KR20130116264A - Electromagnetic flow regulator, system, and methods for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosed embodiments include an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of the electrically conductive fluid in a nuclear fission reactor, a system for regulating the flow of the electrically conductive fluid, a method for regulating the flow of the electrically conductive fluid, an electrically conductive reactor coolant A system for regulating the flow of a method, a method for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant, is disclosed.

Description

ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM, AND METHODS FOR REGULATING FLOW OF AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE FLUID

Cross-references of related applications - References

This application relates to and claims the earliest applicable valid application dates from the application (s) ("related applications) listed below (eg, the earliest applicable validity for anything other than provisional patent applications). Benefit enjoyment under 35 USC § 119 (e) for claims on the date of filing or for applications of related application (s), including any and all patents, parent patents, parent patents, etc. Claim) All subject matter, including any priority claims, related patents and any and all patents, parent patents, parent patents, etc. of related applications, are subject to such claims as To the extent that they are incorporated herein by reference.

Related Applications

For the purposes of the USPTO's extra-statutory requirements, the present application is named ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM, AND METHODS FOR REGULATING FLOW OF AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE FLUID, and inventors Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jon D. McWhirter, Ashok Odedra, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. And a part-continued application of US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 924,914, filed October 6, 2010, which application is currently co-pending or currently co-pending, claiming benefit enjoyment of the filing date. Application.

For purposes of the statutory-exclusion requirements of the USPTO, the present application is named ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM, AND METHODS FOR REGULATING FLOW OF AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE FLUID, and inventors Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jon D. McWhirter, Ashok Odedra, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. , And constitutes a part-continued application of US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 930,151, filed December 28, 2010, which application is currently co-pending or currently co-pending, claiming benefit enjoyment of the filing date. Application.

For purposes of the statutory-exclusion requirements of the USPTO, the present application is named ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM, AND METHODS FOR REGULATING FLOW OF AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE FLUID, and inventors Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jon D. McWhirter, Ashok Odedra, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. , And constitutes a part-continued application of US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 930,146, filed Dec. 28, 2010, the application of which is now co-pending or currently co-pending claiming benefit enjoyment of the filing date. Application.

For purposes of the statutory-exclusion requirements of the USPTO, the present application is named ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM, AND METHODS FOR REGULATING FLOW OF AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE FLUID, and inventors Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jon D. McWhirter, Ashok Odedra, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. , And constitutes a part-continued application of US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 930,152, filed December 28, 2010, which application is co-pending or currently co-pending claiming benefit enjoyment of the filing date. Application.

For purposes of the statutory-exclusion requirements of the USPTO, the present application is named ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM, AND METHODS FOR REGULATING FLOW OF AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE FLUID, and inventors Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jon D. McWhirter, Ashok Odedra, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. , And constitutes a part-continued application of US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 930,150, filed December 28, 2010, which application is co-pending or currently co-pending claiming benefit enjoyment of the filing date. Application.

For purposes of the statutory-exclusion requirements of the USPTO, the present application is named ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM, AND METHODS FOR REGULATING FLOW OF AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE FLUID, and inventors Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jon D. McWhirter, Ashok Odedra, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. , And constitutes a part-continued application of US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 930,149, filed December 28, 2010, which application is currently co-pending or currently co-pending claiming benefit enjoyment of the filing date. Application.

For purposes of the statutory-exclusion requirements of the USPTO, the present application is named ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW REGULATOR, SYSTEM, AND METHODS FOR REGULATING FLOW OF AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE FLUID, and inventors Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jon D. McWhirter, Ashok Odedra, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. , And constitutes a part-continued application of US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 930,147, filed December 28, 2010, which application is currently co-pending or currently co-pending claiming benefit enjoyment of the filing date. Application.

The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) requires that a patent applicant in the USPTO's computer program indicate the serial number and whether the application is a continuation application (CA), part-continuation application, or split application of a patent application. An announcement was made to enter into force. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, Gazette, March 18, 2003. The present applicant (hereinafter referred to as "applicant") is an application for which priority is claimed as prescribed by law. (S) has been specifically described above. Applicants understand that the specific description of such decree is clear and does not require special characterization such as application number or "continued" or "partial-continued" to claim priority to a US patent application. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Applicant understands that the computer program of the USPTO requires special data entry requirements, and the applicant hereby considers the designation (s) of the relationship between this application and the parent application (s) ), But such disclosure (s) does not include any reference to any type of whether or not the present application includes any new content in addition to the content of the parent application (s) and / I do not mean to acknowledge it.

The present application generally relates to flow regulation of electrically conductive fluids.

Disclosed embodiments include electromagnetic flow regulators for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid, systems for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid, methods for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid, nuclear fission reactors (reactors) S), systems for adjusting the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant, and methods for adjusting the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant in the nuclear fission reactor.

In addition to the foregoing, various other methods and / or systems and / or program product aspects may be used in the teachings such as the text (eg, claims and / or details) and / or drawings of the present disclosure. Outlined and explained.

The foregoing is summary and may thus include simplification, generalization, inclusion, and / or omission of details; As a result, those skilled in the art will understand that the summary is illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting in any way. Further, in addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent upon reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

Although the present specification concludes with the claims that specifically point out and specifically claim the subject matter of the present invention, it is believed that the present invention can be better understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Also, the use of the same symbols in the various figures will typically represent similar or identical items.
1A is a side view showing a partially schematic form of an exemplary electromagnetic flow regulator.
1B is a side view illustrating a partially schematic form of another exemplary electromagnetic flow regulator.
FIG. 1C is a side view partially cut away from the electromagnetic flow regulator of FIG. 1B. FIG.
FIG. 1D is a view taken along line 1D-1D in FIG. 1C.
FIG. 1E is an enlarged partial view in cross section showing details of the electromagnetic flow regulator of FIG. 1B.
1F is a graph illustrating the relationship between the velocity, magnetic field, and induced electric field of an electrically conductive fluid.
FIG. 1G is a perspective view of a cut away portion of the electromagnetic flow regulator of FIG. 1B. FIG.
FIG. 1H is an enlarged fragmentary view, in cross section, of another detail of the electromagnetic flow regulator of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 1I is a graph illustrating the relationship between induced current, magnetic field, and resulting Lorentz force in an electrically conductive fluid.
FIG. 1J is an enlarged fragmentary view, in perspective and cross-sectional view, of another detail of the electromagnetic flow regulator of FIG. 1B;
1K is a side view of a partially cut away schematic form of another exemplary electromagnetic flow regulator.
FIG. 1L is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 1L-1L of FIG. 1K.
FIG. 1M is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 1M-1M of FIG. 1K.
FIG. 1N is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 1N-1N of FIG. 1M.
2A is a flow chart of an example method of adjusting the flow of an electrically conductive fluid.
2B-2E are flow diagrams illustrating details of the method of FIG. 2A.
2F is a flowchart of another exemplary method for adjusting the flow of an electrically conductive fluid.
FIG. 2G is a flow chart showing details of the method of FIG. 2F.
2H is a flowchart of another exemplary method for adjusting the flow of an electrically conductive fluid.
FIG. 2I is a flow chart showing details of the method of FIG. 2H.
3A is a flow chart of an example method for manufacturing an electromagnetic flow regulator.
3B-3K are flow charts illustrating details of the method of FIG. 3A.
3L is a flow chart of another example method for manufacturing an electromagnetic flow regulator.
3m-3p are flow charts showing details of the method of FIG. 3l.
3Q is a flowchart of another example method for manufacturing an electromagnetic flow regulator.
3r-3t are flow charts showing details of the method of FIG. 3q.
4A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary nuclear fission reactor system.
4B is a partially schematic top view of an exemplary nuclear fission module.
4C is a partially schematic top view of the exemplary nuclear fission modules of FIG. 4B.
4D is a partially schematic top view of other exemplary nuclear fission modules of FIG. 4B.
4E is a partially schematic plan view of other exemplary nuclear fission modules of FIG. 4B.
4F is a partially schematic top view of an exemplary traveling wave reactor core.
5A is a schematic diagram of components of an exemplary nuclear fission reactor.
5B-5C are some cutaway side views of a partially schematic form of exemplary electromagnetic flow regulators and nuclear fission modules.
6A-6C are some cutaway side views in partially schematic form of other exemplary electromagnetic flow regulators and nuclear fission modules.
6D is a partially schematic plan view in partial schematic form of an exemplary reactor core.
FIG. 6E is a partial cutaway side view of a partially schematic form of the reactor core of FIG. 6D.
6F is a partially schematic plan view in partial schematic form of another exemplary reactor core.
FIG. 6G is a partially cutaway side view of a partially schematic form of the reactor core of FIG. 6F.
6H-6J are partially cutaway plan views in partially schematic form of other exemplary reactor cores.
7A is a flow diagram of an example method for adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant.
7B-7S are flow charts of details of the method of FIG. 7A.
7T is a flow chart of an example method for adjusting the flow of another electrically conductive reactor coolant.
7u-7ah are flowcharts of details of the method of FIG. 7t.
7ai is a flowchart of an example method for adjusting the flow of another electrically conductive reactor coolant.
7aj-7aw are flow charts of the details of the method of FIG. 7I.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated as part of the detailed description. In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, similar symbols typically represent similar components. The illustrative embodiments set forth in the detailed description, drawings and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized and other changes may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter set forth herein.

In addition, the present application uses formal prefaces for the sake of clarity. However, such prefaces are for the purpose of indication and it will be understood that various types of subject matter are described throughout this application (eg, device (s) / structure (s) may be process (es) / processes). The (s) may be described below and / or the process (s) / acts may be described below the structure (s) / process (s)). Accordingly, formal endorsements should never be construed as limiting.

In addition, the subject matter described herein also describes various components included in or linked to other various components. It should be understood that such described architectures are merely exemplary, and in fact, it is to be understood that many other architectures may be implemented that achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, to achieve the desired function, any arrangement of components to achieve the same function is effectively "associated" and thus achieves the desired function, regardless of architectures or media components. Thus, any two components combined to achieve a particular function may be viewed as "associated with" each other. Similarly, any two components so related may be considered to be "operably connected" or "operably coupled" to each other to achieve the desired function, and any two that may be so related. The components may also be viewed as "operatively coupled" to each other to achieve the desired function. Specific examples that may be operatively coupled include components that are physically mated and / or physically interacting, and / or components that can be wirelessly and / or wirelessly interacting. And / or components that can logically and / or logically interact with, but are not limited to such.

In some cases, one or more components are “configured to”, “configurable”, “operable / operative to”, “adaptable / adaptable” herein ) "," Possible "," conformable / matched ", and the like. So-called skilled in the art, such as "configured", "configurable", "operable / operative", "adjusted / adjustable", "possible", "matchable / matched", and the like are described. If not, it will be appreciated that it may generally include an active-state component and / or an inactive-state component and / or a standby-state component.

Exemplary Electromagnetic Flow Regulators, Systems, and Methods

Schematically and referring to FIG. 1A, an exemplary electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is provided to regulate the flow of an electrically conductive fluid. Magnetic conductors 510 are arranged in a fixed relative position, for example by attaching to frame 491. Magnetic conductors 510 form fluid flow paths 141 for electrically conductive fluid through electromagnetic flow regulator 490 along such magnetic conductors. Magnetic conductors 510 form a fluid inlet path for an electrically conductive fluid that is substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path 141. A field generation winding 570 capable of carrying current can be electromagnetically coupled to the magnetic conductors 510 such that at least one magnetic field is fielded in the fluid inlet path. It may be generated by the generation winding 570.

In some embodiments, the fluid inlet path may be formed by flow holes 520 formed in the magnetic conductors 510. In addition, a fluid flow path 141 through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be formed in the board of the magnetic conductors 510.

Electrical power may be supplied to electromagnetic flow regulator 490 from power supply 590 (power source) through electrical conduit 580 (and its circuit segments 580a, 580b, and 580c). There will be. In some embodiments, the power supply 590 may be controlled by the control circuit 610. Descriptive details of the power supply 590 and the control unit will be further described below.

It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be provided for various applications as desired. As a non-limiting example, an example electromagnetic flow regulator 490a that can regulate the flow of the electrically conductive fluid by restricting the flow of the electrically conductive fluid will first be described. Another exemplary electromagnetic flow regulator 490b that can regulate the flow of the electrically conductive fluid by restricting the flow of the electrically conductive fluid and by forcing the flow of the electrically conductive fluid will be described next.

It will be appreciated that electromagnetic flow regulators 490a and 490b may be used for particular applications as desired. Accordingly, system-level applications and host environments will be described herein with reference to electromagnetic flow regulator 490. Thus, references herein to electromagnetic flow regulator 490 in the context of system-level applications and host atmospheres also refer to electromagnetic flow regulator 490a and electromagnetic flow regulator 490b. It also includes. That is, any reference herein to electromagnetic flow regulator 490 in the context of system-level applications and host atmospheres may also refer to electromagnetic flow regulator 490a or electromagnetic flow regulator 490b or Reference may be made to both electromagnetic flow regulator 490a and electromagnetic flow regulator 490b.

Still as a schematic and still referring to FIG. 1A, the following information is provided as a high-level introduction to some aspects of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a. Accordingly, the following information is provided in addition to the information described above for the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 (which need not be repeated to aid in understanding). To this end, in various embodiments of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a, the field generating winding 570 is disposed outboard of the magnetic conductors 510. In some embodiments, the field generating winding 570 may comprise a helical coil and in some other embodiments the field generating winding 570 may comprise coils that are substantially circular. In some embodiments, magnetic conductors 510 may be attached to frame 491 and may be disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of magnetic conductors 510. In such cases, the fluid flow path 141 is further formed along the magnetic conductors 510.

An exemplary embodiment of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a will now be described as a non-limiting example. Referring now to FIG. 1B and in general, the magnetic conductors 510 are arranged in a fixed relative position, such as attached to the frame 491. The magnetic conductors 510 form a fluid flow path 141 for the electrically conductive fluid through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a along such magnetic conductors 510. Magnetic conductors 510 are formed through flow holes 520 forming a fluid inlet path for an electrically conductive fluid that is substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path 141. A field generating winding 570 capable of carrying electrical current is disposed outside of the magnetic conductors 510. The field generating winding 570 may be electromagnetically coupled to the magnetic conductors 510 such that at least one magnetic field may be generated by the field generating winding 570 in the fluid inlet path.

With continued reference to FIG. 1B and still in general, in some embodiments, a fluid flow path 141 through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a may be additionally formed inboard of the magnetic conductors 510. There will be. In some embodiments, magnetic nonconductors 530 may be attached to frame 491 and are disposed between adjacent ones of magnetic conductors 510. In such a case, the fluid flow path 141 through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a may additionally be formed along the magnetic nonconductors 530, such as, for example, formed inside the magnetic conductors 510. Could be. In some embodiments, the field generation winding 570 may comprise a helical coil and in some other embodiments the field generation winding 570 may comprise coils that are substantially circular.

Having now been outlined, the structure and operation of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a-which can limit the flow of electrically conductive fluids-will now be described.

With continued reference to FIG. 1B, adjacent magnetic conductors 510 conduct a magnetic field 630 generated by an electrical current 600 flowing through the field generating winding 570. Magnetic conductors 510 may be made of cast iron, carbon steels, or special commercial alloys such as permalloys Deltamax and Sendust. In one embodiment, the magnetic conductors 510 are electromagnetic flow regulators 490a into a device, system, host environment, etc., in which the flow of electrically conductive fluid passing by the electromagnetic flow regulators 490a is regulated. ) May have upright, elongate, spaced-apart, and overall cylindrical or tubular configurations for mating). Each magnetic conductor 510 may have a square, rectangular, parallelepiped, circular, or any other suitable cross section.

Each of the adjacent magnetic conductors 510 forms one or more flow holes 520 to allow the flow of electrically conductive fluid through such magnetic conductors 510. Magnetic conductors 510 are used to concentrate the magnetic field potential in or near the conductive fluid flow path. It will be appreciated that flow holes 520 are located in portions 145 of flow path 140. It will also be understood that the flow path of the electrically conductive fluid through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a is formed along the magnetic conductors 510, ie the interior of the magnetic conductors 510. It will also be understood that the inlet flow path of the electrically conductive fluid through the flow holes 520 is substantially orthogonal to the flow path through the interior of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a of the electrically conductive fluid.

