Nuclear Steam Generator Economic Analysis via Heat Transfer Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methodologies for evaluating and managing nuclear steam generator assets in nuclear power plants are inefficient due to reliance on arbitrary weighting factors, lack of flexibility in incorporating new variables, and failure to account for pressure margin reduction and power loss variables, leading to inaccurate economic analyses and maintenance decisions.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to model heat transfer behavior of deposits on steam generator heating surfaces, allowing for the introduction of new variables and renormalization of weighting factors, which predicts future power production levels and calculates economic costs of maintenance alternatives, identifying the lowest-cost corrective actions based on net present worth, internal rate of return, and payback period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methodology with arbitrary weighting factors is used to evaluate steam generator condition, then evaluation process is simple, but accuracy of economic analysis is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the evaluation from using arbitrary weighting factors to using dynamically calculated parameters based on heat transfer modeling. The fouling index is replaced with a comprehensive economic analysis that incorporates pressure margin reduction, power loss, and thermodynamic parameters, fundamentally changing the evaluation parameters to achieve higher accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical approach of assigning fixed weighting factors with a thermodynamic-based modeling system. By using heat transfer equations and economic parameters (net present worth, internal rate of return, payback period), the system substitutes arbitrary mechanical weighting with scientifically-based thermal and economic calculations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed weighting factors are used for maintenance evaluation, then methodology is easy to implement, but flexibility to incorporate new variables is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static fixed weighting factors to dynamic parameters that are continuously calculated based on current steam generator condition, thermodynamic state, and economic factors. The evaluation adapts to new variables such as pressure margin reduction and power loss by incorporating them into the heat transfer model and economic analysis framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal evaluation framework that can accommodate multiple types of variables (thermodynamic parameters, economic parameters, operational parameters) through a single integrated heat transfer model. This multi-functional approach allows new variables to be incorporated without requiring separate evaluation methodologies.
3Reliability
If conventional fouling index methodology is used, then monitoring is straightforward, but pressure margin reduction and power loss variables are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple evaluation aspects (heat transfer performance, pressure margin reduction, power loss, economic parameters) into a single integrated analysis framework. By combining thermodynamic modeling with economic evaluation metrics, the system provides a comprehensive reliability assessment that accounts for all critical factors simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite evaluation methodology that combines thermal engineering principles with economic analysis. The integrated model synthesizes heat transfer coefficients, deposit characteristics, pressure margin effects, and economic parameters (net present worth, internal rate of return, payback period) into a unified assessment 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 approach provides a credible and cost-effective analysis of steam generator condition and maintenance alternatives, improving the accuracy of economic evaluations and optimizing maintenance strategies by considering dynamic deposit characteristics and thermodynamic parameters.
Implementation Method 1
modeling heat transfer behavior of deposits on the heating surface of a nuclear steam generator
Data Source
AI summary
A method to determine corrective actions of a nuclear steam generator, having the steps of modeling of steam generator tube and deposit heat transfer characteristics by analytically deriving specific deposit characteristics and descriptive model parameters, wherein the modeling uses historical thermodynamic data for an operating plant under evaluation, identifying a set of one of preventive and corrective maintenance alternatives to accomplish steam generator deposit objectives, determining through the modeling a power production impact of each of the set of one of preventative and corrective maintenance alternatives to determine an economic cost for each of the set of preventative and corrective maintenance alternatives, and initiating a maintenance alternative with a lowest economic cost as compared to the maintenance evaluation alternatives with higher economic costs.