Maximum extended load line limit analysis for a boiling water nuclear reactor
US6987826B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for expanding the operating domain of a boiling water nuclear reactor that permits safe operation of the reactor at low core flows is described. The operating domain is characterized by a map of the reactor thermal power and core flow. In an exemplary embodiment, the method for expanding the operating domain of a boiling water nuclear reactor permits operation of the reactor between about 120 percent of rated thermal power and about 85 percent of rated core flow to about 100 percent of rated thermal power and about 55 percent of rated core flow. The method includes determining an elevated load line characteristic that improves reactor performance, performing safety evaluations at the elevated load line to determine compliance with safety design parameters, and performing operational evaluations at the elevated load line. The method also includes defining a set of operating conditions for the reactor in an upper operating domain characterized by the elevated load line. Additionally, the method includes performing a detailed analysis of the performance of the core recirculation system and the system control components. further, the method provides for modifying the reactor p…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.