Between adjacent magnetic conductors of the magnetic conductors 510, each one of the magnetic nonconductors 530 is interposed. The magnetic nonconductors 530 serve to limit the magnetic potential in regions outside the portions 145 of the electrically conductive fluid flow path 141. Appropriate use of magnetic conductors and non-conductors is such that the electrically conductive fluid is subjected in the region of the conductive fluid of the portions 145 of the flow path 141 to a given electrical current applied to the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a. This may help to maximize the magnetic field strength. The magnetic nonconductors 530 may be made of Type 300 stainless steel or the like. Accordingly, it can be understood that the flow path of the electrically conductive fluid through the interior of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a is also formed along the magnetic conductors 510-ie, along the interior of the magnetic nonconductors 530. There will be.

Selection of the number of flow holes 520 takes into account the frictional flow resistance of the electrically conductive fluid and the ability to provide a uniform magnetic field over the cross-sectional area and length of the portions 145 of the flow path 141. It will be understood that it includes. In some embodiments, the plurality of flow holes 520 is selected such that magnetic field requirements are reduced and frictional losses are minimized.

1C and 1D, the frame 491 includes a base member 540 and a yoke 550. Upper and lower ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 are attached to the frame 491. Lower ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 are attached to the base member 540. Attaching the lower ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 to the base member 540 secures the lower ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 and thus the magnetic conductors. 510 and the lower ends of the magnetic nonconductors 530 may not be moved laterally. Thus, when the electrically conductive fluid flows through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a, the base member 540 enhances the vibrational and structural rigidity of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a. More specifically, lower ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 may be attached to the base member 540 by a pair of positioning tabs 510a and 510b. However, the lower ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 may be attached to the base member 540 by welding or any suitable attachment means.

The disk-shaped yoke 550 is fixed to the upper ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530, so that the upper ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 are sided. It will not move in the direction. Thus, when a relatively high speed electrically conductive fluid flows through the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a, the yoke 550 improves the vibrational and structural stiffness of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a. Yoke 550 includes a first portion 550a and a second portion 550b. The second portion 550b is arranged concentrically inward with respect to the first portion 550a. For example, by the pair of positioning tabs 550a and 550b, the upper ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 are properly attached to the second portion 550b. However, the upper ends of the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530 may be attached to the second portion 550b of the yoke 550 by welding or by any suitable attachment means.

In some embodiments, the yoke 550 may be relocated for mating coupling of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a with a device, system, host environment, etc. (indicated generally as '30') to which flow is to be adjusted. A recess 555 may be provided. An annular insulator portion 560 is interposed between the first portion 550a and the second portion 550b to isolate the electromagnetic circuit from the device, system, host environment, etc. 30 to adjust the flow therethrough. . Insulation portion 560 is a dielectric (ie, an electrically nonconductive material) and may be made of any suitable material for resisting the flow of electrical current. In this regard, the insulation portion 560 may be made of porcelain, glass, plastic (eg, Bakelite), rubber, acrylic, polyurethane, and the like. When the base member 540 and the yoke 550 are made of magnetic material, another purpose of such base member 540 and the yoke 550 is to contain magnetic containment at the top and bottom of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a. ).

Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 1C, in some embodiments, a field generating winding 570 (often referred to as an induction coil) spirals the tubular configuration of magnetic conductors 510 and magnetic nonconductors 530. You can surround it. In such a case, the helical induction coil 570 extends helically along the tubular configuration formed by the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530. In some other embodiments, the induction coil 570 will not need to spiral around the tubular configuration formed by the magnetic conductors 510 and the magnetic nonconductors 530. For example, in some other embodiments, induction coil 570 may include independent, spaced, induction coils 570. In such cases, each induction coil 570 surrounds the tubular configuration of magnetic conductors 510 and magnetic nonconductors 530.

Regardless of the form of the field generating winding 570, an induction coil 570 is coupled to the magnetic conductors 510 and interposed between each of the adjacent flow holes 520. The purpose of the induction coil 570 is to generate magnetic fields at or near each one of the flow holes 520. Induction coil 570 may be formed of any suitable electrically conductive material, such as copper, silver, aluminum, and the like.

Induction coil 570 may also include adjacent current-transfer laminations or layers. With further reference to FIG. 1E, the laminations include a conductor layer 575a and an adjacent insulator layer 575b arranged side by side in an alternating manner. The number of turns and layers in the current-carrying layers reduces the electrical current required to produce a magnetic field of a given intensity.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a includes an electrical circuit 580 that forms a circuit segment 580a having a first end connected to the induction coil 570 and a second end connected to the circuit segment 580b. May be electrically coupled). The circuit 580 also has a circuit segment 580c having a first end connected to the circuit segment 580b and a second end connected to the base member 540. In one embodiment, power supply 590 is electrically connected to electrical circuit 580 to supply electrical current to induction coil 570. In this embodiment, the electric current flows along the direction of the arrows 600 indicating the direction. The power supply 590 may be a direct current output power supply having a variable output voltage. Such commercially available power supplies that may be suitable for this purpose may be available from Colutron Research Corporation, Boulder, Colorado, USA.

The control unit 610 may be electrically connected to the power supply 590 to control and regulate the electric current supplied by the power supply 590. The magnitude of the magnetic force acting on the electrically conductive fluid is directly proportional to the output voltage of the power supply 590, whereby changing the output voltage changes the magnitude of the flow rate and force of the electrically conductive fluid. In other words, increasing the output voltage increases the magnetic field and force acting on the electrically conductive fluid phase, and decreasing the output voltage reduces the magnetic field and force acting on the electrically conductive fluid phase.

Referring now to FIG. 1F, an induction electric field (“E”) will affect or resist the established flow of electrically conductive fluid to the electromagnetic flow regulator 490a. Movement of the electrically conductive fluid through the magnetic field results in an induced electric field according to the following equation:

[Equation 1]

E = υ x B

Where B is the magnetic field vector (e.g., Tesla units)

E is the induced electric field vector (for example, in volts per meter)

υ is the velocity of the electrically conductive fluid (eg, in meters per second).

Because of the electrical conductivity of the fluid, the electric field E causes a current density J in the fluid. The current J then produces a Lorentz force density f, and results in an overall force F, which is opposite to the electrically conductive fluid as described in the following formula:

&Quot; (2) "

f = J x B (Lorentz's law), and

&Quot; (3) "

F = f x volume.

Referring further to FIGS. 1G, 1H, 1I, and 1J, the electrical current supplied from the power supply 590 and the electrical circuit 580 to the induction coil 570 is generally indicated by the direction indicated by arrows 600 indicating the direction. Flows along the induction coils 570. In this case, the magnetic field B will act along the direction indicated by arrow 630 indicating the direction as a whole. The magnetic field B indicated by the arrow 630 acts substantially perpendicular to the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the portion 145 of the fluid flow path 140. The generated Lorentz force F will act in the direction of arrow 640 indicating a direction substantially perpendicular to the magnetic field B indicated by arrow 630. The term "substantially vertical" is defined herein to mean a direction within ± 45 ° of the exact vertical. It will be appreciated that when placed in vertical arrangements, the derived vectors are maximized or minimized. It will also be appreciated that practical applications may not allow vertical orientation. However, such orientations may still result in sufficient vector sizes to perform the functions disclosed herein. Lorentz force F acting in the direction of arrow 640 will resist or otherwise reverse the flow of the electrically conductive fluid when the electrically conductive fluid is about to move through the flow holes 520. In other words, the force F applies a braking force to the electrically conductive fluid.

As another non-limiting example, another exemplary electromagnetic flow regulator 490b may adjust the flow of the electrically conductive fluid by limiting the flow of the electrically conductive fluid and / or by forcing the flow of the electrically conductive fluid.

As an overview and referring again to FIG. 1A, the following information is provided as a high-level introduction to some aspects of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b. Accordingly, the following information is provided in addition to the information described above for the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 (which need not be repeated to aid in understanding). To this end, in various embodiments of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b, the field generating winding 570 is capable of carrying electrical current and is disposed inside the magnetic conductors 190a (clarity). 1a) and electrical conductors 190b capable of carrying electrical current and disposed outside of the magnetic conductors. The electromagnetic flow regulator 490b may include magnetic nonconductors (not shown in FIG. 1A for clarity) disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the magnetic conductors and attached to the frame. In such cases, the fluid flow path is further formed along the magnetic nonconductors, and the fluid inlet path is further formed through the magnetic nonconductors.

An exemplary embodiment of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b will now be described by way of non-limiting example. Referring now to FIGS. 1K, 1L, 1M, and 1N and as an overview, magnetic conductors 510, 890 are arranged in fixed relative positions, such as attached to frame 491, for example. The magnetic conductors 510, 890 form flow holes along the magnetic conductors that form a fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid and form a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid that is substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path ( 520b). The field generating windings 910a and 910b can carry electrical currents and can carry electrical currents and conductors 910a disposed inside the magnetic conductors 510, 890 and the magnetic conductors 510, Conductors 910b disposed outside of 890. The field generating windings 910a and 910b may be electromagnetically coupled to the magnetic conductors 510 and 890 so that at least one magnetic field is generated by the field generating windings 910a and 910b in the fluid inlet path. Can be. Exemplary details will be described below.

The frame 491 includes a casing 875 having a lower end attached to the base member 540 and an upper end attached to the yoke 550. As described below, the casing has low magnetic susceptibility regions 880 (ie, magnetic nonconductors 530) and high magnetic sensitivity regions 890 (ie, magnetic conductors 510). )).

Flow holes 520b may be formed vertically and circumferentially around the casing 875 as follows. Each of the flow holes 520b is through a region 880 made of low magnetic sensitivity material capable of conducting electrical current, ie, magnetic nonconductors 530, and an area 890 made of high magnetic sensitivity material. -That is, through the magnetic conductors 510.

Each one of insulating segments 900 is interposed between regions 880 and 890. As such, regions 880 and 890 and insulating segments 900 are in communication with flow hole 520b.

The field generating winding consists of current-carrying wires 910a and 910b. Current-carrying wire 910a extends longitudinally along the interior of casing 875. The current-carrying wire 910b is integrally connected to the current-carrying wire 910a and extends longitudinally along the outside of the casing 875. Circuit segment 580a of electrical circuit 580 is electrically connected to current-carrying wire 190a, and circuit segment 580c of electrical circuit 580 is electrically connected to current-carrying wire 910b. . This configuration results in a horizontal magnetic field B and vertical current-carrying wires 910a and 910b. An electric field E is built up in the vertical direction across the flow holes 520b.

A thin lamination or insulation layer 895 is disposed on the circumferential inner and outer surfaces of the low magnetic sensitivity material 880 and the high magnetic sensitivity material 890 such that an electrical current is the material or region around the flow regulator 490b. This may help prevent leakage into the furnaces.

The current I, or the electric field E, may be reversed, forcing or resisting the movement of the electrically conductive fluid through the flow holes 520b. A current-carrying wire 910a (placed inside the casing 875) produces a downward flow current and a current-carrying wire 910b (placed outside of the casing 875) generates an upward flow current. Such an arrangement of current-carrying wires 910a and 910b creates a continuous magnetic field B that does not block the flow holes 520b.

In the absence of external driving force (as in flow regulator 490a), the current density J in equation (2) is generated in a direction opposite to the flow of the conducting fluid, but in the flow regulator 490b The application of external drive force can increase or decrease J in either direction. The resulting force density f in equation (2) and thus similar resulting force F may be driven in a direction that assists or hinders flow.

As determined in a particular application, it will be appreciated that the orientation of the electromagnetic flow regulators 490a and 490b (and their components) may be vertical (as described and shown herein) or horizontal. As such, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" as used above are merely used to describe the non-limiting, illustrative examples presented herein. In some applications, the orientation of the electromagnetic flow regulators 490a and / or 490b may be orthogonal to the non-limiting orientation described and shown herein. As such, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" will be interchangeable with each other, as determined by the orientations implemented in the particular applications.

Referring again to FIG. 1A, it will be appreciated that a system for electromagnetically regulating the flow of electrically conductive fluid may include a source of electrical power, such as power supply 590, and an electromagnetic flow regulator 490. will be. Other systems for electromagnetically regulating the flow of the electrically conductive fluid may include a source of electrical power, such as power supply 590, and an electromagnetic flow regulator 490a. Similarly, another system for electromagnetically regulating the flow of the electrically conductive fluid may include a source of electrical power, such as power supply 590, and an electromagnetic flow regulator 490b. Any of the systems described above may also include a controller, such as control unit 610, if desired. The power supply 590, the control unit 610, and the electromagnetic flow regulators 490, 490a and 490b have been described above. For the sake of understanding, it will not be necessary to repeat the details of their construction and operation.

Since exemplary details have been described above in connection with the configuration and operation of the electromagnetic flow regulators 490, 490a and 490b, various methods for electromagnetically regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid will be described below. will be.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, an exemplary method 2000 is provided for adjusting the flow of an electrically conductive fluid. Such method 2000 begins at block 2002. In block 2004, electrically conductive fluid flows through a fluid inlet path formed through a plurality of magnetic conductors of an electromagnetic flow regulator. At block 2006, a Lorentz force is generated that regulates the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path. In block 2008, the electrically conductive fluid is formed along a plurality of magnetic conductors and flows along a fluid flow path that is substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path. The method 2000 stops at block 2010.

Further referring to FIG. 2B, in an embodiment, generating a Lorentz force that regulates the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path at block 2006 may comprise the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path at block 2012. And generating a Lorentz force that imparts resistance to the flow of. For example and referring further to FIG. 2C, generating a Lorentz force that resists the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path at block 2012 may include the external of the plurality of magnetic conductors at block 2014. Generating at least one magnetic field in the fluid inlet path by means of an electrical current-carrying field generating winding disposed therein.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2D, in another embodiment, generating a Lorentz force that regulates the flow of electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path at block 2006 is performed through the fluid inlet path at block 2016. And generating a Lorentz force that forces the flow of the electrically conductive fluid. For example, and additionally referring to FIG. 2E, generating a Lorentz force forcing the flow of electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path at block 2016 may be performed at block 2018 to the interior of the plurality of magnetic conductors. Generating at least one magnetic field in the fluid inlet path by the first plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors disposed and the second plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors. You can do it.

Referring now to FIG. 2F, an exemplary method 2100 is provided for adjusting the flow of an electrically conductive fluid. It will be appreciated that such method 2100 regulates the flow of the electrically conductive fluid by limiting the flow of the electrically conductive fluid.

The method 2100 begins at block 2102. At block 2104, an electrically conductive fluid flows through the plurality of flow holes formed through the plurality of magnetic conductors of the electromagnetic flow regulator. At block 2106, a Lorentz force is created that provides resistance to the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes. At block 2108, the electrically conductive fluid flows along a fluid flow path formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially perpendicular to the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes. The method 2100 stops at block 2110.

Further referring to FIG. 2G, generating a Lorentz force that resists the flow of electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes in block 2106 may be disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors in block 2112. Generating at least one magnetic field in the plurality of flow holes by means of the electric current-carrying field generating winding.

Referring now to FIG. 2H, an exemplary method 2200 is provided for adjusting the flow of an electrically conductive fluid. It will be appreciated that such method 2200 regulates the flow of the electrically conductive fluid by forcing the flow of the electrically conductive fluid.

The method 2200 begins at block 2202. At block 2204, an electrically conductive fluid flows through the plurality of flow holes formed through the plurality of magnetic conductors. At block 2206, a Lorentz force is created that forces the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes. At block 2208, the electrically conductive fluid is flowed along a fluid flow path formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially perpendicular to the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes. The method 2200 stops at block 2210.

Further referring to FIG. 2I, generating a Lorentz force forcing the flow of electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes at block 2206 may include a first arrangement disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors at block 2212. Generating at least one magnetic field in the plurality of flow holes by the plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors and the second plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors. will be.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, an exemplary method 3000 for manufacturing an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid is provided. Such method 3000 begins at block 3002. At block 3004, a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid is formed through the plurality of magnetic conductors. At block 3006, a plurality of magnetic conductors are attached to the frame such that a fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially perpendicular to the fluid inlet path. At block 3008, a field generating winding capable of carrying electrical current is disposed, and such field generating winding comprises a plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path. Can be electromagnetically coupled to

3B, in block 3006, attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to the frame such that the fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors that are substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path. In block 3012, the plurality of magnetic conductors are placed in the frame such that a fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is formed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path. And may include attaching.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3C, in some embodiments, at block 3008, disposing a field generating winding capable of carrying electrical current, wherein the field generating winding is a field generating winding in the fluid inlet path. An arrangement step, which can be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors, allows a plurality of field-generating windings to carry electrical current, at block 3014, so that at least one magnetic field can be generated by Disposing outside of magnetic conductors, the field generating windings being electromagnetically coupled to a plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating windings in the fluid inlet path It may include a deployment step. It will be appreciated that block 3014 can be implemented to manufacture embodiments of an electromagnetic flow regulator that can regulate the flow of the electrically conductive fluid by limiting the flow of the electrically conductive fluid.

