GB2550183A

GB2550183A - Power plant

Info

Publication number: GB2550183A
Application number: GB1608304.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robertson Daniel; Goodfellow Martin; Hart Nigel
Original assignee: Rolls Royce Power Engineering PLC
Current assignee: Rolls Royce Power Engineering PLC
Priority date: 2016-05-12
Filing date: 2016-05-12
Publication date: 2017-11-15
Also published as: GB201608304D0

Abstract

A nuclear power plant 22 comprising a plurality of individual modules defining at least a portion of the nuclear power plant, each module having an individual frame structure 24 arranged to tessellate with a frame structure of an adjacent module, a plurality of connectors 44 (Figure 3) connect the plurality of frame structures of the modules together. Each module may comprise a wiring loom 46 (Figure 5). A plurality of panels 50 (Figure 6) may be used to define the walls of the modules. The panels may define a gutter region which is filled with a filler material such as concrete. Sensors and controllers may be placed in each module to monitor conditions inside and outside of the module. A method of constructing such a modular nuclear power plant is also shown (Figure 7).

Description

POWER PLANT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure concerns a nuclear power plant, a method of manufacturing a nuclear power plant and/or a method of operating a nuclear power plant.

BACKGROUND

Construction of a nuclear power plant is a costly and time consuming activity, and weather conditions can have a large impact on the lead time for building a nuclear power plant. To try to reduce the influence of weather on the construction of a nuclear power plant, the nuclear power plant may be built in sections. For example, for many of the Generation III power plants, functional sections of the nuclear power plant are built in one location and then transported to the site of the nuclear power plant.

However, the sections are often large in size, for example up to 800 tonnes, and as such, the approach of building the power plant in sections helps reduce the delays that can be caused by variable or adverse weather, but there is limited impact in relation to the time it takes to construct the nuclear power plant and the cost of construction.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect there is provided a nuclear power plant comprising a plurality of individual modules defining at least a portion of the nuclear power plant. Each module has an individual frame structure arranged to tessellate with a frame structure of an adjacent module. A plurality of connectors connects the plurality of frame structures of the modules together.

Constructing a nuclear power plant using modules having a volume defined by a frame structure, and the frame structures being arranged to tessellate, means that the cost and time for construction of a nuclear power plant can be reduced.

The frame structure may define structural components of the nuclear power plant buildings.

Each module may comprise one or more components provided in and/or connected to the frame structure.

The one or more components may define a subsystem of the nuclear power plant. The components may be chemical and volume control systems which process and purify primary coolant; control and instrumentation system including the reactor control room; safety and non-safety cooling systems; solid, liquid and gas waste treatment systems; refuelling equipment; and in some cases the reactor pressure vessel and/or the steam generators.

The components may be mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation and control components.

Each module may include an electrical connector mounted to or formed integrally with the frame structure. An electrical connector of one module may connect to an electrical connector of an adjacent module.

Each module may comprise a wiring loom.

The wiring loom may be identical in each of the plurality of modules.

Each of the frames of the plurality of frames may be identically shaped and sized.

The frames may have a regular shape. The frames may define a polyhedral volume, e.g. a cuboid.

The components of the module may be positioned entirely within the volume defined by the frame. A reactor chamber, nuclear control room, turbine room, fuel pool, waste treatment building and/or auxiliary buildings may be defined by one or more of the plurality of frames.

The frame structures may define a volume less than or equal to 150 m3

The frame structure may define a volume less than or equal to 100 m3. The frame structure may define a volume greater than or equal to 3 m3 The frame structure may define a volume greater than or equal to 30 m3

The frame may define a wall region and one or more panels may be provided to define the wall.

The panels may define a gutter region and the gutter region may be filled with a filler material, e.g. concrete.

Each module may comprise a sensor arrangement. The sensor arrangement may be at least partially mounted to or formed integrally with each frame structure.

The sensor arrangement may comprise one or more sensors and a controller.

The sensor arrangement may be arranged to detect external and/or internal conditions experienced by the respective module.

According to an aspect there is provided a frame structure of the nuclear power plant according to the previous aspect.

