the conventional external heat removal system and integrates it into the sealed reactor core structure. This extraction and integration allows the passive heat transfer mechanism to work directly with sealed cores, improving adaptability while maintaining the reliability of passive heat removal
Solution Approach 2:
The passive heat exchanger assembly is nested within the sealed reactor core structure, with the heat exchanger positioned inside the core containment. This nesting approach allows the heat removal system to be fully integrated with the sealed core design, achieving both high adaptability to sealed cores and maintained heat removal reliability
3Productivity
If active circulation systems with pumps and blowers are used, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity and loss of energy increase due to electrically driven components and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the heat exchanger system to utilize natural convection and gravity-driven circulation, allowing the system to self-regulate heat removal without external pumps or blowers. This self-service approach eliminates electrically driven components and control systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective heat transfer through passive thermal management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active mechanical circulation systems (pumps and blowers) with passive thermal convection mechanisms. The system uses natural buoyancy-driven fluid flow to achieve heat transfer, substituting mechanical actuation with thermal physics, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining heat transfer efficiency
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 effectively removes heat from the nuclear core while simplifying the heat transfer process, enhancing efficiency and reliability by integrating heat transfer and energy conversion within a sealed chamber, suitable for advanced reactor designs.
Implementation Method 1
a source heat exchanger disposed in the internal passageway of the inner shroud, the source heat exchanger being configured to at least partially receive a heat transmitting element associated with the heat source external to the substantially sealed chamber, the source heat exchanger being further configured to transfer heat energy from the heat transmitting element to the working fluid passing through the source heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
a compressor disposed adjacent the inlet of the inner shroud and configured to transfer energy from the compressor to the working fluid
Implementation Method 3
an expander disposed adjacent the outlet of the inner shroud and configured to extract heat energy from the working fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion system for converting thermal energy from a heat source to electricity. The system includes a chamber including a shroud having an inlet and an outlet and defining an internal passageway through which an environmental working fluid passes. The chamber includes a source heat exchanger disposed in the internal passageway. The source heat exchanger is configured to receive a heat transmitting element associated with the heat source which is external to the chamber, and to transfer heat energy from the heat transmitting element to the working fluid. The system also includes a compressor adjacent the inlet, an expander adjacent the outlet, and a generator. The compressor can suction the working fluid into the system from an external environment. The expander can convert thermal energy of the heated working fluid into rotative energy. The generator can convert the rotative energy into electricity.