For example and referring to FIG. 3D, in some embodiments, at block 3014, disposing a field generating winding that is capable of carrying electrical current outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generating winding being An arrangement step, which may be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors, may carry electrical current at block 3016 such that at least one magnetic field may be generated by the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path. Disposing a field generating winding into a spiral coil outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generating winding so that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path. It may include a disposition step that can be electromagnetically coupled to them.

As another example and with reference now to FIG. 3E, in some other embodiments, at block 3014, disposing a field generating winding capable of carrying electrical current outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generating An arrangement step in which the winding can be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path, at block 3018, generates an electrical current. Disposing a transferable field generating winding into a plurality of substantially circular coils outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, wherein the field generating winding is generated by at least one magnetic field in the fluid inlet path by the field generating winding; As such, it may include a disposition step that may be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3F, in some embodiments, in block 3020, a plurality of magnetic nonconductors are disposed such that each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is disposed between each adjacent one of the plurality of magnetic conductors. It may be attached to the frame. Further referring to FIG. 3G, in some embodiments, attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that in block 3020 each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is disposed between each adjacent one of the plurality of magnetic conductors. The step of the plurality of magnetic non-conductors is performed at block 3022 so that each one of the plurality of magnetic non-conductors is disposed between each adjacent one of the plurality of magnetic conductors and the fluid flow path is further formed along the plurality of magnetic non-conductors. Attaching the non-conductors to the frame.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3H, in some embodiments, at block 3008, placing a field generating winding capable of carrying electrical current, such a field generating winding, the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path. An arrangement step that is electromagnetically coupled with respect to the plurality of magnetic conductors, such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the first plurality of electrical conductors inside the plurality of magnetic conductors, at block 3024 And disposing a second plurality of electrical conductors outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, wherein the first and second plurality of conductors are at least by the first and second plurality of conductors in the fluid inlet path. It may include a disposition step that can be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors so that one magnetic field can be generated. It will be appreciated that block 3024 may be practiced to produce embodiments of an electromagnetic flow regulator that can regulate the flow of the electrically conductive fluid by limiting the flow of the electrically conductive fluid.

With further reference to FIG. 3I, in some embodiments, at block 3026, a plurality of magnetic nonconductors are placed in a frame such that each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is disposed between each adjacent one of the plurality of magnetic conductors. It may be attached. For example, referring further to FIG. 3J, in some embodiments, at block 3026, a plurality of magnetic visions is arranged such that each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is disposed between each adjacent one of the plurality of magnetic conductors. Attaching the conductors to the frame includes, at block 3028, each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors being disposed between each adjacent one of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a fluid flow path along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors. The method may further include attaching a plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame to be formed. Additionally referring to FIG. 3K, at block 3030, a fluid inlet path may be additionally formed through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

Referring now to FIG. 3L, a method 3100 for manufacturing an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid is provided. It will be appreciated that such method 3100 may be practiced to produce embodiments of an electromagnetic flow regulator that may regulate the flow of the electrically conductive fluid by limiting the flow of the electrically conductive fluid.

The method 3100 begins at block 3102. At block 3104, a plurality of flow holes are formed through the plurality of magnetic conductors that form a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid. At block 3106, a plurality of magnetic conductors are attached to the frame such that a fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially perpendicular to the fluid inlet path. In block 3108, a field generating winding capable of carrying electrical current is disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, and such field generating winding is such that at least one magnetic field is generated by the field generating winding in the plurality of flow holes. Can be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors.

3M, at block 3106, a plurality of magnetic conductors are attached to the frame such that a fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially perpendicular to the fluid inlet path. In block 3112, the plurality of magnetic conductors are formed such that a fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is formed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and along the plurality of magnetic conductors that are substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path. It may include attaching to the frame.

Referring now to FIGS. 3L and 3N, at block 3114, a plurality of magnetic nonconductors may be attached to the frame such that each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is disposed between each adjacent one of the plurality of magnetic conductors. will be.

With reference to FIGS. 3L and 3O, in some embodiments, at block 3108, disposing a field generating winding that is capable of carrying electrical current outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, wherein the field generating winding comprises a plurality of fields. The arrangement step, electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors, so that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating windings in the flow holes of the spiral coil capable of carrying electrical current at block 3116 Is disposed outside of a plurality of magnetic conductors, wherein the helical coil can be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the helical coil in the plurality of flow holes. May include a deployment step.

3L and 3P, in some embodiments, at block 3108, disposing a field generating winding that is capable of carrying electrical current outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, such field generating winding comprising: An arrangement step, electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors, such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating windings in the flow holes of the plurality of magnetic currents, in block 3118, is capable of carrying electrical current. Disposing substantially circular coils of the plurality of magnetic conductors, wherein the plurality of substantially circular coils may be generated by coils that are substantially circular in the plurality of flow holes. May include an arrangement step that may be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors.

Referring now to FIG. 3Q, a method 3200 for manufacturing an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid is provided. It will be appreciated that such method 3200 may be practiced to produce embodiments of an electromagnetic flow regulator that may regulate the flow of the electrically conductive fluid by forcing the flow of the electrically conductive fluid.

The method 3200 begins at block 3202. At block 3204, a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid is formed with a plurality of flow holes through the plurality of magnetic conductors. At block 3206, a plurality of magnetic conductors are attached to the frame such that a fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially perpendicular to the fluid inlet path. In block 3208, a first plurality of electrical conductors are disposed inside of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors are disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, wherein the first and second plurality of plurality of electrical conductors are disposed. The conductors of may be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generated by the first and second plurality of conductors in the plurality of flow holes. The method 3200 stops at block 3210.

Referring further to FIG. 3R, in some embodiments, at block 3212, the plurality of magnetic nonconductors are framed such that each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is disposed between each adjacent one of the plurality of magnetic conductors. It may be attached to. For example and additionally referring to FIG. 3S, at block 3212, a plurality of magnetic nonconductors are attached to the frame such that each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is disposed between each adjacent one of the plurality of magnetic conductors. The step includes, at block 3214, a plurality of magnetic elements such that each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is disposed between each adjacent one of the plurality of magnetic conductors and that a fluid flow path is further formed along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors. Attaching the non-conductors to the frame.

Additionally referring to FIG. 3T, at block 3216, a plurality of flow holes may be additionally formed through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

Example Host Environments

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be used in any host environment where it is desired to electromagnetically adjust the flow of the electrically conductive fluid. By way of example only and not limitation, embodiments of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 include: to adjust the flow of molten metal (eg, zinc, lead, aluminum, iron and magnesium in primary metal industries); To quickly start and stop shots of molten metal into a mold for casting; To adjust the flow of liquid metal coolant to the computer chip; To adjust the rate of release of the molten filler wire during electric arc welding; And the like.

As another non-limiting example, embodiments of electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be used in a nuclear fission reactor to regulate the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant. In the following, illustrative examples relating to electromagnetically adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor will be described.

As described above, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be used in any host environment where it is desired to electromagnetically adjust the flow of the electrically conductive fluid. For brevity, the description of host environments will be limited to that of a nuclear fission reactor. However, it is not intended and should not be so limited to limit applicable host environments to host environments in nuclear fission reactors.

In the following description, reference is made to the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 and the figures show the electromagnetic flow regulator 490. It will be appreciated that references to and illustration of such electromagnetic flow regulator 490 will include electromagnetic flow regulators 490a and 490b. However, for the sake of brevity, the remarks and figures are made only for the electromagnetic flow regulator 490.

Exemplary Nuclear Fission Reactors, Systems, and Methods

In the following, by way of non-limiting example, exemplary nuclear fission reactors, systems for adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant, and methods of adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor will be described. These examples will be described below by way of example only and not of limitation.

It may be desired to adjust the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in the nuclear fission reactor using one or more electromagnetic flow regulators 490. As is known, heat is generated in a nuclear fission reactor when neutrons are separated by fission nuclides. In a commercial nuclear fission reactor, this phenomenon is used to generate continuous heat, which in turn is used for electricity production.

However, the likelihood that heat can damage some reactor structural materials is increased due to the "peak" temperature (ie, the hot channel peaking factor), and such peak temperature in turn is a nonuniform neutron in the reactor core. This is caused by the flux distribution. This peak temperature is again due to the heterogeneous control rod / fuel rod distribution. Thermal damage may occur if the peak temperature exceeds material limits.

In addition, reactors operating in the fast neutron spectrum may be designed to have a fertile fuel “breeding blanket” material present around the core. Such reactors will have a tendency to bleed fuel into the breathing blanket material through neutron absorption. This result leads to increased power output around the reactor as the reactor approaches the end of the fuel cycle.

In order to maintain a safe operating temperature and to compensate for the increase in power that may occur as the burn-up is increased during the fuel cycle, a flow of coolant is established through the perimeter assemblies at the inlet of the reactor fuel cycle. You can do it. Typically, this requires that more pumping power be used than is needed in the introducer of the fuel cycle.

Additionally, in the case of a traveling wave fission reactor, the heat generation rate of the nuclear fission module (or assembly) is related to the proximity of the nuclear fission module to the nuclear fission deflagration wave associated with operating the traveling wave fission reactor. Can be changed.

Reactivity changes (ie, changes in the responsiveness of the reactor) may be produced due to fuel burnup. Typically, burnups are defined as the amount of energy produced per unit mass of fuel and are in megawatt-days (MWd / MTHM) per metric tonnes of heavy metal or gigawatt-days per metric ton of heavy metal (GWd) / MTHM) in general. More specifically, the change in reactivity is related to the relative ability of the reactor to generate more or less neutrons than the exact amount needed to maintain the critical chain reaction. Typically, the responsiveness of the reactor is characterized as a time derivative of the change in reactivity that causes an exponential increase or decrease in reactor power when the time constant is known as the reactor duration.

In this regard, control rods made of neutron absorbing material are typically used to adjust and control varying reactivity. Such control rods are repeatedly moved in and out of the reactor core to variably control neutron absorption and thus neutron flux level and reactivity within the reactor core. The neutron flux level is suppressed near the control rods and potentially higher in areas remote from the control rods. Thus, the neutron flux is not uniform across the reactor core. This results in higher fuel burnup in regions with high neutron flux.

It will be appreciated that neutron flux and power density variations are due to many factors. Proximity to the control rod may or may not be the primary factor. For example, neutron flux typically drops considerably at core boundaries when there is no adjacent control rod. This effect, in turn, may cause overheating or peak temperatures in regions with high neutron flux. Such peak temperatures may undesirably reduce the operating life of structures exposed to such peak temperatures by changing the mechanical properties of the structures. In addition, the reactor power density proportional to the product of the neutron flux and the macroscopic cross-sectional area will be limited by the ability of the core structural materials to withstand such peak temperatures without damage.

Adjusting the flow of reactor coolant into individual nuclear fission fuel assemblies (often referred to herein as nuclear fission modules) helps to achieve a more uniform temperature profile and / or power density profile across the reactor core. As may be required, it may help to tailor the flow of reactor coolant. A more uniform temperature profile or power density profile across the reactor core may help to reduce the likelihood of thermal damage to some reactor structural materials. In cases where the reactor coolant is an electrically conductive fluid, an electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be used to help regulate the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant. By way of example only and not of limitation, some example details will be described below.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, by way of example only and not limitation, nuclear fission reactor system 10 includes an electrically conductive reactor coolant. Nuclear fission reactor system 10 includes at least one electromagnetic flow regulator 490 (not shown in FIG. 4A for clarity) to help regulate the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant. As will be described in more detail below, the nuclear fission reactor system 10 may be a "going wave" nuclear fission reactor system.

As a brief overview, in some embodiments, reactor system 10 produces electricity that is transmitted via transmission lines (not shown) to a user of electricity. In some other embodiments, reactor system 10 may be used to conduct tests, such as tests to determine the effects of temperature on reactor materials.

4A and 4B, reactor system 10 includes a nuclear fission reactor core 20 that includes a nuclear fission fuel assembly or nuclear fission modules 30, as mentioned herein. The nuclear fission reactor core 20 is hermetically received within the reactor core sheath 40. By way of example only and not limitation, each of the nuclear fission modules 30 may form a hexagonal cross-sectional structure, as shown, so that more nuclear fission modules 30 may result in a reactor core. Within 20 may be tightly packed together (compared to other fission modules 30 of other shapes, such as cylindrical or spherical shapes). Each nuclear fission module 30 includes fuel rods 50 for generating heat due to the nuclear fission chain reaction process.

Fuel rods 50, if necessary, are used to add structural rigidity to nuclear fission modules 30 and when nuclear fission modules 30 are disposed within nuclear fission reactor core 20. In order to separate 30 from each other, it may be surrounded by a fuel rod canister 60. Separating the nuclear fission modules 30 from each other prevents lateral coolant cross flow between adjacent nuclear fission modules 30. Preventing lateral coolant cross flow prevents lateral vibration of the nuclear fission modules 30. If such lateral vibrations occur, such lateral vibrations may increase the risk of damage to the fuel rods 50.

In addition, by separating the nuclear fission modules 30 from one another, control of coolant flow on an individual module-by-module basis, as described in more detail below, is allowed. Controlling the coolant flow for the individual nuclear fission modules 30 effectively directs the coolant flow in the reactor core 20 by, for example, directing the coolant flow in accordance with a non-uniform temperature distribution within the reactor core 20. Manage with. In other words, more coolant may be directed to the higher temperature nuclear fission modules 30.

In some exemplary embodiments and in the case of an exemplary, but not limited to, exemplary sodium cooled reactor, during normal operation, the coolant has an average nominal of about 5.5 m ³ / sec (ie, about 194 cubic ft ³ / sec) (nominal) volume flow rate and an average nominal velocity of about 2.3 m / sec (ie, about 7.55 ft / sec). The fuel rods 50 form a coolant flow channel 80 (see FIG. 4C) adjacent to and between each other to allow flow of coolant along the outside of the fuel rods 50. Canister 60 may include means (not shown) for supporting and tying fuel rods 50 together. Accordingly, the fuel rods 50 are bundled together in the canister 60 to form hexagonal nuclear fission modules 30. Although the fuel rods 50 are adjacent to each other, the fuel rods 50 surround and spirally extend in a serpentine manner along the length of each fuel rod 50 (wire wrapper 90) ( In relation to each other).

Fuel rods 50 include nuclear fuel material. Some of the fuel rods 50 include fission nuclides, such as but not limited to uranium-235, uranium-233, or plutonium-239. Part of the fuel rods 50 may include fissile nuclides such as, but not limited to, thorium-232 and / or uranium-238, which may be converted into fission nuclides through neutron capture during the cleavage process. will be. In some embodiments, some of the fuel rods 50 may include a predetermined mixture of fission nuclides and fissable nuclides.

Referring again to FIG. 4A, the reactor core 20 is disposed in a reactor pressure vessel 120 to prevent leakage of radioactive materials, gases or liquids from the reactor core 20 into the surrounding biosphere. . The pressure vessel 120 may be made of steel or other material having a size and thickness suitable to reduce the risk of radiation leakage and to support the necessary pressure loads. Also, in some embodiments, a containment vessel (not shown) may be used to reduce the likelihood that radioactive particles, gases or liquids may leak from the reactor core 20 into the surrounding biosphere. The parts of 10) may be sealedly enclosed.

The primary loop coolant pipe 130 is coupled to the reactor core 20 so that suitable coolant can flow through the reactor core 20 to cool the reactor core 20. The primary loop coolant pipe 130 may be made of any suitable material, such as stainless steel. It will be appreciated that if desired, the primary loop coolant pipe 130 may be made of non-ferrous alloys, zirconium based alloys or other suitable structural materials or composites, as well as ferrous alloys.