According to an aspect there is provided a nuclear power plant module comprising a frame structure. One or more mechanical connectors are provided on the frame structure to connect the frame structure to another frame structure. A plurality of components of a nuclear power plant are connected to and housed within the frame structure.

The module may be a module of the nuclear power plant of the previous aspect, as described herein and/or as claimed herein.

According to an aspect there is provided an assembly of frame structures of a previous aspect, as described and/or as claimed herein and/or modules of a previous aspect, as described and/or as claimed herein, the frames being arranged to tessellate and being connected together.

According to an aspect there is provided a method of constructing a nuclear power plant, the method comprising constructing a plurality of frame structures and adding components to the frame structures to define a module. The modules are transported to a desired location and positioned such that the modules tessellate, and the modules are connected together.

The method may comprise testing the components before the modules are transported to the desired location.

The method may comprise monitoring the internal and/or external conditions of the module during transportation, including for example, temperature, humidity, vibration, etc.

The nuclear power plant may be a nuclear power plant of a previous aspect, as described and/or as claimed herein.

According to an aspect there is provided a method of manufacturing a plurality of modules for construction of a building complex, e.g. a nuclear power plant, the method comprising manufacturing and/or assembling a first frame and a second frame. The first frame and the second frame being a frame of a previous aspect, as described and/or as claimed herein. Installing a first set of components in the first frame and a second set of components in the second frame, wherein the first set of components is different to the second set off components.

The module may be a module of a previous aspect, as described herein, and/or as claimed herein.

According to an aspect there is provided a nuclear power plant module for construction of a nuclear power plant. The module comprising a frame structure arranged to support one or more components and one or more connectors for connecting the frame structure to another frame structure. A sensor arrangement is at least partially mounted to or embedded in the frame structure, the sensor arrangement comprising one or more sensors.

The sensors may be mounted to or embedded in the frame structure.

The nuclear power plant module may be a nuclear power plant module of a previous aspect, as described and/or as claimed herein

The sensor arrangement may comprise a controller for receiving data and storing data from the one or more sensors.

The controller may be mounted to or embedded in the frame structure.

The controller may be configured such that data can be downloaded from the controller or can be communicated to an additional controller.

One or more components may be housed within the frame structure.

When one or more components are provided in the frame structure, the sensor arrangement may be configured to identify the components.

The sensor arrangement may be configured to monitor conditions external to the module.

The sensor arrangement may be configured to monitor conditions internal to the module.

When one or more components are provided within the frame structure, the sensor arrangement may be configured to monitoring the structural health of the components.

The sensor arrangement may include one or more sensors provided on the one or more components.

The module may comprise one or more identification indicators (e.g. RFID tags) on the frame structure.

The module may comprise one or more identification indicators (e.g. RFID tags) on one or more of the components.

The sensor arrangement may include an identification indicator sensor to identify components provided within the module and/or when the module is connected to an adjacent module to identify the adjacent module the module is connected to.

The sensor arrangement may include one or more of an acoustic sensor, accelerometer, strain gauge, optical sensor, temperature sensor, chemical sensor, dosimeter, impact sensor, proximity sensor and/or an identification detection sensor (e.g. RFID sensor).

According to an aspect there is provided a frame structure for supporting one or more components and for integration into a building complex (e.g. nuclear power plant) such that the frame structure defines a portion of the building complex. The frame structure comprises a sensor arrangement configured to identify the one or more components provided in the frame structure; and/or monitor conditions external to the frame assembly; and/or monitor conditions internal to the frame assembly; and/or monitor the structural health of the one or more components.

The frame structure may be a frame structure of a previous aspect, as described herein, and/or as claimed herein.

According to an aspect there is provided a nuclear power plant comprising a plurality of modules of a previous aspect, as described and/or as claimed herein.

The modules may be provided adjacent to one another. The modules may tessellate. The modules may be mechanically connected to each other.

The sensor arrangement of one module may be in communication with a sensor arrangement of one or more of the other modules of the building complex. A central controller may be provided. The central controller may be connected to the sensor arrangement of each module.

