Pressurized water reactor with reactor coolant pumps operating in the downcomer annulus
US9593684B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 28, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 14, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pressurized water reactor (PWR) includes a vertical cylindrical pressure vessel and a nuclear reactor core disposed in a lower vessel section. A hollow cylindrical central riser is disposed concentrically inside the pressure vessel. A downcomer annulus is defined between the central riser and the pressure vessel. A reactor coolant pump (RCP) includes (i) an impeller disposed above the nuclear reactor core and in fluid communication with the downcomer annulus to impel primary coolant downward through the downcomer annulus, (ii) a pump motor disposed outside of the pressure vessel, and (iii) a drive shaft operatively connecting the pump motor with the impeller. The PWR may include an internal steam generator in the downcomer annulus, with the impeller is disposed below the steam generator. The impeller may be disposed in the downcomer annulus. The RCP may further comprise a pump casing that with the impeller defines a centrifugal pump.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.