As mentioned above, the coolant conveyed by the primary loop coolant pipe 130 is an electrically conductive fluid, which is defined herein to mean any fluid that assists the passage of electrical current. For example, in some embodiments, the electrically conductive fluid may be a liquid metal, such as but not limited to sodium, potassium, lithium, lead and mixtures thereof. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the coolant may suitably be a sodium metal mixture such as liquid sodium (Na) metal or sodium-potassium (Na-K). In some other embodiments, the coolant may be a metal alloy such as lead-bismuth (Pb-Bi). In some other embodiments, the electrically conductive fluid may have electrically conductive metal particles dispersed in the carrier fluid by a dispersant such as mineral oil or the like.

Depending on the particular reactor core design and operating history, the normal operating temperature of the sodium-cooled reactor core may be relatively high. For example, for 500-1500 MWe sodium-cooled reactors using mixed uranium-plutonium oxide fuels, the reactor core outlet temperature during normal operation ranges from about 510 ° C. (ie 950 ° F.) to about 550 ° C. (ie 1,020 ° F.). On the other hand, during the Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) or Loss of Flow Transient Accident (LOFTA), depending on the reactor core design and operating history, the peak fuel cladding temperatures are about 600 ° C (ie, 1,110 ° F) or above may be reached. In addition, decay heat accumulation during post-LOCA or post-LOFTA scenarios and also during interruption of reactor operations may create unacceptable heat accumulation. Thus, in some cases, it will be appropriate to control the coolant flow to the reactor core 20 during both normal operation and post accident scenarios.

As briefly described above, the temperature profile in the reactor core 20 is varied as a function of position. In this regard, the temperature distribution in the reactor core 20 may closely follow the power density spatial distribution in the reactor core 20. In general, a power density close to the center of the reactor core 20 is around the reactor core 20-especially where there is a suitable neutron reflector or neutron breathing "basket" around the circumference of the reactor core 20. Significantly higher than the adjacent power density. Thus, especially at the beginning of core life, coolant flow parameters for the nuclear fission modules 30 around the reactor core 20 are transferred to the nuclear fission modules 30 near the center of the reactor core 20. It may be expected that the coolant flow parameters will be less than.

Thus, in this case, it would not be necessary to provide the same or uniform coolant mass flow rates for each nuclear fission module 30. As will be described in detail below, coolant flow to the individual nuclear fission modules 30 depending on the location of the nuclear fission modules 30 in the reactor core 20 and / or depending on the desired reactor operating parameters. In order to change this, an electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is provided.

Still referring to FIG. 4A as a brief overview, a heat-bearing coolant is passed along the coolant flow stream or flow path 140 to the intermediate heat exchanger 150 and to the plenum associated with the intermediate heat exchanger 150. Flow into volume 160. After flowing into the plenum volume 160, coolant continues through the primary loop pipe 130. The coolant leaving plenum volume 160 is cooled due to heat transfer made in intermediate heat exchanger 150. Pump 170 is coupled to primary loop pipe 130 and in fluid communication with the reactor coolant. Pump 170 pumps reactor coolant through primary loop pipe 130, through reactor core 20, along coolant flow path 140, into intermediate heat exchanger 150 and into plenum volume 160. do.

Details regarding the coupling of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 will be described later. In general, in embodiments where electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is configured as electromagnetic flow regulator 490a, electromagnetic flow regulator 490a may restrict the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant from pump 170. have. Electromagnetic flow regulator 490a may generate all or part of the pressure drop typically encountered using flow orificing. The use of electromagnetic flow regulator 490a may help to reduce the dependence of pressure drop on orificeing, and in some cases may help to exclude such dependence.

In other embodiments where the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is configured as an electromagnetic flow regulator 490b, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490b may assist in establishing, accelerating, or maintaining the flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant. It may be used or may be used to limit the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant.

Thus, electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be configured as electromagnetic flow regulator 490a to restrict the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant from pump 170 to individual nuclear fission modules 30 or pump ( It may be configured as an electromagnetic flow regulator 490b to restrict or control replenishment of the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant from 170 to individual nuclear fission modules 30.

In some embodiments, electromagnetic flow regulator 490b may be configured to provide all or part of the flow established by pump 170. In this regard, pump 170 and electromagnetic flow regulator 490b may be operated simultaneously or separately to provide and adjust coolant flow to reactor core 20 and to individual nuclear fission modules 30.

Still referring to FIG. 4A, a secondary loop pipe 180 is provided to remove heat from the intermediate heat exchanger 150. Secondary loop pipe 180 includes a secondary “hot” leg pipe segment 190 and a secondary “low temperature” leg pipe segment 200. The secondary low temperature leg pipe segment 200 is integrally formed with the secondary high temperature leg pipe segment 190 to form a closed loop. Secondary loop pipe 180 comprises a fluid, which may suitably be liquid sodium or a liquid sodium mixture. Secondary high temperature leg pipe segment 190 extends from intermediate heat exchanger 150 to steam generator 210. In some embodiments, steam generator 210 may be configured as a steam generator and superheater combination.

After passing through the steam generator 210, the coolant flowing through the secondary loop pipe 180 and exiting the steam generator 210 has a lower temperature and enthalpy than before entering the steam generator 210, which is steam This is due to the heat transfer that occurs within the generator 210. After passing through the steam generator 210, coolant is pumped along the “low temperature” leg pipe segment 200 by the pump 220, and such low temperature leg pipe segment 200 is secondary loop from the coolant flow path 140. It extends into the intermediate heat exchanger 150 to transfer heat to the pipe 180.

The body of water 230 disposed in the steam generator 210 has a predetermined temperature and pressure. Fluid flowing through the secondary hot leg pipe segment 190 will transfer heat to the body of water 230, where the temperature of the body of water 230 is lower than the temperature of the fluid flowing through the secondary hot leg pipe segment 190. As the fluid flowing through the secondary hot leg pipe segment 190 transfers its heat to the body of water 230, a portion of the body of water 230, depending on the predetermined temperature and pressure in the steam generator 210, may produce vapor ( 240). The steam 240 will then travel through a vapor line 250, one end of which is in vapor communication with the steam 240 and the other end is in liquid communication with the water body 230. Rotatable turbine 260 is coupled to steam line 250, so that turbine 260 rotates as steam 240 passes through the turbine. For example, the electrical generator 270 coupled to the turbine 260 by a rotatable turbine shaft 280 generates electricity as the turbine is rotated. In addition, a condenser 290 is coupled to the steam line 250 and receives the steam passed through the turbine 260. Condenser 290 condenses vapor 240 into liquid water and delivers any waste heat to heat sink 300 associated with condenser 290, such as a cooling tower. Liquid water condensed by the condenser 290 is pumped from the condenser 290 to the steam generator 210 along the steam line 250 by a pump 310 interposed between the condenser 290 and the steam generator 210. do.

It will be appreciated that the reactor system 10 described above is given as a non-limiting example. The reactor system 10 and its details have been described by way of example only and not of limitation.

It will be appreciated that the nuclear fission modules 30 may be arranged in any desired configuration within the reactor core 20. For example, in various embodiments, nuclear fission modules 30 may be arranged to form a hexagonal configuration, a cylindrical-shaped configuration, a parallelepiped configuration, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 4C, irrespective of the configuration selected for the reactor core 20, spaced apart, longitudinally extending and longitudinally movable control rods 360 are located within the control rod guide tube or cladding (not shown). Each is arranged. Control rods 360 are symmetrically disposed within the selected nuclear fission modules 30 and extend along the length of a predetermined number of nuclear fission modules 30. Control rods 360, shown as disposed within a predetermined number of nuclear fission modules 30, control neutron fission reactions occurring within nuclear fission modules 30. In other words, the control rods 360 comprise a suitable neutron absorber material having an acceptably high neutron capture or absorption cross section. In this regard, absorber materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metalloids such as lithium, silver, indium, cadmium, boron, cobalt, hafnium, dysprosium, gadolinium, samarium, erbium, europium, and mixtures thereof. Or, but not limited to, compounds or alloys such as silver-indium-cadmium, boron carbide, zirconium diboride, titanium diboride, hafnium diboride, gadolinium titanate, dysprosium titanate and mixtures thereof.

The control rods 360 will controllably supply negative reactivity to the reactor core 20. As such, the control rods 360 provide reactive management capabilities for the reactor core 20. In other words, the control rods 360 can control the neutron flux profile across the reactor core 20 and thus affect the temperature profile across the reactor core 20.

4D and 4E, in some embodiments, nuclear fission module 30 need not be neutronically activated. In other words, the nuclear fission module 30 need not comprise any fissile material. In such a case, the nuclear fission module 30 may be a purely fissile assembly or a purely reflective assembly or a combination of both. In this regard, the nuclear fission module 30 includes a breather nuclear fission module including breather rods 370 (FIG. 4D) containing a breathing material or a reflector rod 380 (FIG. 4E) containing a reflective material. May be a reflective nuclear fission module.

In some other embodiments, nuclear fission module 30 may include fuel rods 50 in combination with breather rods 370 (FIG. 4D) or reflector rod 380 (FIG. 4E).

Thus, nuclear fission module 30 may include any suitable combination of nuclear fuel rods 50, breathing rods 370, and reflector rods 380.

Regardless of whether the fuel rods 50 are included or not included in the nuclear fission module 30, the fertile nuclear bridging material in the bridging rods 370 includes, but is not limited to, thorium-232 and / or uranium. May contain -238. Also, regardless of whether the fuel rods 50 are included or not included in the nuclear fission module 30, the reflector material is not limited to beryllium (Be), tungsten (W), vanadium (V), depleted (depleted) or natural uranium (U), thorium (Th), lead alloys, and mixtures thereof may be included.

Referring now to FIG. 4F, regardless of the configuration selected for the nuclear fission reactor core 20, the nuclear fission reactor core 20 may be configured as a traveling wave nuclear fission reactor core. In this regard, a nuclear fission igniter 400 that may include, but is not limited to, isotropic enrichment of fissile material such as U-233, U-235, or Pu-239 is a reactor. It is appropriately disposed at any desired position in the core 20. By way of example only or not limitation, in a parallelepiped configuration as shown, the igniter 400 may be positioned adjacent to the first end 350 opposite to the second end 355 of the reactor core 20. Could be. Neutrons are emitted by the igniter 400. Neutrons emitted by the igniter 400 are captured by fissle and / or fertile material in the nuclear fission modules 30 to initiate a cleavage chain reaction. Once the cleavage chain reaction begins to self-maintain, the igniter 400 may be removed as desired.

Igniter 400 initiates a three-dimensional traveling wave 410 (often referred to as a propagating wave or burn wave) having a width "x". When igniter 400 emits neutrons to cause " ignition ", burn wave 410 is moved outwardly from igniter 400 toward second end 355 of reactor core 20 and proceeds accordingly. Or a propagating burn wave 410. Thus, when the burn wave 410 propagates through the reactor core 20, each nuclear fission module 30 is able to receive at least a portion of the burn wave 410 that proceeds.

The speed of the advancing burn wave 410 may or may not be constant. Thus, the speed at which the burn wave 410 propagates can be controlled. For example, a longitudinal or predetermined manner of longitudinal movement of the control rods 360 (not shown in FIG. 4F for clarity) may be provided with fuel rods 50 (positioned within the nuclear fission modules 30). For clarity, the neutron responsiveness (not shown in Figure 4f) can be lowered or lowered (drive down or lower). In this manner, the neutron responsiveness of the fuel rods 50 currently burned at the position of the burn wave 410 drops against the neutron responsiveness of the "unburned" fuel rods 50 in front of the burn wave 410. Or can be degraded.

This result provides the burn wave propagation direction indicated by arrow 420. Controlling the responsiveness in this manner improves the propagation rate of the burn wave 410 subject to operating restrictions on the reactor core 20. For example, an improvement in the propagation speed of burn wave 410 is above the minimum value required for propagation and, in part, to burn-up control at the maximum value set by neutron influence limits on reactor core structural materials. It can help. The propagation control of such traveling waves is US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 384,669, named TRAVELING WAVE NUCLEAR FISSION REACTOR, FUEL ASSEMBLY, AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING BURNUP THEREIN, and the inventors are named CHARLES E. AHLFELD, JOHN ROGERS GILLELAND, RODEICK A. , MURIEL Y. ISHIKAWA, DAVID G. MCALEES, NATHAN P. MYHRVOLD, CHARLES WHITMER, LOWELL L. WOOD, JR., And GEORGE B. ZIMMERMAN, filed April 6, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. It is disclosed in the application, which is incorporated by reference.

The basic principle of a traveling wave nuclear fission reactor is U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 605,943, entitled NUCLEAR POWER REACTOR FOR LONG-TERM OPERATION, and the inventors describe it as RODERICK A. HYDE, MURIEL Y. ISHIKAWA, NATHAN P. MYHRVOLD, and LOWELL L. WOOD, JR. And its application on November 28, 2006, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in more detail.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, each nuclear fission module 30 is mounted on a horizontally-extending reactor core lower support plate 430. It will be appreciated that only three adjacent nuclear fission modules 30 are shown, and that more or fewer nuclear fission modules 30 may be present in the reactor core 20. Suitably, the reactor core lower support plate 430 extends across the bottom portion of all nuclear fission modules 30.

Reactor core lower support plate 430 has a counter bore 440 therethrough. Corresponding bore 440 has an open end 450 to allow inlet flow of coolant. A reactor core upper support plate 460 capping all nuclear fission modules 30 extends horizontally across the top or outlet portion of all nuclear fission modules 30 and all nuclear fission modules It is detachably connected with respect to 30. In addition, the reactor core top support plate 460 may form flow slots 470 to allow through flow of coolant.

As mentioned above, regardless of the configuration selected for the reactor core 20, it would be desirable to control the temperature of the reactor core 20 and the nuclear fission modules 30 therein. For example, if the peak temperature exceeds material limits, the possibility of thermal damage to reactor core structural materials may be high. Such peak temperatures may undesirably reduce the operating life of the structure exposed to peak temperatures by changing the mechanical properties of the structures, particularly by changing the properties of the structures associated with thermal creep. In addition, reactor power density is limited, in part, by the ability of the core structural materials to withstand high peak temperatures without damage. In addition, controlling the reactor core temperature may be important in successfully performing tests, such as tests to determine the effect of temperature on reactor materials.

Further, nuclear fission modules 30 disposed at or near the center of the reactor core 20 generate more heat than nuclear fission modules 30 disposed around or near the reactor core 20. Will be able to generate. As such, supplying a uniform coolant mass flow rate across the reactor core 20 may be inefficient, especially at the beginning of core life, large heat flux nuclear fission near the center of the reactor core 20. This is because the modules 30 may require a greater coolant mass flow rate than the nuclear fission modules 30 near the circumference of the reactor core 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 5A, and 5B, the primary loop pipe 130 delivers reactor coolant along the coolant flow path or fluid stream indicated by the directional flow arrows 140 to the nuclear fission modules 30. To pass). The primary coolant then continues along the coolant flow path 140 and through an open end 450 formed in the core lower support plate 430. The core lower support plate 430 may also form part of the core inlet flow plenum. As will be explained in more detail below, the reactor coolant is traveling wave nuclear fission at or near the position of the propagating burn wave 410 (not shown in FIGS. 4A, 5A, or 5B) in the traveling wave nuclear fission reactor core. It may be used to cool selected or remove heat from nuclear fission modules 30, such as nuclear fission modules 30 disposed within the reactor core. In other words, in some cases, as described in more detail below, at least in part, burn wave 410 is disposed at or within the vicinity of nuclear fission module 30 and is detected and detected. And / or otherwise arranged, nuclear fission module 30 may be selected.

Further referring to FIG. 4F, in order to regulate the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant for one of the nuclear fission modules 30, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 and associated control system may include at least one nuclear fission module. Coupled to 30. Although the descriptions and depictions relate to the electromagnetic flow regulator 490, except where specifically indicated otherwise, such descriptions and depictions may include the electromagnetic flow regulators 490a and 490b. Emphasize again that it is intended. In some embodiments electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be integrally connected to nuclear fission module 30. In some other embodiments, an electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be connected to the lower support plate 430.