According to an aspect there is provided a method of operating a process within a building complex (e.g. a method of operating a nuclear power plant). The method comprises analysing data from one or more sensor arrangements; and scheduling maintenance and/or changing operating conditions in response to results from the analysis.

The sensor arrangement may be the sensor arrangement of the frame structure, nuclear power plant, and/or module of one or more of the previous aspects.

According to an aspect there is provided a method of manufacturing a module of the power plant of a previous aspect, as described and/or as claimed herein. The method comprising analysing data from one or more sensor arrangements; and modifying the process used to manufacture and/or transport the modules based on the data analysis.

According to an aspect there is provided a method of constructing a nuclear power plant. The method comprises providing a plurality of modules of a previous aspect, as described and/or as claimed herein. The method further comprises transporting said modules to a power plant site; positioning said modules adjacent to one another; and connecting said modules to one another.

It will be understood that the modules are connected together with the sensor arrangement mounted to or integral with the frame structure. The same sensor arrangement can then be used in the method of operating a process of the previous aspect and/or when required to inform decommissioning requirements.

The sensor arrangement may be used to monitor the conditions internal and/or external to the module during transportation of the module.

The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied mutatis mutandis to any other aspect. Furthermore except where mutually exclusive any feature described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the Figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic of a nuclear power plant;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a frame used to construct a nuclear power plant;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the frame of Figure 2 with a component housed therein;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of multiple frames of Figure 2 assembled together and housing a number of components;

Figures 5 is a schematic plan view of a plurality of frames assembled together;

Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a frame used to construct a nuclear power plant;

Figure 7 is a basic process flow diagram for construction of a nuclear power plant; and

Figure 8 is a schematic of a sensor arrangement for a module of a nuclear power plant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to Figure 1, a nuclear power plant is indicated generally at 10. The plant includes a nuclear reactor 11, a primary circuit 14, a steam generator 16, a secondary circuit 18 and a turbine 20. The primary fluid in the primary circuit is heated by the nuclear reactor. The nuclear reactor includes a nuclear reactor vessel that houses nuclear fuel. The primary fluid then flows to the steam generator, where it heats secondary fluid in the secondary circuit. The heated secondary fluid is then used to drive the turbine 20.

Referring to Figure 2, construction of a nuclear power plant will now be explained. In this example, the nuclear power plant has a module construction. A portion of a nuclear power plant is indicated generally at 22. The nuclear power plant is constructed using a plurality of frame structures 24. The frame structures are adjacently arranged, e.g. side by side and/or stacked, to define the power plant. The frame structures tessellate. The frame structures are mechanically connected together. Components 26a, 26b, 26c of the power plant are housed within the frame structures.

The components may be any component that is found in a nuclear power plant, for example: chemical and volume control systems which process and purify primary coolant; control and instrumentation system including the reactor control room; safety and non-safety cooling systems; solid, liquid and gas waste treatment systems; refuelling equipment; and in some cases the reactor pressure vessel and/or the steam generators.

Referring to Figures 3 to 5, a frame structure is indicated generally at 28. The frame structure includes a plurality of struts 30, 32, 34 that define a generally cuboid volume 30. In the present example, four vertical struts 30, four horizontal length-wise struts 32, and four horizontal width-wise struts 34 are connected together to define the cuboid volume. A plurality of support struts 36, 38, including a lengthwise strut 36 and a plurality of width-wise struts 38 (only one labelled in Figure 2), are provided on an upper and a lower surface of the frame structure. The support struts 36, 38 provide additional strength for a lower surface (or floor) and an upper surface (or ceiling) of the frame. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, where the frames are stacked on top of each other in a single room, the lower and/or the upper surface may have a reduced number or no support struts 36, 38. In the present example, a board 40 is provided on the lower side of the frame so as to define a solid floor. In a similar way, a board may be provided on the upper side of the frame so as to define a ceiling.

The frame structure 28 further includes braces 42. The braces 42 extend diagonally across the two longitudinal sides of the frame structure. In the present example the braces are arranged to define a v-shape.

