Self-Powered Wireless In-Core Detector for Nuclear Reactors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aged nuclear reactors rely on complex and costly moveable in-core detectors for monitoring radiation, which are prone to failure and require extensive cabling and electronics within the containment, posing challenges in accuracy and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a self-powered wireless in-core detector system that uses a rechargeable battery powered by radiation-generated electricity to transmit data outside the containment, eliminating the need for internal cabling and electronics, and utilizing self-powered radiation detectors to generate currents representative of the radiation environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If moveable in-core detectors are used for monitoring radiation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detector system is divided into multiple fixed detector elements positioned at different axial and radial locations within the core. Each detector monitors a specific region, and collectively they provide comprehensive coverage of the entire core volume, eliminating the need for a single complex moveable detector system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single moveable detector that travels through the core to gather data, the invention inverts the approach by placing multiple fixed detectors throughout the core. The detectors remain stationary while the measurement capability is distributed across multiple locations, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If moveable in-core detectors are installed, then radiation monitoring capability is improved, but cabling and electronics within containment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex cabling and electronics previously required within the containment are extracted and replaced by wireless communication technology. Each fixed detector element transmits its signals wirelessly to external receiving equipment, eliminating the need for extensive cabling infrastructure within the containment area.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical cabling system is replaced with an electromagnetic wireless communication system. Detector signals are transmitted through the containment boundary using electromagnetic waves, substituting the physical mechanical connection (cables) with a field-based transmission medium.
3Device complexity
If fixed in-core detectors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but power supply requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed detector elements are designed to be self-powered through the beta-voltaic effect, where beta radiation from the surrounding core environment directly generates electrical power within the detector structure. This eliminates the need for external power supply systems, batteries, or energy transmission infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful beta radiation present in the reactor core environment is converted into a beneficial power source. The beta particles that would otherwise be considered a radiation hazard are utilized to generate electrical energy through the beta-voltaic effect, powering the detector elements without requiring external power supplies.
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 solution reduces costs associated with cabling and electronics, simplifies maintenance, and provides accurate, continuous monitoring of reactor power distribution without the complexity of moveable detectors, ensuring reliable operation and extended plant life.
Implementation Method 1
A neutron sensitive material such as vanadium is employed for the emitter element 12 and emits electrons in response to neutron irradiation
Implementation Method 2
powering the wireless transmitter from a rechargeable battery and recharging the rechargeable battery from a charger that derives its power from the irradiated environment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and apparatus for monitoring a parameter in an irradiated environment and communicating a signal representative of the monitored parameter to a less caustic environment that employs a wireless transmitter that is powered by the irradiated environment. The power for the wireless transmitter is derived from a self-powered radiation detector disposed within the radioactive environment.