In some embodiments, nuclear fission module 30 when a small amount of burn wave 410 (ie, the low intensity of burn wave 410) is at or within a location relative to nuclear fission module 30. The electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is configured to supply a relatively small amount of coolant. On the other hand, in some embodiments, when a large amount of burn wave 410 (ie, the high intensity of burn wave 410) is present at or within a position relative to nuclear fission module 30, the nucleus The electromagnetic flow regulator 490 is configured to supply a relatively large amount of coolant to the splitting module 30. The presence and intensity of the burn wave 410 is, but is not limited to, temperature for or within the nuclear fission module 30, for the nuclear fission module 30, or for the neutron flux nuclear fission module 30 therein. Or neutron influences therein, power levels in nuclear fission module 30, characteristic isotopes in nuclear fission module 30, pressure in nuclear fission module 30, electrically conductive fluid in nuclear fission module 30 Any one or more, such as flow rate, heat generation rate within nuclear fission module 30, width of burn wave 410 (“x”), and / or other suitable operating parameters associated with nuclear fission module 30. It may be identified by suitable parameters.

5C, in some embodiments, electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be configured to operate in response to operating parameters associated with nuclear fission module 30. In such embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 not only controls the flow of coolant in response to the position of the burn wave 410 relative to the nuclear fission modules 30, but also the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 It also controls the flow of coolant in response to certain operating parameters associated with reactor core 20 and nuclear fission module 30. In this regard, at least one sensor 500 may be disposed in or near the nuclear fission module 30 to sense the state of the operating parameters.

For example, the operating parameter sensed by sensor 500 may be the current temperature associated with nuclear fission module 30. To sense the temperature, sensor 500 may be a temperature sensor or thermocouple device available from Thermocoax, Incorporated, Alpharetta, Georgia, USA.

As another example, the operating parameter sensed by the sensor 500 may be a neutron flux within the nuclear fission module 30. To sense neutron flux, sensor 500 may be a “PN9EB20 / 25” neutron flux counter detector, such as available from Centronic House, Surrey, England.

As another example, the operating parameter sensed by the sensor 500 may be a characteristic isotope within the nuclear fission module 30. The characteristic isotopes may be cleavage products, activated isotopes, transformed products generated by breeding, or other characteristic isotopes.

As another example, the operating parameters sensed by the sensor 500 may be neutron influences in the nuclear fission module 30. As is known, neutron influence is defined as the neutron flux totaled over a certain time period and represents the number of neutrons per unit area passed during that time period.

As another example, the operating parameter sensed by the sensor 500 may be the disruption module pressure. In some embodiments, the sensed cleavage module may be dynamic fluid pressure. As a non-limiting example and as a non-limiting description, the cleavage module pressure may be a dynamic fluid pressure of about 10 bar (ie, about 145 psi) for an exemplary sodium cooled reactor during normal operation or illustrated. It may be about 138 bar (ie about 2000 psi) of dynamic fluid pressure for a typical pressurized "light" water cooled reactor.

In some other embodiments, the cleavage module pressure sensed by the sensor 500 may be the static fluid pressure or the cleavage product pressure. To sense dynamic or static fluid pressure, sensor 500 may be a custom pressure detector available from Kaman Measuring Systems, Incorporated, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

As another example, the operating parameter sensed by the sensor 500 may be the flow rate of the electrically conductive fluid in the nuclear fission module 30. In such embodiments, the sensor may be a suitable flow meter, such as "BLANCETT 1100 TURBINE FLOW METER", available from Instrumart, Incorporated, Williston, Vermont, USA.

Pressure or mass flow sensors are located throughout nuclear reactor systems that operate, such as inside primary loop pipe 130 or secondary loop pipe 180, in addition to being located in or near nuclear fission module 30. I can understand that it can be. Such a sensor may be used to detect flow conditions throughout the coolant system.

In addition, the operating parameters sensed by the sensor 500 may be determined by a suitable computer-based algorithm (not shown).

In some embodiments, the parameter may be selected by an operator-initiated action. In such embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be changed in response to any suitable operating parameter determined by the human operator.

In some other embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be changed in response to operating parameters selected by a suitable feedback control system. For example, in such embodiments, such a feedback control system may detect a change in temperature and change the coolant flow in response to the changing temperature-sensitive power distribution. Such control may be performed automatically using appropriate feedback controls built between the sensing mechanism and the electromagnetic flow regulator control system.

In some other embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be changed in response to operating parameters determined by the automated control system. By way of example, in such embodiments, providing unified flow to nuclear fission modules 30 during core shut-down events initiated by accident scenarios such as loss of off-site power. The electromagnetic flow regulator may be modified to make it. In this way, in particular during power loss to the electromagnetic flow regulators 490, the steps for natural circulating flow in a passive manner may be established through an automated control system. Additionally, in some embodiments, an automated control system is a source of backup electrical power that can be provided to electromagnetic flow regulators 490b to maintain forced flow in response to incidents such as loss of alienated power. It may include.

Also, in some embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may change in response to the change in decay heat. In this regard, the heat of collapse is reduced at the "tail" of the burn wave 410. Detecting the presence of the distal end of the burn wave 410 is used to counteract the reduction in the heat of collapse found at the distal end of the burn wave 410, thereby reducing the coolant flow rate over time. This is especially true where the nuclear fission module 30 is behind the burn wave 410. In this case, in response to changes in the decay heat output of the nuclear fission module 30 as the distance of the nuclear fission module 30 from the burn wave 410 changes, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may change. Could be. Sensing the state of such operating parameters may aid in proper control and alteration of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 and thus assist in appropriate control and change of temperature in the reactor core 20.

In some embodiments, depending on the timing when the advancing burn wave 410 reaches and / or leaves nuclear fission module 30, electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may control or adjust the flow of coolant. have. Further, in some embodiments, depending on the timing when the advancing burn wave 410 is proximal or adjacent to the nuclear fission module 30 or is generally at the location of the nuclear fission modules 30, the electron A miracle flow regulator 490 can control or regulate the flow of coolant. In some embodiments, electromagnetic flow regulator 490 can also control or adjust the flow of coolant according to the width x of burn wave 410.

In such embodiments, when the burn wave 410 moves through the nuclear fission module 30, the arrival and departure of the burn wave 410 may be detected by sensing any one or more of the operating parameters described above. . For example, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may control or adjust the flow of coolant according to the temperature sensed within the nuclear fission module 30, in which case the temperature propagates or propagates a burn wave 410. ) May indicate a close presence of As another example, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may control or adjust the flow of coolant according to the temperature sensed in the nuclear fission module 30, in which case the temperature may be at stationary burn wave ( 410).

Nuclear fission module 30 for accommodating variable flow is based on desired values for operating parameters in nuclear fission module 30 as compared to values of operating parameters actually sensed within nuclear fission module 30. Is selected. As described in more detail herein, the actual value for the operating parameter substantially matches the desired value for the operating parameter (eg, ± 5% of the terms of the operating parameter). The fluid flow to the nuclear fission module 30 is regulated.

In such an embodiment, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 controls or controls the flow of coolant in accordance with the actual value of the operating parameter sensed by the sensor 500 in contrast to the desired value predetermined for the operating parameter. I can adjust it. Appreciable inconsistency between the actual value and the desired value of the operating parameter may be the reason for adjusting the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 to substantially match the actual value with the desired value.

As such, the use of the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be arranged to achieve a module-by-module (and in some cases fuel assemblies) based variable cooling flow. This allows the coolant flow to vary across the reactor core 20 depending on the location of the burn wave 410 or the actual values of the operating parameters as compared to the desired values of the operating parameters in the reactor core 20. do.

It will be appreciated that the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may be coupled to the nuclear fission modules 30 in any manner as desired in a particular application. To this end, some illustrative examples will be described below by way of example and not limitation.

Referring to FIG. 6A, in some embodiments, the individual electromagnetic flow regulator 490 extends from the individual electromagnetic flow regulator 490 to one of each of the nuclear fission modules 30. At least a portion of the electrically conductive fluid is converted along at least one of The flow of electrically conductive fluid from the individual electromagnetic flow regulator 490 will bifurcate and flow along the conduits 710a and 710b as well as perpendicularly aligned with and above the electromagnetic flow regulator 490. It flows directly into the nuclear fission module 30 that is located.

If desired, a valve 720, such as a non-return valve, may be disposed inside each of the conduits 710a and 710b to control the flow of electrically conductive fluid in the conduits 710a and 710b. Each of the valves 720 may be selectively controlled by the control unit 610.

Only three nuclear fission modules 30 and only a pair of conduits 710a and 710b are shown to be coupled to a separate electromagnetic flow regulator 490. However, it will be appreciated that any number of nuclear fission modules 30 and conduits 710a and 710b may be coupled to individual electromagnetic flow regulators 490 as needed. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that one electromagnetic flow regulator 490 can be used to supply the electrically conductive fluid to one or more nuclear fission modules 30.

Referring to FIG. 6B, in some other embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 may cause the electrically conductive fluid to bypass the selected nuclear fission modules 30. In such embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 diverts at least a portion of the electrically conductive fluid to bypass the selected nuclear fission modules 30. Electromagnetic flow regulator 490 diverts at least a portion of the electrically conductive fluid along divert flow paths 700. That is, in order to bypass the selected nuclear fission modules 30, the flow of electrically conductive fluid will diverge from each electromagnetic flow regulator 490 and will flow along a pair of conduits 750a and 750b. .

If desired, a valve 760, such as a non-return valve, may be disposed inside each of the conduits 750a and 750b to control the flow of electrically conductive fluid within the conduits 750a and 750b. Each of the valves 760 may be selectively controlled by the control unit 610.

Each of the conduits 750a and 750b terminates in the upper plenum 770. Upper plenum 770 combines the flow of the electrically conductive fluid from conduits 750a and 750b, so that one flow stream 140 is fed to intermediate heat exchanger 150 (FIG. 4A).

In FIG. 6B, only three nuclear fission modules 30, only three electromagnetic flow regulators 490, a pair of only one valves 760, and only one conduits 750a and 750b Pairs are shown. However, it will be appreciated that there may be any number and combination of splitting modules 30, electromagnetic flow regulators 490, valves 760, and conduits 750a and 750b as needed. . As such, it will be appreciated that the electrically conductive fluid may bypass any desired number of nuclear fission modules 30.

Referring to FIG. 6C, in some embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 selectively controls the flow of the electrically conductive fluid for the individual nuclear fission modules 30. In such embodiments, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 diverts at least a portion of the electrically conductive fluid, directing the coolant flow to the individual nuclear fission modules 30.

The electromagnetic flow regulator 490 diverts at least a portion of the electrically conductive fluid along the diversion flow path 790a and along the diversion flow path 790b. The divert flow path 790b may be oriented to direct the fluid flow in a direction opposite to the direction of the fluid flow in the divert flow path 790a. In this regard, electrically conductive fluid enters the lower plenum 800 along flow path 140.

A conduit 810a in fluid communication with the electrically conductive fluid in the lower plenum 800 receives the electrically conductive fluid from the lower plenum 800 and directs the electrically conductive fluid along the diversion flow path 790a. Conduit 180b is also configured to be in fluid communication with the electrically conductive fluid in lower plenum 800 and to return the electrically conductive fluid to lower plenum 800 along diverting flow path 790b. Conduit 810a terminates in intermediate plenum 830, from which electrically conductive fluid is supplied to electromagnetic flow regulator 490.

Valve 840a, such as a non-return valve, may be disposed within conduit 810a to control coolant flow in conduit 810a. Another valve 840b, such as a non-return valve, may be disposed within the conduit 810b to control the flow of electrically conductive fluid in the conduit 810b. In order to control the flow of electromagnetic fluid from the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 to the nuclear fission module 30, another valve 840c, such as a non-return valve, is provided with the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 and the nuclear fission module 30. It is interposed in between.

Each of the valves 840a, 840b and 840c may be selectively controlled by the control unit 610. In this regard, when the valves 840a and 840b are opened and the valve 840c is closed by the control unit 610, the electrically conductive fluid passes through the conduit 810a, into the intermediate plenum 830, and then It will move freely to the nuclear fission module 30. When the valve 840c is closed by the control unit 610 and the valves 840a and 840b are opened, no electrically conductive fluid will flow into the nuclear fission module 30. In this latter case, the electrically conductive fluid is returned to the lower plenum 800.

In some embodiments, a conduit 842 may be provided that is in fluid communication with the electrically conductive fluid in the plenum 800 and within which a non-return valve 844 is disposed. Conduit 842 terminates in intermediate plenum 830. When valve 844 is opened, electrically conductive fluid is supplied to intermediate plenum 830 and electromagnetic flow regulator 490, which in turn supplies electrically conductive fluid to nuclear fission module 30. When the valve 844 is closed, no electrically conductive fluid is supplied to the intermediate plenum 830 and the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 and thus no electrically conductive fluid is supplied to the nuclear fission module 30.

Only three nuclear fission modules 30, only three electromagnetic flow regulators 490, only conduits 810a and 842b, and only valves 840a, 840b, 840c and 840d are shown. However, as needed, there may be any number and combination of nuclear fission modules 30, electromagnetic flow regulators 490, conduits 810a and 842b, and valves 840a, 840b, 840c and 840d. I can understand that you can. As such, the electrically conductive fluid may flow from the lower plenum 800 to any number of selected nuclear fission modules 30 or from the lower plenum 800 to any number of selected nuclear fission modules 30. May be returned.

6D and 6E, in some embodiments, reactor core 20 forms a single coolant flow zone 930 allocated for the entirety of reactor core 20. Inlet plenum 940 is coupled to reactor core 20. Electromagnetic flow regulator 490 has a coolant flow opening 950 coupled to reactor core 20 and in fluid communication with inlet plenum 940. As such, electromagnetic flow regulator 490 will supply electrically conductive fluid into inlet plenum 940. The electrically conductive fluid will fill inlet plenum 940 and then flow to nuclear fission modules 30 located within coolant flow zone 930. In such embodiments, one electromagnetic flow regulator 490 can regulate the flow of electrically conductive fluid to all nuclear fission modules 30 in reactor core 20.

6F and 6G, in some embodiments, reactor core 20 includes coolant flow zones 960a, 960b, 960c, 960d, 960e, 960f, and 960g. If necessary, adjacent coolant flow zones may be separated by compartment 970. In order to reduce interference with the cleavage chain reaction process, compartment 970 may be made of a material having a low absorption cross section for neutrons.

In this regard, the partition 970 is pure aluminum; Suitable aluminum alloys such as about 0.40% by weight of iron; About 0.25 weight percent silicone; About 0.05% titanium by weight; About 0.05% magnesium; About 0.05% manganese; About 0.05 weight percent copper; And aluminum alloy 1050 including the remaining pure aluminum. The spheres may also contain about 0.55% by weight of carbon; About 0.90 wt.% Manganese; About 0.05% sulfur; About 0.04 weight percent phosphorus; It may be made of stainless steel comprising about 98.46 weight percent iron.

The coolant flow zones defined by the compartment 970 have, instead of having separate electromagnetic flow regulators 490 coupled to the individual nuclear fission modules 30, the operator of the coolant system 10 allows the operator of the reactor core zone. Allows you to tailor flow control on a star basis.

Still referring to FIGS. 6F and 6G, the inlet plenum 980 is connected to coolant flow zones 960a, 960b, for example, by conduits 1000a, 1000b, 1000c, 100d, 100e, 100e, and 100g. 960c, 960d, 960e, 960f, and 960g). Conduits 1000a, 1000b, 1000c, 100d, 100e, 100e, and 100g are again coupled to respective electromagnetic flow regulators 490. As such, electromagnetic flow regulators 490 are coupled to the respective coolant flow zones 960a, 960b, 960c, 960d, 960e, 960f, and 960g.

Each electromagnetic flow regulator 490 has a coolant flow opening 1005 in fluid communication with the inlet plenum 980. Accordingly, electromagnetic flow regulator 490 will supply electrically conductive fluid to inlet plenum 980. The electrically conductive fluid will fill inlet plenum 980 and then flow to nuclear fission modules 30 located within coolant flow zones 960a, 960b, 960c, 960d, 960e, 960f, and 960g. The electrically conductive fluid is from at least a portion of the electromagnetic flow regulators 490 through associated conduits 1000a, 1000b, and 1000c extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 to their respective inlet plenums 980. Could be fluid.