The described example of frame structure is one arrangement that is appropriate for use in construction of a nuclear power plant. However, as will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art the frame structure can have an alternative construction. For example a different number of support structures or a different arrangement of support struts or braces. The frame may also define an alternative volume, for example an alternative polyhedral volume, or for example a frame with a stepped profile from a side view. The important factor is that the frames tessellate so as to fit together to define the nuclear power plant.

Preferably the frames are all of the same size and shape or the number of different sized and shaped frames is limited. In this way standardisation during manufacture can be optimised.

The frame structures 28 are connected together using mechanical connectors 44. The mechanical connectors are provided in the same position on each of the frames so that the frames can easily be mechanically connected together. Again, as will be described in more detail later, positioning the connectors in the same place on each of the frames achieves increased standardisation and eases manufacture. A wiring loom 46 is provided in the frame structure 28. Ideally, each frame structure of the power plant will include the same wiring loom, in alternative embodiments where more than one type of wiring loom is provided, the number of different wiring looms will be limited. The wiring looms provided will be compatible with the components intended to be installed in a given frame structure. The wiring loom may contain both electrical power connections and control and instrumentation systems. The wiring loom is configured to handle multiple configurations of equipment being installed into the structural frame by: commonality of connections across multiple parts, specifying connections so that they can handle a wide range of powers and control systems, mounting of components in the same location in different modules, and redundancy of connections.

Electrical connectors 48 are provided on each frame structure. The electrical connectors connect the electrical circuits of one set of components of one frame structure with a second set of components of an adjacent frame structure.

Referring to Figure 6, the frame structures 28 can define internal wall 56 and/or external walls 52. In the case of internal walls, panels may be provided on one or more faces of the frame structures. When the frame structure defines an external wall, panels 50 may be provided on the relevant side of the frame structure to define a channel extending along the side of the frame structure and extending the height of the frame structure. The channel can be filled with a suitable filler material 52, for example concrete. In this arrangement the frame structures may be mechanically connected together, but the channel may be open at one or both ends such that there is a continuous layer of concrete (or other filler material) as required, along adjacent frame structures. Seals may be provided as required to prevent concrete (or other filler material) flowing outside of the channel defined by the panels.

One or more conduits may be defined by the frame structure or by features provided in the frame structure. The conduits may house cables and/or pipe work. For example, a conduit 51 may be provided between the frame structures 52, and/or a tube portion 53 may be connected to the frame structure to define the conduit. When a wall (internal or external) is defined by the modules, the conduit may extend through the wall, e.g. concrete or other filler material/boarding may surround the conduit. The frame structures may define conduits for plant services such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning and/or fire suppression.

The method of manufacturing the frames and constructing the power plant will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 7.

As indicated at block 54, firstly the frame structures 28 are constructed. For example, the frame structures may be fabricated from a plurality of elongate members, e.g. steel rod or tube. The elongate members may be bonded together, e.g. welded together, or they may be mechanically fixed together. The required number of frame structures is manufactured (e.g. fabricated). Ideally, the frame structures all have the same shape and size.

As indicated at block 56, once the frame structures are constructed, standard connectors are added as desired to the frame structures. All frame structures will include mechanical connectors, the mechanical connectors may be added to the frame, or may be formed integrally with the frame. In the present example, a member of the connector is welded to the frame structure, but any joining method can be used or at least a portion of the connector may be formed integrally with a member of the frame structure. The connector may include a first member that is complimentary to a second member on a second frame, such that when the frame structures are positioned adjacent to each other the complimentary members can be engaged and the two frame structures mechanically joined. The connectors may include a flange with one or more bolt holes. Flanges of adjacent frame structures may contact and be bolted together. Alternatively the connectors may be, for example, a snap-fit type connector, may comprise a screw thread, or may include components to be welded together. As will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art a number of different connectors may be provided. The connectors may be releasable or the connectors may have a one way mechanism to prevent release of the connectors.

Referring to block 58, once the components are installed in the frame structure the components requiring testing are tested. Various tests are required to be performed on certain components of a nuclear power plant, these tests are known in the art, and are often stipulated by the relevant regulators.

