Method of operating a nuclear power plant and a nuclear power plant
OwnerWillem Adriaan Odendaal Kriel, Michael Christiaan Nieuwoudtinventors
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Abstract
A nuclear power plant which includes a closed loop power generation circuit making use of helium as the working fluid. The plant further includes a helium inventory control system which includes a plurality of helium storage tanks whereby helium can be fed into or removed from the power generation circuit. Each helium storage tank is provided with a heat sink so that the tank has a relatively high thermal inertia which in turn restricts the temperature variation within the storage tank as a result of the introduction of helium into and/or the withdrawal of helium from the storage tank. This permits the optimization of the design of the storage tanks.
Claims31
A method of operating a nuclear power plant having a closed loop power generation circuit making use of helium as the working fluid and a helium inventory control system having at least one helium storage tank connectable in flow communication with the closed loop power generation circuit to permit helium to be introduced into and removed from the power generation circuit, which method includes the step of restricting the temperature variation within the at least one storage tank as a result of the introduction of helium into and the withdrawal of helium from the at least one storage tank.
A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which rectricting the temperature variation is achieved passively.
A nuclear power plant which includes
- a closed loop power generation circuit making use of helium as the working fluid;
- and
- a helium inventory control system which includes at least one helium storage tank connectable in flow communication with the power generation circuit to permit helium to be introduced into and removed from the power generation circuit, and means for restricting the temperature variation within the at least one storage tank as a result of the introduction of helium into and the withdrawal of helium from the at least one storage tank.
A storage tank suitable for use in a helium inventory control system of a nuclear power plant, which tank includes
- a vessel;
- and
- at least one heat sink positioned in the vessel.
A new method, plant or tank substantially as described herein.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.