Referring to FIG. 6H, in some embodiments, reactor core 20 includes coolant flow zones 1000a, 1000b, and 1000c. If desired, adjacent coolant flow zones may be separated by compartment 1030 having low neutron absorptivity as described above. The electromagnetic flow regulators 490 may have respective coolant flow zones 1020a, 1020b, and 1020c, for example by respective inlet plenums, which may have a configuration substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 6G. Is coupled to. Each electromagnetic flow regulator 490 has conduits 1040a, 1040b and 1040c in fluid communication with respective inlet plenums. Thus, electromagnetic flow regulator 490 will supply electrically conductive fluid into the inlet plenums. The electrically conductive fluid will fill the inlet plenums and then flow to the nuclear fission modules 30 located in the coolant flow zones 1020a, 1020b, and 1020c.

Referring to FIG. 6I, in some embodiments, reactor core 20 forms coolant flow zones 1060a, 1060b, 1060c, 10Od, 10Oe, and 10 6Of. If desired, adjacent coolant flow zones may be separated by compartment 1070 having low neutron absorption.

Electromagnetic flow regulators 490 are coupled to respective coolant flow zones 1060a, 1060b, 1060c, 10Od, 10Oe, and 106Of, for example by respective inlet plenums. Electromagnetic flow regulators 490 have respective coolant flow conduits 1080a, 1080b, 1080c, 10Od, 10Oe, and 10OOf in fluid communication with respective inlet plenums. As such, electromagnetic flow regulator 490 will supply the electrically conductive fluid into the inlet plenums. The electrically conductive fluid will fill the inlet plenums and will then flow to the nuclear fission modules 30 located within the coolant flow zones 1060a, 1060b, 1060c, 10Od, 10Oe, and 106Of.

Referring to FIG. 6J, in some embodiments, nuclear fission reactor core 20 forms non-compartmented flow zones 1100c and 1100d partitioned from flow zones 1100a and 1100b. Electromagnetic flow regulators 490 are coupled to respective coolant flow zones 1100a, 1100b, 1100c, and 110d, for example by respective inlet conduits. Electromagnetic flow regulators 490 have respective coolant flow openings 1120a, 1120b, 1120c, 1120d, 1120e, 1120f, 1120g in fluid communication with their respective coolant flow zones 1100a, 1100b, 1100c, and 110l. , 1120h and 1120i). As such, the electromagnetic flow regulator 490 will supply the electrically conductive fluid into the coolant flow zones 1100a, 1100b, 1100c, and 110. The electrically conductive fluid will fill the inlet plenums and will then flow into the nuclear fission modules 30 located in the coolant flow zones 1100a, 1100b, 1100c, and 100l.

It will be appreciated that a system for electromagnetically regulating the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant may include a source of electrical power, such as power supply 590, and an electromagnetic flow regulator 490. Other systems for electromagnetically regulating the flow of the electrically conductive fluid may include a source of electrical power, such as power supply 590, and an electromagnetic flow regulator 490a. Similarly, another system for electromagnetically regulating the flow of the electrically conductive fluid may include a source of electrical power, such as power supply 590, and an electromagnetic flow regulator 490b. Any of the systems described above may also include a controller, such as control unit 610, and / or a sensor, such as sensor 500, if desired. The power supply 590, the control unit 610, the sensor 500, and the electromagnetic flow regulators 490, 490a and 490b have been described above. For the sake of understanding, it will not be necessary to repeat the details of their construction and operation.

Exemplary details are described above in connection with the configuration and operation of electromagnetic flow regulators 490, 490a and 490b and in connection with various nuclear fission reactors including electromagnetic flow regulators 490, 490a and 490b. In the following, various methods for electromagnetically regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid will be described.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, a method 7000 is provided for adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor. Such method 7000 begins at block 7002. At block 7004, electrically conductive reactor coolant is flowed to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor. At block 7006, the electrically conductive reactor coolant is electromagnetically adjusted with respect to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module. The method 7000 stops at block 7008.

7B, at block 7006, electromagnetically adjusting the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module, block 7010. Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant through a reactor coolant inlet path formed through the plurality of magnetic conductors. In block 7006, electromagnetically adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module, at block 7012, includes a reactor coolant inlet path. Generating a Lorentz force that regulates the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through. In block 7006, electromagnetically adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module, at block 7014, electrically conductive reactor coolant And flowing along the reactor coolant flow path formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially perpendicular to the reactor coolant inlet path.

Further referring to FIG. 7C, in some embodiments, generating a Lorentz force that regulates the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path, at block 7012, may be performed at block 7016. Generating a Lorentz force that resists the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the path. For example and further referring to FIG. 7D, generating a Lorentz force that resists the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path at block 7016 may comprise a plurality of magnetic conductors at block 7018. Generating at least one magnetic field in the reactor coolant inlet path by means of an electric current-carrying field generating winding disposed outside the field.

In some other embodiments and now with reference now to FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7E, in block 7012, generating a Lorentz force that regulates the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path, block 7020. Generating a Lorentz force forcing the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path. For example, and additionally referring to FIG. 7F, generating a Lorentz force forcing the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path at block 7020 may be performed by the plurality of magnetic conductors at block 7022. Generating at least one magnetic field in the reactor coolant inlet path by the first plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors disposed therein and the second plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors. It may include a step.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7G, in some embodiments, at block 7024 at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant may be diverted.

For example and additionally referring to FIG. 7H, in some embodiments, diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant at block 7024 may comprise the plurality of nuclear fission modules from the electromagnetic flow regulator at block 7026. Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of the plurality of diverting flow paths extending into each one of the two.

As another example and with reference now to FIGS. 7A, 7G and 7I, in some other embodiments, diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant at block 7024 bypasses the nuclear fission module at block 7028. Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along the diversion flow path.

As another example and now with reference to FIGS. 7A, 7G and 7J, in some other embodiments, diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant at block 7024 may comprise the first direction and the first direction at block 7030. Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path having two directions.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7K, in some embodiments, at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module may be sensed at block 7702.

In some such cases and with further reference to FIG. 7L, at block 7006, an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module may be used to electromagnetically regulate the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module. The step is in response to operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module at block 7044 and for electronically regulating the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module. It may include a step.

If necessary, the operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module may include any parameters. In various embodiments, the operating parameters may include, but are not limited to, temperature, neutron flux, neutron influence, characteristic isotopes, pressure, and / or flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

In some other embodiments and with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7M, in block 7004, flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor, at block 7036, causes the electrically conductive reactor coolant to be nucleated. And flowing to a nuclear fission module in the fission reactor, wherein the nuclear fission module is associated with a burn wave present in position relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width.

With further reference to FIG. 7N, in some such cases, electromagnetically adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at block 7036. In block 7038, the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module is electromagnetically transferred using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to a burn wave present at a position relative to the nuclear fission module. It may include adjusting to. For example and additionally referring to FIG. 7O, at block 7038, an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to a nuclear fission module in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module may be used to access the nuclear fission module. Electromagnetically adjusting the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant may comprise electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the width of the burnout wave at block 7040. It may include adjusting the flow of electromagnetically.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7P, in some embodiments, at block 7004, flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor, at block 7042, has a coolant flow zone. And flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant into a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core.

7A and 7Q, in some embodiments, at block 7004, flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor, at block 7004, generates one coolant flow zone. The branch may include flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core.

7A and 7R, in some embodiments, flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor at block 7004, at block 7006, has a plurality of coolant flow zones. And flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant into a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core.

7A and 7S, in some embodiments, flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor at block 7004, at block 7048, each of the plurality of compartments. Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant into a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by one.

Referring now to FIG. 7T, an exemplary method 7100 is provided for adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor. Such method 7100 begins at block 7102. At block 7104, electrically conductive reactor coolant is flowed to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor. At block 7106, the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module is electromagnetically adjusted using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module. In block 7106, electromagnetically adjusting the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes: generating a plurality of flows formed through the plurality of magnetic conductors. Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the holes. In block 7106, electromagnetically adjusting the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module comprises: electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes. And generating a Lorentz force that imparts resistance to the flow of. In block 7106, electromagnetically adjusting the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module comprises: electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes. Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a reactor coolant flow path substantially perpendicular to the flow of and formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors. The method 7100 stops at block 7108.

With further reference to FIG. 7U, in some embodiments, generating a Lorentz force that resists the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes in block 7106 is performed in block 7110. Generating at least one magnetic field in the plurality of flow holes by an electric current-carrying field generating winding disposed outside of the magnetic conductors of the substrate.

Referring now to FIGS. 7T and 7V, in some embodiments, at block 7112 at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant may be diverted.

For example, and further referring to FIG. 7W, in some embodiments, diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant at block 7112 may comprise the plurality of nuclear fission modules from the electromagnetic flow regulator at block 7114. Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of the plurality of diverting flow paths extending into each of the two.

As another example and now referring to FIGS. 7T, 7V, and 7X, in some embodiments, diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant at block 7112 bypasses the nuclear fission module at block 7716. Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along the diversion flow path.

As another example and now with reference to FIGS. 7T, 7V, and 7Y, in some embodiments, diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant at block 7112 may comprise first direction and first at block 7218. Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path having two directions.

Referring now to FIGS. 7T and 7Z, in some embodiments, at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module may be sensed at block 7120.

With further reference to FIG. 7aa, in such cases, the step of electromagnetically regulating the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at block 7106 is described. Electromagnetically adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module at block 7122 in response to operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module and using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module. It may include.

The operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module may include any parameters as needed. In various embodiments, the operating parameters may include, but are not limited to, temperature, neutron flux, neutron influence, characteristic isotopes, pressure, and / or flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

In some other embodiments and with reference to FIGS. 7T and 7AB, at block 7104, flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor, at block 7224, passes the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nucleus. And flowing to a nuclear fission module in the fission reactor, wherein the nuclear fission module is associated with a burn wave present in position relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width.

With further reference to 7ac, in some such cases, electromagnetically adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at block 7224 may include: In response to a wave present at a position relative to the nuclear fission module at block 7726, the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module is electromagnetically transferred using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module. It may include adjusting. For example and additionally referring to FIG. 7ad, at block 7326, an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to a burn wave present at a position relative to the nuclear fission module may be used to enter the nuclear fission module. Electromagnetically adjusting the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant may comprise electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the width of the burnout wave at block 7282. It may include adjusting the flow of electromagnetically.

Referring now to FIGS. 7T and 7AE, in some embodiments, flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor at block 7104 includes, at block 7130, the reactor having a coolant flow zone. And flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant into a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a core.

7T and 7AF, in some embodiments, the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor at block 7104 may include a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone at block 7272. And flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant into a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a.

7T and 7AG, in some embodiments, flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor at block 7104, at block 7134, has a plurality of coolant flow zones. And flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant into a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core.

7T and 7AH, in some embodiments, flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor at block 7104, at block 7136, at each of the plurality of compartments. Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant into a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by one.

Referring now to FIG. 7I, an exemplary method 7200 is provided for adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor. Such method 7200 begins at block 7202. At block 7204, the electrically conductive reactor coolant is flowed to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor. At block 7206, the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module is electromagnetically adjusted using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module. In block 7206, electromagnetically adjusting the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes: generating a plurality of flows formed through the plurality of magnetic conductors. Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant through the holes. In block 7206, electromagnetically adjusting the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes: electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes. And generating a Lorentz force forcing the flow of. In block 7206, electromagnetically adjusting the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes: electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes. And flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant along the reactor coolant flow path substantially perpendicular to the flow of and formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors. The method 7200 stops at block 7208.

Further referring to FIG. 7au, in some embodiments, generating a Lorentz force forcing the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes in block 7206 may include generating a plurality of magnetic conductors in block 7210. Generate at least one magnetic field in the plurality of flow holes by the first plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors disposed inside the field and the second plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors It may include the steps.

Referring now to FIGS. 7Ai and 7A5, in some embodiments, at block 7212 at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant may be diverted.

For example, and with further reference to FIG. 7A, in some embodiments, converting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant at block 7212 may include the plurality of nuclear fission modules from the electromagnetic flow regulator at block 7214. Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of the plurality of diverting flow paths extending into each of the two.

As another example and with reference now to FIGS. 7Ai, 7Ak, and 7AM, in some embodiments, diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant at block 7212 bypasses the nuclear fission module at block 7216. Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along the diversion flow path.

As another example and with reference now to FIGS. 7Ai, 7Ak, and 7AN, in some embodiments, diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant at block 7112 may comprise changing the first direction and the first direction at block 7218. Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path having two directions.

Referring now to FIG. 7Ai 7OO, in some embodiments, at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module may be sensed at block 7120.

With further reference to FIG. 7AP, in such cases, the step of electromagnetically regulating the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at block 7206 is described. Regulating the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in response to operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module at block 7272 and using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module. It may include.

The operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module may include any parameters as needed. In various embodiments, the operating parameters may include, but are not limited to, temperature, neutron flux, neutron influence, characteristic isotopes, pressure, and / or flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

In some other embodiments and with reference to FIGS. 7Ai and 7aq, flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor at block 7204, at block 7224, passes the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nucleus. And flowing to a nuclear fission module in the fission reactor, wherein the nuclear fission module is associated with a burn wave present in position relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width.

With further reference to FIG. 7A, in some such cases, electromagnetically adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module at block 7224. Electromagnetic flow control of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the burn wave present at a position relative to the nuclear fission module at block 7262 It may include adjusting to. For example and additionally referring to FIG. 7As, at block 7226, the electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the burner wave present at a position relative to the nuclear fission module may be used to access the nuclear fission module. Electromagnetically adjusting the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant may comprise electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the width of the burnout wave at block 7282. It may include adjusting the flow of electromagnetically.

Referring now to FIGS. 7Ai and 7At, in some embodiments, flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant at block 7204 to a nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor, at block 7230, the reactor having a coolant flow zone. And flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant into a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a core.

7Ai and 7AU, in some embodiments, flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor at block 7204 may include a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone at block 7222. And flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant into a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a.

7Ai and 7AV, in some embodiments, flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor at block 7204 has, at block 7204, a plurality of coolant flow zones. And flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant into a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core.

7Ai and 7AW, in some embodiments, flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor at block 7204, at block 7236, at each of the plurality of compartments. Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant into a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by one.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that various configuration changes are anticipated that the components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and descriptions accompanying them, as described herein, have been used as embodiments for conceptual clarity. There will be. As a result, as used herein, the specific examples described and the accompanying description are intended as representative examples of the more general classification. In general, the use of any particular example herein is also intended to be a representative example of such a classification and the incorporation of such specific components (eg, operations), devices, and purposes herein is limited. It should not be interpreted.

Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific exemplary processes and / or apparatuses and / or techniques described above are taught in any place herein and / or in any place herein, for example, as in the claims herein. It will be understood that they are representative of processes and / or apparatuses and / or techniques.

While particular aspects of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein are shown and described, those skilled in the art, based on the teachings herein, make changes and modifications without departing from the subject matter disclosed herein and the broader aspects of such subject matter. It will be appreciated that the appended claims include all such changes and modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter disclosed herein.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in general, and in particular in the appended claims, the terms used in the bodies of the appended claims, for example, are generally intended as "open" terms, The word "comprising" should be interpreted as "including but not limiting ", and the term" comprising " should be interpreted as having at least, and the term " comprising " It should be understood that it must be interpreted. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that if a certain number of introduced claim recitals are intended, such intentions will be expressly stated in the claims and there will be no such intention when such a description does not exist. By way of example, for purposes of understanding, the following appended claims may include the phrase “at least one” and “one or more” introductory phrases to introduce claim descriptions. However, embodiments in which the use of such phrases includes the introduction of a claim description by indefinite articles ("a" or "an") in which any particular claim includes such an introduced claim description contains only one such description. Should not be construed as meaning limited to, but even if the same claim includes such introductory phrases, "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles (eg, "a" or "an" (eg, "a" and / or "an") should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"; This is also true of the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if the specific number of claim descriptions to be introduced is expressly stated, those skilled in the art will recognize that such descriptions are at least as described in the "two descriptions" without, for example, other modifiers. It will be appreciated that it should be interpreted to mean means of at least two substrates, or two or more substrates. Also, where conventions similar to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” are used, such a construct generally means that such a skilled person understands such conventional terms. It is intended, for example, that "a system having at least one of A, B and C is A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / Or systems with A, B, and C together, etc. In the case of customary expressions similar to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.,” those skilled in the art will generally appreciate that Such a configuration is intended in the same sense as understanding conventional terms such as, for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" means only A, only B, only C, and only A and B. Together, A and C together, B and C together and / or A, B and C together, etc. And will include, but are not limited to, those skilled in the art, as well as to virtually any disjunctive word and / or presenting two or more optional terms, whether in the detailed description, claims, or figures. Or it will be understood to consider the possibility that the phrase includes one of the terms, any one of the terms, or both terms, eg, the phrase "A or B" means "A". Or "B" or "A and B".