Referring to block 60, if the test results are acceptable the module of frame structure and components is sealed. In the case of unacceptable test results, work is carried out to bring the components to an acceptable level or the components are scrapped.

Referring to block 62, once the module is sealed it is transported to the site of the nuclear power plant. It will be appreciated that multiple modules can be manufactured on a single manufacturing site and as such the module may be transported with one or more (e.g. a plurality of) other modules.

Referring to block 64, once the module is transported to the site of the nuclear power plant it is positioned in the desired location. The power plant is constructed from a plurality of modules that tessellate, and as such the module may be placed adjacent to a module already positioned on site, or if it is the first module to be provided, subsequent modules will be positioned adjacent said module.

Referring to block 66, once the modules are positioned adjacent to each other, the modules are connected to an adjacent module using the mechanical connectors provided on the frame. Or alternatively, the frame itself may form part of the connector and the frames may be, for example, welded together. Where necessary the modules will also be electrically connected using the electrical connectors provided on each frame.

Referring to block 68, where the frame structure defines a wall, e.g. an internal or external wall, features of the wall may then be added. In some embodiments some of these features may be added to the module during manufacture. In the case of an external wall, the panels may be added, but the concrete to fill in the channel/gutter between the panels will not be added until the module is in the desired position on site.

Referring to block 70, optionally the components of the modules may be tested once the module is fully installed on site. The testing of the components can be reduced because the components have already been tested on site. In some cases it may be possible to eliminate the secondary testing required.

Indeed, it may be possible eliminate all or many of the component tests required on site by installing sensors on the frame structure, as will now be described in more detail.

Referring to Figure 8, in exemplary embodiments, the module may be equipped with a sensor arrangement 72. The sensor arrangement may be mounted to or integrated into the frame structure. The sensor arrangement and/or one or more of the elements of the sensor arrangement may be replaceable.

The sensor arrangement may include one or more sensors 74a to 74e connected to or integrated into the frame structure of the module. The sensors may be one or more of, but not limited to, an acoustic sensor, accelerometer, strain gauge, optical sensor, temperature sensor, chemical sensor, dosimeter, impact sensor, proximity sensor and/or RFID sensor or other identification detection sensor.

The sensors 74a to 74e may be connected to a controller 76 using a wireless or a wired connection. The controller 76 may be mounted to the frame structure or may be integrally formed with the frame structure. The controller 76 comprises a memory 78 for storing information received from the sensors 74a to 74e. The controller 76 and/or the sensors 74a to 74e and connectors between the sensors and controllers may be printed onto a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) (indicated at 75 in Figure 5). In the present example the PCB is mounted to the frame, but in alternative embodiments the relevant circuitry can be printed, painted or deposited on the frame.

The sensor arrangement 72 may include additional sensors 80a, 80b. The additional sensors may be provided on, e.g. mounted to or formed integrally with, components housed within the frame structure of the module. The additional sensors may be connected to the controller 76 via a wireless or a wired connection. The additional sensors may be one or more of, but not limited to, an acoustic sensor, accelerometer, strain gauge, optical sensor, temperature sensor, chemical sensor, dosimeter, and/or impact sensor.

The frame structure may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 82 and/or one or more components of the module may include an RFID tag 84.

The sensor arrangement 72 may optionally include a transmitter 86 and/or a receiver 88. The transmitter may be configured to transmit information from the controller 76 of the sensor arrangement of one frame to a receiver of a sensor arrangement of another frame, and the receiver may be configured to receive information from the controller transmitter of the sensor arrangement of another frame. A central controller 90 may be provided. The central controller may be connected to the controller 76 of one or more modules via a wired or a wireless connection. Additionally or alternatively, information may be downloaded from the memory 78 of the controller 76 and be uploaded to the central controller 90.

The controller 76 and/or the central controller 90 may include: control circuitry; and/or processor circuitry; and/or at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); and/or at least one field programmable gate array (FPGA); and/or single or multi-processor architectures; and/or sequential/parallel architectures; and/or at least one programmable logic controllers (PLCs); and/or at least one microprocessor; and/or at least one microcontroller; and/or a central processing unit (CPU); and/or a graphics processing unit (GPU), to perform the methods.

