Solenoid Indicator Light for Nuclear Reactor Scram Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nuclear reactor scram control systems face challenges in reliably and efficiently verifying the energization state of solenoid pilot valves, leading to risks of inadvertent shutdowns and increased radiation exposure for operators during verification processes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a solenoid indicator light electrically coupled to the solenoid of the scram solenoid pilot valve, which provides an immediate and visually observable indication of the energization state, allowing for remote and rapid verification of the solenoid's energization status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operators manually verify the energization state of solenoid pilot valves by approaching the equipment, then verification can be performed, but radiation exposure to operators increases and verification time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary indicator light that visually displays the energization state of the solenoid pilot valve. This intermediary device allows operators to verify the state remotely without direct contact with the radioactive equipment, thus reducing radiation exposure while maintaining verification reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of manually checking equipment with an optical signaling system. The indicator light provides remote visual feedback about the solenoid's energization state, eliminating the need for operators to physically approach the equipment in radioactive zones.
2Reliability
If operators manually verify solenoid energization states, then verification can be completed, but verification time increases and risk of inadvertent shutdowns increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator light serves as a real-time intermediary that continuously displays the energization state, allowing operators to verify status instantly without time-consuming manual procedures. This reduces verification time while maintaining reliability through continuous visual monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements immediate visual feedback through the indicator light that directly reflects the solenoid's energization state. This real-time feedback mechanism allows operators to quickly confirm proper operation without delays associated with manual verification methods.
3Reliability
If the system uses fail-safe scram functionality through solenoid de-energization, then safety is improved, but verification of solenoid state becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator light uses visual color or presence/absence of light to indicate the solenoid's energization state. This visual signaling method makes it easy to detect whether the solenoid is energized or de-energized, simplifying verification of the fail-safe scram functionality without compromising safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator light acts as an intermediary that translates the electrical state of the solenoid into a visually detectable form. This makes the otherwise difficult-to-detect electrical energization state easily observable, facilitating verification of the fail-safe scram system.
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 enhances the reliability and speed of solenoid verification, reduces the risk of unintended reactor shutdowns, and minimizes radiation exposure for operators by enabling quick and accurate monitoring of solenoid states.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a solenoid indicator light electrically coupled to the solenoid of the scram solenoid pilot valve, which provides an immediate and visually observable indication of the energization state
Data Source
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AI summary
A nuclear reactor scram control system 105 for a nuclear reactor includes a solenoid pilot valve (SSPV) 120. The SSPV includes a solenoid indicator light 124-1 to 124-n electrically coupled to an SSPV solenoid 122-1 to 122-n of the SSPV. The solenoid indicator light may be selectively activated based on an energization state of the SSPV solenoid, thereby providing an immediate and visually observable indication of the SSPV energization state. The immediate and visually observable indication of the SSPV energization state may enable quicker and more reliable verification of SSPV solenoid energization state. As a result, operator radiation exposure associated with verification may be reduced, and a risk of inadvertent nuclear reactor scram based on a de-energized SSPV solenoid may be reduced, thus streamlined nuclear reactor operations.