In the context of the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the recited operations may be generally performed in any order. In addition, although various operational flows are presented in sequence (s), it should be understood that such various operations may be performed in a different order than that described or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate sequences are superimposed, interleaved, interrupted, rearranged, incremental, preliminary, unless otherwise indicated in the context. It may include preparatory, supplementary, simultaneous, opposite, or other modified sequences. Also, terms such as “in response to”, “related to”, or other past adjectives, generally do not exclude such modifications unless stated otherwise in the context.

Moreover, various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting, the true scope and spirit of which are indicated by the claims.

Aspects of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the following numbered phrases.

1. As an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid:

A plurality of magnetic conductors arranged in a fixed relative position, the plurality of magnetic conductors forming a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid along the plurality of magnetic conductors and through the plurality of magnetic conductors in the fluid flow path. A plurality of magnetic conductors forming a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid substantially orthogonal thereto; And

A field generating winding capable of carrying electrical current, the field generating winding being electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path. Electromagnetic flow regulator, comprising a field generating winding.

2. In the first sentence,

And the fluid inlet path is further defined by a plurality of flow holes formed in the plurality of magnetic conductors.

3. In the first sentence,

And the fluid flow path is further formed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

4. In the first sentence,

The field generating winding is disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

5. In the fourth sentence,

And the field generating winding comprises a helical coil.

6. In the fourth sentence,

And the field generating winding comprises a plurality of substantially circular coils.

7. In the fourth sentence,

And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

8. In the seventh phrase,

The fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

9. In the first sentence,

And the field generating winding comprises a first plurality of electrical conductors disposed inside of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

10. In the ninth phrase,

And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

11. In the tenth sentence,

The fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

12. The phrase of the tenth paragraph,

And the fluid inlet path is further defined through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

13. As an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid:

frame;

A plurality of magnetic conductors attached to a frame, wherein the plurality of magnetic conductors form a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid along the plurality of magnetic conductors, and through the plurality of magnetic conductors, with respect to the fluid flow path. A plurality of magnetic conductors, forming a plurality of flow holes forming a fluid inlet path for a substantially orthogonal electrically conductive fluid; And

A field generating winding that is capable of carrying electrical current and disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, wherein the field generating winding is configured such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path. An electromagnetic flow regulator comprising a field generating winding, which can be electromagnetically coupled to magnetic conductors.

14. In the thirteenth paragraph,

And the fluid flow path is further formed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

15. As in the thirteenth phrase,

And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

16. The phrase of the fifteenth sentence,

The fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

17. In the sixteenth phrase,

And the fluid flow path is further formed inside the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

18. As in the thirteenth phrase,

And the field generating winding comprises a helical coil.

19. As in the thirteenth phrase,

And the field generating winding comprises a plurality of substantially circular coils.

20. As electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid:

frame;

A plurality of magnetic conductors attached to a frame, wherein the plurality of magnetic conductors form a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid along the plurality of magnetic conductors, and through the plurality of magnetic conductors, with respect to the fluid flow path. A plurality of magnetic conductors, forming a plurality of flow holes forming a fluid inlet path for a substantially orthogonal electrically conductive fluid; And

A field generating winding comprising a first plurality of electrical conductors disposed within the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generating winding comprising: And a field generating winding, wherein the field generating winding can be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding.

21. The phrase of the twentieth phrase,

And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

22. The phrase of the 21st paragraph,

The fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

23. The phrase of paragraph 22, wherein

And the fluid flow path is further formed through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

24. The phrase of paragraph 23, wherein

And the plurality of flow holes are further formed through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

25. A system for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid:

Source of electrical power; And

An electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid, comprising an electromagnetic flow regulator, which can be electrically connected to the source of electrical power,

The electromagnetic flow regulator is:

A plurality of magnetic conductors arranged in a fixed relative position, the plurality of magnetic conductors forming a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid along the plurality of magnetic conductors and through the plurality of magnetic conductors in the fluid flow path. A plurality of magnetic conductors forming a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid substantially orthogonal thereto; And

A field-generating winding capable of carrying electrical current, the field-generating winding being electrically connected to a source of electrical power, and allowing the field-generating winding to generate at least one magnetic field in the fluid inlet path. And a field generating winding, wherein the field generating winding can be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors.

26. The phrase of paragraph 25, wherein

And the fluid inlet path is further defined by a plurality of flow holes formed in the plurality of magnetic conductors.

27. The phrase of paragraph 25, wherein

And the fluid flow path is further formed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

28. The phrase of paragraph 25, wherein

And the field generating winding is further formed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

29. The phrase of paragraph 28, wherein

And the field generation winding comprises a helical coil.

30. The phrase of paragraph 28, wherein

And the field generation winding comprises a plurality of substantially circular coils.

31. The phrase of paragraph 28, wherein

And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

32. The phrase of paragraph 31, wherein

And the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

33. The phrase of paragraph 25, wherein

And the field generation winding comprises a first plurality of electrical conductors disposed inside of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

34. The phrase of paragraph 33, wherein

And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

35. The phrase of paragraph 34, wherein

And the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

36. The phrase of paragraph 34, wherein

And the fluid flow path is further formed through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

37. A system for regulating the flow of electrically conductive fluid:

Source of electrical power; And

An electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid, comprising an electromagnetic flow regulator, which can be electrically connected to the source of electrical power,

The electromagnetic flow regulator is:

frame;

A plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors forming a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid along the plurality of magnetic conductors, and through the plurality of magnetic conductors, into the fluid flow path. A plurality of magnetic conductors forming a plurality of flow holes forming a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid substantially orthogonal to the plurality of flow conductors; And

A field generating winding capable of carrying electrical current and disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generating winding can be electrically connected to a source of electrical power, and by the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path And a field generating winding, wherein the field generating winding can be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated.

38. The phrase of paragraph 37, wherein

And the fluid flow path is further formed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

39. The phrase of paragraph 37, wherein

And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

40. The phrase of paragraph 39, wherein

And the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

41. The phrase of the forty paragraph,

And the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

42. The phrase of paragraph 37, wherein

And the field generation winding comprises a helical coil.

43. The phrase of paragraph 37, wherein

And the field generation winding comprises a plurality of substantially circular coils.

44. A system for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid:

Source of electrical power; And

An electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of the electrically conductive fluid,

The electromagnetic flow regulator is:

frame;

A plurality of magnetic conductors attached to a frame, wherein the plurality of magnetic conductors form a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid along the plurality of magnetic conductors, and through the plurality of magnetic conductors, with respect to the fluid flow path. A plurality of magnetic conductors, forming a plurality of flow holes forming a fluid inlet path for a substantially orthogonal electrically conductive fluid; And

A field generating winding comprising a first plurality of electrical conductors disposed inside of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, wherein the field generating winding comprises: The field generating winding may be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field may be generated by the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path. And a field-generating winding.

45. The phrase of the 44th sentence,

And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

46. The phrase of paragraph 45, wherein

And the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

47. The phrase 45.

And the fluid flow path is further formed through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

48. The phrase 47.

And the plurality of flow holes are further formed through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

49. A method of adjusting the flow of an electrically conductive fluid:

Flowing an electrically conductive fluid through a fluid inlet path formed through the plurality of magnetic conductors;

Generating a Lorentz force that regulates the flow of electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path; And

Flowing the electrically conductive fluid along a fluid flow path formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially perpendicular to the fluid inlet path.

50. The phrase of paragraph 49, wherein

Generating a Lorentz force that regulates the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path comprises generating a Lorentz force that resists the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path.

51. The phrase of the fifty paragraph,

Generating a Lorentz force that resists the flow of electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path is at least one in the fluid inlet path by means of an electrical current-carrying field generating winding disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors. Generating a magnetic field of the.

52. The phrase of paragraph 49, wherein

Generating a Lorentz force that regulates the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path comprises generating a Lorentz force that forces the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path.

53. The phrase of paragraph 52, wherein

Generating a Lorentz force forcing the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the fluid inlet path may be achieved by the first plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and the outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors. Generating at least one magnetic field in the fluid inlet path by a second plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors disposed in the fluid inlet path.

54. A method of adjusting the flow of an electrically conductive fluid:

Flowing an electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes formed through the plurality of magnetic conductors;

Generating a Lorentz force that resists the flow of electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes; And

Flowing the electrically conductive fluid along a fluid flow path formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially perpendicular to the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes.

55. The phrase of clause 54, wherein

Generating a Lorentz force that resists the flow of electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes is at least in the plurality of flow holes by an electrical current-transfer field generating winding disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors. Generating one magnetic field.

56. A method of adjusting the flow of an electrically conductive fluid:

Flowing an electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes formed through the plurality of magnetic conductors;

Generating a Lorentz force forcing the flow of an electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes; And

Flowing the electrically conductive fluid along a fluid flow path formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially perpendicular to the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes.

57. The phrase of the 56th paragraph,

Generating a Lorentz force forcing the flow of the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of flow holes comprises the first plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors disposed within the plurality of magnetic conductors and the plurality of magnetic conductors. Generating at least one magnetic field in the plurality of flow holes by a second plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors disposed externally.

58. A method of making an electromagnetic flow regulator to regulate the flow of an electrically conductive fluid:

Forming a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of magnetic conductors;

Arranging the plurality of magnetic conductors in a fixed relative position such that a fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially perpendicular to the fluid inlet path; And

Disposing a field generating winding capable of carrying electrical current, the field generating winding being electronic for a plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path; A placement step, which may be coupled miraculously.

59. The phrase of item 58,

Forming a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of magnetic conductors comprises forming a plurality of flow holes for the electrically conductive fluid through the plurality of magnetic conductors.

60. The phrase of paragraph 58, wherein

Attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to the frame such that the fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is formed along a plurality of magnetic conductors that are substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path. Attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to the frame to be formed inside the magnetic conductors and along the plurality of magnetic conductors that are substantially orthogonal to the fluid inlet path.

61. The phrase of item 58,

Disposing a field generating winding capable of carrying electrical current, the field generating winding being electronic for a plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path; Placement that can be miraculously coupled comprises placing a field generating winding that is capable of carrying electrical current outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, wherein the field generating winding is at least by the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path. And a disposition step that can be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors so that one magnetic field can be generated.

62. The phrase of paragraph 61, wherein

Disposing a field generating winding that is capable of carrying electrical current outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generating winding so that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path; An arrangement step that can be electromagnetically coupled to magnetic conductors comprises disposing a field generating winding capable of carrying electrical current in a spiral coil outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, wherein the field generating winding is a fluid. A placement step that can be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the inlet path.

63. The phrase of paragraph 61, wherein

Disposing a field generating winding that is capable of carrying electrical current outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generating winding so that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path; An electromagnetically coupled arrangement with respect to the magnetic conductors comprises disposing a field generating winding capable of carrying electrical current into a plurality of substantially circular coils outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors. And a field generating winding comprising an arrangement step that can be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path.

64. The phrase of paragraph 58, wherein

Attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is disposed between each adjacent one of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

65. The phrase of the sixty-fourth paragraph,

Attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is disposed between each adjacent one of the plurality of magnetic conductors, wherein each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is a plurality of magnetic conductors. Attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that they are disposed between each adjacent one of the two and the fluid flow path is further formed along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

66. The phrase of item 58,

Disposing a field generating winding capable of carrying electrical current, said field generating winding being electromagnetic for a plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path; The disposing step, which may be coupled to, is the step of disposing a first plurality of electrical conductors inside of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors. The second plurality of conductors are arranged to be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the first and second plurality of conductors in the fluid inlet path. Comprising a step.

67. The phrase of paragraph 66, wherein

Attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is disposed between each adjacent one of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

68. The phrase of paragraph 67, wherein

Attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is disposed between each adjacent one of the plurality of magnetic conductors, wherein each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is a plurality of magnetic conductors. Attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that they are disposed between each adjacent one of the two and the fluid flow path is further formed along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

69. The sentence of paragraph 67,

Further forming a fluid inlet path through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

70. A method for manufacturing an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid:

Forming a plurality of flow holes through the plurality of magnetic conductors to form a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid;

Attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to the frame such that a fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially perpendicular to the fluid inlet path;

Disposing a field generating winding that is capable of carrying electrical current outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generating winding so that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the plurality of flow holes; And a disposition step that can be electromagnetically coupled to the magnetic conductors of the.

71. The phrase of the seventieth paragraph,

Attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to the frame such that the fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is formed substantially along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially perpendicular to the fluid inlet path, wherein the plurality of magnetic flow paths for the electrically conductive fluid Attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to the frame to be formed inside the magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors and along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially perpendicular to the fluid inlet path.

72. The phrase of paragraph 70, wherein

Attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is disposed between each adjacent one of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

73. The phrase of the seventieth paragraph,

Disposing a field generating winding that is capable of carrying electrical current outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generating winding so that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the plurality of flow holes; The disposing step, which can be electromagnetically coupled to the magnetic conductors of, comprises disposing a field generating winding capable of carrying electrical current outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors as a helical coil, the field generating winding comprising: And an arrangement step that can be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the plurality of flow holes.

74. The phrase of the seventieth paragraph,

Disposing a field generating winding that is capable of carrying electrical current outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generating winding so that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the plurality of flow holes; An arrangement that can be electromagnetically coupled to the magnetic conductors of the stage comprises disposing a plurality of field generating windings capable of carrying electrical current outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors as a plurality of substantially circular coils. And a placement step in which the field generating winding is electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the plurality of flow holes.

75. A method for fabricating an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid:

Forming a plurality of flow holes through the plurality of magnetic conductors to form a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid;

Attaching the plurality of magnetic conductors to the frame such that a fluid flow path for the electrically conductive fluid is formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors substantially perpendicular to the fluid inlet path;

Disposing a first plurality of electrical conductors inside of the plurality of magnetic conductors and disposing a second plurality of electrical conductors outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, wherein the first and second plurality of conductors comprise: And capable of being electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field is generated by the first and second plurality of conductors in the plurality of flow holes.

76. The phrase of paragraph 75, wherein

Attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is disposed between each adjacent one of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

77. In the sentence 76,

Attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is disposed between each adjacent one of the plurality of magnetic conductors, wherein each one of the plurality of magnetic nonconductors is a plurality of magnetic conductors. Attaching the plurality of magnetic nonconductors to the frame such that they are disposed between each adjacent one of the two and the fluid flow path is further formed along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

78. The phrase of paragraph 67, wherein

And further forming a plurality of flow holes through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

79. As a nuclear fission reactor:

Nuclear fission module;

An electromagnetic flow regulator operatively coupled to the nuclear fission module; And

A control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator comprises a control unit responsive to the control unit.

80. The phrase of paragraph 79, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator is:

A plurality of magnetic conductors arranged in a fixed relative position, the plurality of magnetic conductors forming a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive reactor coolant along the plurality of magnetic conductors and the reactor coolant flow through the plurality of magnetic conductors A plurality of magnetic conductors forming a reactor coolant inlet path for the electrically conductive reactor coolant substantially orthogonal to the path; And

A field generating winding capable of carrying electrical current, the field generating winding being electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the reactor coolant inlet path. A nuclear fission reactor, comprising a field generating winding, which may be ringed.

81. The phrase of paragraph 80, wherein

And the reactor coolant inlet path is further defined by a plurality of flow holes formed in the plurality of magnetic conductors.

82. The phrase of paragraph 80, wherein

And the reactor coolant flow path is further formed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

83. The phrase of paragraph 80, wherein

And the field generating winding is disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

84. The phrase of paragraph 83, wherein

And the field generating winding comprises a helical coil.

85. The phrase of paragraph 83, wherein

And the field generating winding comprises a plurality of substantially circular coils.