In various examples, the central controller 90 may comprise at least one processor 92 and at least one memory 94. The processor may include at least one microprocessor and may comprise a single core processor, may comprise multiple processor cores (such as a dual core processor or a quad core processor), or may comprise a plurality of processors (at least one of which may comprise multiple processor cores).

The memory 78 and/or 94 may be any suitable non-transitory computer readable storage medium, data storage device or devices, and may comprise a hard disk and/or solid state memory (such as flash memory). The memory may be permanent non-removable memory, or may be removable memory (such as a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive or a secure digital card). The memory may include: local memory employed during actual execution of the computer program; bulk storage; and cache memories which provide temporary storage of at least some computer readable or computer usable program code to reduce the number of times code may be retrieved from bulk storage during execution of the code.

The sensor arrangement 72 may further include a power source 96. The power source may include a battery or other self-contained power source, additionally or alternatively the power source may comprise a system for harnessing power from the local environment.

The sensors 74a to 74e and/or 80a and 80b of the sensor arrangement 72 may be arranged for the following functionality: • The acoustic sensor, accelerometer and/or strain gauge can be used to monitor mechanical disruption of the module during production and transportation. In service these sensors can provide condition monitoring for the equipment, and/or provide seismic data. • The optical sensors can be used to verify configuration information through installation, monitor displacement of systems during manufacture, transportation, installation and service, and/or provide security/intruder detection during transportation and operation. • Temperature sensors and/or chemical sensors can record environmental parameters during manufacture, transport and service to provide validation that the module is in the same physical condition as when it left commissioning testing at the factory, or is in an acceptable physical condition. • Dosimeter can provide an indication of radiation levels for access control, accident monitoring, and decommissioning inventory estimation. • Impact and mishandling physical indicators are mechanical and/or chemical sensors which detect mishandling or impact on the module. These sensors either mechanically break or chemically react when the module is shocked, impacted or certain chemicals ingress. • RFID sensor or other identification detection sensor will detect what equipment is added to the smart frame.

During the production process (indicated in Figure 6), the frame structure may be fitted with sensors 74a to 74e at the stage of constructing the frame structure. In this way, the sensor arrangement 72 can be configured to collect data in relation to the components that have been added to the frame (using for example RFID tags) and/or the conditions during the manufacturing process. This data can then be used at a later date, if required, to schedule maintenance of components of a given module.

At the stage of testing the components (indicated at block 58 in Figure 6) the data from the tests may be added to the memory 78 of the controller 76 of the sensor arrangement 72 of the relevant module.

The sensors 74a to 74e and optionally sensors 80a, 80b can sense the conditions during any storage period and during transport from the manufacturing facility to the desired location of the module in the nuclear power plant. The sensor arrangement may for example include GPS to track the position of the module, so data can be stored in relation to where the module has been. The controller may be arranged to store the data received from the one or more sensors and/or it may be arranged to provide an indication if one or more environmental parameters are outside a desired level so that corrective action can be taken, or so information is provided as to whether or not components need to be retested at the location of the power plant. In this way, the amount of additional testing required when the module arrives on site is reduced or eliminated.

The sensor arrangement 72 of one module may be connected to the sensor arrangement of another module either via a wired connection or a wireless connection. In examples where a transmitter and receiver is provided, the transmitter and receiver may be used to communicate between modules of a power plant. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitter and/or receiver may be used to communicate with the central controller.

Information received from the sensor arrangement 72 of each module can be used to schedule maintenance of the power plant. Additionally the sensor arrangements may be used for: • Detection of accidents or fires • Detection of failure of equipment • Configuration control • Access control and/or dosimetry • Equipment health monitoring • Optimisation of plant performance • Life extension of plant and extension of plant licence • Generation of data to influence future design choices and modifications • When the plant is decommissioned, data collected during module life may be used to select the appropriate controls.

