Sledge Base Anchoring for Underwater Nuclear Power Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underwater electricity generation modules with nuclear boilers have not been industrially exploited due to incomplete development and lack of effective anchoring and pressure absorption mechanisms, making them vulnerable to natural and human-induced risks.
Innovation Solution
The module features an elongate cylindrical casing with a sledge-based base that includes curved spatula ends, a beam structure with telescoping or elastically deformable absorption zones to stabilize the module under varying pressure, and passive security measures for nuclear boiler heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the module uses a rigid base structure for anchoring, then anchoring stability is improved, but the structure cannot accommodate pressure-induced length variations of the casing
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure incorporates telescoping portions in its beams that allow dynamic adjustment of the base length. These telescoping mechanisms enable the base to extend or contract in response to pressure-induced length variations of the casing, while maintaining stable anchoring through the spatula-shaped ends that dig into the seabed.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure changes its physical parameters (length) in response to pressure changes. The telescoping portions allow the base to adjust its length parameter dynamically, accommodating the casing's expansion and contraction due to pressure variations while maintaining reliable anchoring.
2Device complexity
If the module employs a simple anchoring base, then device complexity is reduced, but anchoring reliability and pressure absorption capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure is segmented into multiple functional components: beam-based structure with central and side beams, telescoping portions for length adjustment, elastically deformable bellows portions for pressure absorption, and spatula-shaped ends for anchoring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while contributing to overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure combines different material properties and structural forms - rigid beams for structural support, telescoping portions for mechanical adjustment, elastically deformable bellows for pressure absorption, and curved spatula ends for anchoring. This composite approach achieves high reliability without excessive overall complexity.
3Strength
If the casing is designed to be pressure-resistant, then structural integrity is improved, but length variations due to pressure changes are reduced, affecting the need for absorption zones
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure incorporates telescoping portions and elastically deformable bellows portions that act as pre-designed absorption zones. These zones are built in advance to accommodate expected length variations of the casing due to pressure changes, providing a cushioning effect that protects the overall module structure.
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 solution provides stable anchoring and pressure absorption, enhancing the module's resilience to natural and human-induced risks, allowing for efficient and safe operation of underwater nuclear electricity generation, reducing the need for external assistance during placement and operation.
Implementation Method 1
the absorption zones of the length variations comprise elastically deformable bellows portions of the beams
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an underwater electricity generation module provided with a base. The electricity generation module is of the type that comprises an elongate cylindrical casing (12) incorporating an electricity generation unit (25a, 25b) comprising a nuclear boiler (28, 29) associated with electricity generation means (30, 31) connected to an external electricity distribution post (7) by means of electric cables (6). The lower portion of the casing (12) is provided with a base (14) that rests on the bed of the water body and anchoring means (15) for anchoring the module (1) to the bed. The invention is characterised in that the base (14) is essentially in the form of a sledge which extends from one end of the casing (12) to the other and the ends (50, 51) of which are curved in the form of a spatula at each end of the casing (12), said base including zones for absorbing variations in the length of the casing (12), linked to the variation in the pressure applied thereto when submerged or surfaced.