Constructing a power plant using the described modules has advantages in terms of reduced capital costs, ease of build, time taken to construct a nuclear power plant, and when a sensor arrangement is used increased plant management capability.

The frame structures are made to have the same shape and size, or are limited to a small number of different shapes and sizes, which enables the frames to be easily manufactured on a factory flow line, which reduces costs due to economies of scale. Furthermore, a limited number of custom tools and jigs are required to manufacture the frames, which further reduces the associated costs. The connectors and wiring loom are standardised to provide further economies of scale.

Use of the sensor arrangement can allow the integrity of each module to be validated through production, installation, and/or commissioning. In embodiments where the sensors of the frame structure are used for condition monitoring, component inspection can be reduced and build of the plant can be optimised in terms of physical conditions and/or time.

The sensor arrangement of the modules can be standardised to reduce the cost of manufacture, installation and regulatory compliance, and to enhance connectivity between modules.

The sensor arrangement can be used for health monitoring of components within the module, including predicting conditions experienced by one or more components that do not have individual sensors associated with them. In this way, maintenance can be more effectively scheduled. The data from the sensors can also be used to inform decommissioning.

The sensors of the frame can also be used to monitor the production process and provide production data for monitoring and controling manufacturing processes.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments above-described and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts described herein. Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and subcombinations of one or more features described herein.

Claims

Claims

1. A nuclear power plant comprising: a plurality of individual modules defining at least a portion of the nuclear power plant, each module having an individual frame structure arranged to tessellate with a frame structure of an adjacent module; and a plurality of connectors connecting the plurality of frame structures of the modules together.
2. The nuclear power plant according to claim 1, wherein each module comprises one or more components provided in and/or connected to the frame structure.
3. The nuclear power plant according to claim 2, wherein the components are mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation and control components.
4. The nuclear power plant according to any one of the previous claims, wherein each module includes an electrical connector mounted to or formed integrally with the frame structure, and wherein an electrical connector of one module connects to an electrical connector of an adjacent module.
5. The nuclear power plant according to any one of the previous claims, wherein each module comprises a wiring loom.
6. The nuclear power plant according to claim 5, wherein the wiring loom is identical in each of the plurality of modules.
7. The nuclear power plant according to any one of the previous claims, wherein each of the frames of the plurality of modules are identically shaped and sized.
8. The nuclear power plant according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a reactor chamber, nuclear control room, turbine room, fuel pool, waste treatment building and/or auxiliary buildings are defined by one or more of the plurality of frames.
9. The nuclear power plant according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the frame structures may define a volume less than or equal to 150 m3, e.g. 30m3 to 150m3.
10. The nuclear power plant according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the frame defines a wall region and one or more panels are provided to define the wall.
11. The nuclear power plant according to claim 10, wherein the panels define a gutter region and the gutter region is filled with a filler material, e.g. concrete.
12. The nuclear power plant according to any one of the previous claims, wherein each module comprises a sensor arrangement, and wherein the sensor arrangement is at least partially mounted to or formed integrally with each frame structure.
13. The nuclear power plant according to claim 12, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises one or more sensors and a controller.
14. The nuclear power plant according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the sensor arrangement is arranged to detect external and/or internal conditions experienced by the respective module.
15. A frame structure of the nuclear power plant according to any one of the previous claims.
16. A nuclear power plant module comprising: a frame structure; one or more mechanical connectors provided on the frame structure to connect the frame structure to another frame structure; a plurality of components of a nuclear power plant connected to and housed within the frame structure.
17. An assembly of frame structures and/or modules according to claim 15 or 16, the frames being arranged to tessellate and being connected together.
18. A method of constructing a nuclear power plant, the method comprising: constructing a plurality of frame structures; adding components to the frame structures to define a module; transporting the modules to a desired location; positioning the modules such that the modules tessellate; and connecting the modules together.
20. A method of manufacturing a plurality of frames, the method comprising: manufacturing and/or assembling a first frame and a second frame, the first frame and the second frame being a frame according to claim 15; and installing a first set of components in the first frame and a second set of components in the second frame, wherein the first set of components is different to the second set off components.