86. The phrase of paragraph 83, wherein

And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

87. The phrase of item 86,

And the reactor coolant flow path is further formed along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

88. The phrase of paragraph 80, wherein

And the field generating winding comprises a first plurality of electrical conductors disposed inside of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

89. The phrase of paragraph 88, wherein

And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

90. The phrase of paragraph 89, wherein

And the reactor coolant flow path is further formed along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

91. The phrase of paragraph 89, wherein

And the reactor coolant inlet path is further formed through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

92. The phrase of paragraph 79, wherein

And the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

93. The phrase of clause 92, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diverting flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to each one of the plurality of nuclear fission modules. Composed, nuclear fission reactor.

94. The phrase of paragraph 92, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path bypassing the nuclear fission module.

95. The phrase of clause 92, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

96. The sentence of paragraph 79,

And at least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

97. The phrase of the 96th paragraph,

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is responsive to at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

98. The phrase of paragraph 97, wherein

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes temperature.

99. The phrase of the 97th paragraph,

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron flux.

100. The phrase of paragraph 97, wherein

Wherein the operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module include neutron influences.

101. In the context of paragraph 97,

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes power.

102. The phrase of paragraph 97, wherein

Wherein the operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module include characteristic isotopes.

103. The phrase of paragraph 97, wherein

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes pressure.

104. The phrase of paragraph 97, wherein

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes the flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

105. The sentence of paragraph 79,

Wherein the nuclear fission module is associated with a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width.

106. The phrase of paragraph 105, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to adjust the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in response to a burn wave present at a position relative to the nuclear fission module.

107. The phrase of paragraph 105, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to adjust the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant in response to the width of the burn wave.

108. The phrase of paragraph 79, wherein

The nuclear fission reactor further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.

109. The phrase of clause 108, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to the coolant flow zone.

110. The phrase of paragraph 79, wherein

Further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.

111. The phrase of paragraph 110, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to one coolant flow zone.

112. The phrase of the sentence 79,

Further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.

113. The phrase of paragraph 112, wherein

A nuclear fission reactor, wherein a single electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

114. The phrase of clause 112, wherein

A plurality of electromagnetic flow regulators are assigned for each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

115. The sentence of the 79th sentence,

And a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by each one of the plurality of compartments.

116. As a nuclear fission reactor:

Nuclear fission module;

An electromagnetic flow regulator operatively coupled to the nuclear fission module:

A plurality of magnetic conductors attached to a frame, wherein the plurality of magnetic conductors form a reactor coolant flow path for an electrically conductive reactor coolant along the plurality of magnetic conductors, and through the plurality of magnetic conductors, the reactor coolant flow. A plurality of magnetic conductors, forming a plurality of flow holes forming a reactor coolant inlet path for the electrically conductive reactor coolant substantially orthogonal to the path; And

A field generating winding that is capable of carrying electrical current and disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, wherein the field generating winding is configured such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the reactor coolant inlet path. An electromagnetic flow regulator, comprising a field generating winding, which can be electromagnetically coupled to the magnetic conductors of the electromagnetic flow regulator; And

A control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator comprises a control unit responsive to the control unit.

117. The phrase of clause 116, wherein

And the reactor coolant flow path is further formed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

118. The phrase 116.

And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

119. The phrase of clause 118,

And the reactor coolant flow path is further formed along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

120. The phrase of clause 119, wherein

And the reactor coolant flow path is further formed inside the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

121. The phrase 116.

And the field generating winding comprises a helical coil.

122. The phrase of clause 116, wherein

And the field generating winding comprises a plurality of substantially circular coils.

123. The phrase of clause 116, wherein

And the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

124. The phrase of clause 123,

The electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diverting flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to each one of the plurality of nuclear fission modules. Composed, nuclear fission reactor.

125. The phrase 123.

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path bypassing the nuclear fission module.

126. The phrase of clause 123, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

127. The phrase of clause 116, wherein

And at least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

128. The phrase of paragraph 127, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is responsive to at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

129. The phrase of clause 128,

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes temperature.

130. The phrase of clause 128,

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron flux.

131. The phrase of clause 128,

Wherein the operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module include neutron influences.

132. In paragraph 128,

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes power.

133. The phrase of clause 128,

Wherein the operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module include characteristic isotopes.

134. The phrase of clause 128,

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes pressure.

135. The phrase of paragraph 128,

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes the flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

136. The phrase of clause 116, wherein

Wherein the nuclear fission module is associated with a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width.

137. The phrase of 136, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator regulates the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in at least a portion of the flow path in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module.

138. The phrase of 136, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator regulates the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in at least a portion of the flow path in response to the width of the burn wave.

139. The phrase of clause 116, wherein

The nuclear fission reactor further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.

140. The phrase of paragraph 116, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to the coolant flow zone.

141. The phrase 116.

Further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.

142. The phrase of paragraph 141, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to one coolant flow zone.

143. The phrase of clause 116, wherein

Further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.

144. The phrase of 143, wherein

A nuclear fission reactor, wherein a single electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

145. The phrase of clause 143, wherein

A plurality of electromagnetic flow regulators are assigned for each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

146. The phrase of clause 116, wherein

And a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by each one of the plurality of compartments.

147.

As nuclear fission reactor:

Nuclear fission module;

An electromagnetic flow regulator operatively coupled to the nuclear fission module:

frame

A plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors forming a reactor coolant flow path for an electrically conductive reactor coolant along the plurality of magnetic conductors, and through the plurality of magnetic conductors, the reactor coolant A plurality of magnetic conductors forming a plurality of flow holes forming a reactor coolant inlet path for the electrically conductive reactor coolant substantially orthogonal to the flow path; And

A field generating winding comprising a first plurality of electrical conductors disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the reactor coolant inlet path An electromagnetic flow regulator comprising a field generating winding, wherein the field generating winding can be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding; And

A control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator comprises a control unit responsive to the control unit.

148. The phrase of clause 147, wherein

And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

149. The phrase of clause 148, wherein

And the reactor coolant flow path is further formed along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

150. The phrase of clause 149, wherein

And the reactor coolant flow path is further formed through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

151. The phrase of clause 150, wherein

And the plurality of flow holes are further formed through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

152. The phrase of clause 147, wherein

And the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

153. The phrase of 152.

The electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diverting flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to each one of the plurality of nuclear fission modules. Composed, nuclear fission reactor.

154. The phrase of clause 152, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator diverts at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path bypassing the nuclear fission module.

155. The phrase of clause 152, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator diverts at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

156. The phrase of clause 147, wherein

And at least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

157. The phrase 156.

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is responsive to operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module.

158. The phrase of paragraph 157, wherein

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes temperature.

159. The phrase 157.

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron flux.

160. The phrase 157.

Wherein the operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module include neutron influences.

161. The phrase of 157, wherein

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes power.

162. The phrase of 157, wherein

Wherein the operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module include characteristic isotopes.

163. The phrase of 157, wherein

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes pressure.

164. In the text of Article 157,

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes the flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

165. The phrase of clause 147, wherein

Wherein the nuclear fission module is associated with a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width.

166. The phrase of paragraph 165, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator regulates the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in the plurality of flow holes in response to a burn wave present in a position relative to the nuclear fission module.

167. The phrase 165.

And the electromagnetic flow regulator regulates the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in the plurality of flow holes in response to the width of the burn wave.

168. The phrase of clause 147, wherein

The nuclear fission reactor further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.

169. The phrase 168.

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to the coolant flow zone.

170. The phrase of clause 147, wherein

Further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.

171. The phrase of clause 170, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to one coolant flow zone.

172. The phrase of clause 147, wherein

Further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.

173. The phrase 172.

A nuclear fission reactor, wherein a single electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

174. The phrase of 172, wherein

A plurality of electromagnetic flow regulators are assigned for each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

175. The phrase of clause 147, wherein

And a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by each one of the plurality of compartments.

176. A system for adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant:

An electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant, the electromagnetic flow regulator configured to be operatively coupled to the nuclear fission module; And

A control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator comprises a control unit responsive to the control unit.

177. The phrase 176.

The electromagnetic flow regulator is:

A plurality of magnetic conductors arranged in a fixed relative position, the plurality of magnetic conductors forming a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive reactor coolant along the plurality of magnetic conductors and the reactor coolant flow through the plurality of magnetic conductors A plurality of magnetic conductors forming a reactor coolant inlet path for the electrically conductive reactor coolant substantially orthogonal to the path; And

A field generating winding capable of carrying electrical current, the field generating winding being electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the reactor coolant inlet path. And a field generating winding, which may be ringed.

178. The phrase 177.

And the reactor coolant inlet path is further defined by a plurality of flow holes formed in the plurality of magnetic conductors.

179. The phrase 177.

And the reactor coolant flow path is further formed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

180. The phrase 177.

The field generating winding is disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

181. In the text of clause 180,

And the field generation winding comprises a helical coil.

182. In the text of clause 180,

And the field generation winding comprises a plurality of substantially circular coils.

183. In the text of clause 180,

And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

184. The phrase of paragraph 183, wherein

And the reactor coolant flow path is further formed along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

185. The phrase of 177, wherein

And the field generation winding comprises a first plurality of electrical conductors disposed inside of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

186. The phrase of paragraph 185, wherein

And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

187. The phrase 186.

And the reactor coolant flow path is further formed along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

188. The phrase 186.

And the reactor coolant inlet path is further formed through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

189. The phrase 176.

And the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

190. The phrase of clause 189, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diverting flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to each one of the plurality of nuclear fission modules. Configured, system.

191. The phrase of clause 189, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path bypassing the nuclear fission module.

192. The phrase of clause 189, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

193. The phrase 176.

At least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

194. The phrase of clause 193, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator responsive to operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module.

195. The phrase of clause 194, wherein

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes temperature.

196. The phrase of clause 194, wherein

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron flux.

197. The phrase of clause 194, wherein

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron influence.

198. The phrase of clause 194, wherein

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes power.

199. The phrase of clause 194, wherein

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module comprises a characteristic isotope.

200. The phrase of clause 194, wherein

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes pressure.

201. The phrase of clause 194, wherein

And wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes the flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

202. The phrase of clause 176, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator is associated with a burn wave present at a position relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width.

203. The phrase of 202, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator regulates the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in response to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module.

204. The phrase of 202, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator regulates the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant in at least a portion of the flow path in response to the width of the burn wave.

205. The phrase 176.

Further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.

206. The phrase of 205, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to the coolant flow zone.

207. The phrase 176.

Further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.

208. The phrase of paragraph 207, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to one coolant flow zone.

209. The phrase 176.

Further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.

210. The phrase of paragraph 209, wherein

A single electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned for each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

211. The phrase of paragraph 209,

A plurality of electromagnetic flow regulators are assigned for each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

212. The phrase 176.

And a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by each one of the plurality of compartments.

213. A system for regulating the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant:

An electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant, the electromagnetic flow regulator configured to be operatively coupled to the nuclear fission module, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator:

frame;

A plurality of magnetic conductors attached to a frame, wherein the plurality of magnetic conductors form a reactor coolant flow path for an electrically conductive reactor coolant along the plurality of magnetic conductors, and through the plurality of magnetic conductors, the reactor coolant flow. A plurality of magnetic conductors, forming a plurality of flow holes forming a reactor coolant inlet path for the electrically conductive reactor coolant substantially orthogonal to the path; And

A field generating winding that is capable of carrying electrical current and disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, wherein the field generating winding is configured such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding in the reactor coolant inlet path. An electromagnetic flow regulator, comprising a field generating winding, which can be electromagnetically coupled to the magnetic conductors of the electromagnetic flow regulator; And

A control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator comprises a control unit responsive to the control unit.

214. The phrase of 213, wherein

And the reactor coolant flow path is further formed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors.

215. The phrase of clause 214, wherein

And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

216. In the text of 215,

And the reactor coolant flow path is further formed along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

217. In the text of 216,

And the reactor coolant flow path is further formed inside the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

218. The phrase of paragraph 213,

And the field generation winding comprises a helical coil.

219. In the phrase 213.

And the field generation winding comprises a plurality of substantially circular coils.

220. The phrase of 213, wherein

And the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

221. The phrase of clause 220, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diverting flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to each one of the plurality of nuclear fission modules. Configured, system.

222. The phrase of clause 220, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path bypassing the nuclear fission module.

223. The phrase of paragraph 222, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

224. The phrase of 213, wherein

At least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

225. The phrase of paragraph 224, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator responsive to operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module.

226. The phrase of clause 225, wherein

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes temperature.

227. The phrase 225.

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron flux.

228. The phrase 225.

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron influence.

229. In the text of paragraph 225,

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes power.

230. The phrase of paragraph 225, wherein

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module comprises a characteristic isotope.

231. The phrase of paragraph 225, wherein

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes pressure.

232. The phrase 225.

And wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes the flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

233. The phrase 213.

The electromagnetic flow regulator is associated with a burn wave present at a position relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width.

234. The phrase of 233, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator regulates the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in at least one of the flow paths in response to a burn wave present at a position relative to the nuclear fission module.

235. In the text of 233,

The electromagnetic flow regulator regulates the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant in at least a portion of the flow path in response to the width of the burn wave.

236. The phrase of 213, wherein

Further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.

237. The phrase of 236, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to the coolant flow zone.

238. The phrase of 213, wherein

Further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.

239. The phrase 238.

The electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to one coolant flow zone.

240. The phrase 213.

Further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.

241. The phrase of clause 240, wherein

A single electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned for each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

242. The phrase of clause 240,

A plurality of electromagnetic flow regulators are assigned for each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

243. The phrase of paragraph 213,

And a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by each one of the plurality of compartments.

244. A system for adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant:

An electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant, the electromagnetic flow regulator configured to be operatively coupled to the nuclear fission module, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator:

frame;

A plurality of magnetic conductors attached to a frame, wherein the plurality of magnetic conductors form a reactor coolant flow path for an electrically conductive reactor coolant along the plurality of magnetic conductors, and through the plurality of magnetic conductors, the reactor coolant flow. A plurality of magnetic conductors, forming a plurality of flow holes forming a reactor coolant inlet path for the electrically conductive reactor coolant substantially orthogonal to the path; And

A field generating winding comprising a first plurality of electrical conductors disposed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors disposed outside the plurality of magnetic conductors, the reactor coolant inlet path An electromagnetic flow regulator comprising a field generating winding, wherein the field generating winding can be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated by the field generating winding; And

A control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnetic flow regulator, wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator comprises a control unit responsive to the control unit.

245. The phrase of paragraph 244,

And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors.

246. The phrase of 245, wherein

And the reactor coolant flow path is further formed along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

247. The phrase of paragraph 246,

And the reactor coolant flow path is further formed through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

248. The phrase 247.

And the plurality of flow holes are further formed through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

249. The phrase of paragraph 244,

And the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

250. The phrase of paragraph 249, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of a plurality of diverting flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to each one of the plurality of nuclear fission modules. Configured, system.

251. The phrase of paragraph 249, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path bypassing the nuclear fission module.

252. The phrase of paragraph 249, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is configured to divert at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

253. The phrase of 244, wherein

At least one sensor configured to sense at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

254. The phrase of 253, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator responsive to operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module.

255. The phrase of clause 254,

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes temperature.

256. The phrase 254.

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron flux.

257. The phrase of 254, wherein

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron influence.

258. The phrase 254.

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes power.

259. The phrase 254.

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module comprises a characteristic isotope.

260. The phrase 254.

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes pressure.

261. The phrase 254.

And wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes the flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

262. The phrase of 244, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator is associated with a burn wave present at a position relative to the nuclear fission module, the burn wave having a width.

263. The phrase of paragraph 262,

The electromagnetic flow regulator regulates the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in at least one of the flow paths in response to a burn wave present at a position relative to the nuclear fission module.

264. In the sentence of 262,

The electromagnetic flow regulator regulates the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant in at least a portion of the flow path in response to the width of the burn wave.

265. The phrase 244.

Further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.

266. The phrase of paragraph 265,

The electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to the coolant flow zone.

267. The phrase 244.

Further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone.

268. The phrase of paragraph 267, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to one coolant flow zone.

269. The phrase of paragraph 244,

Further comprising a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.

270. The phrase of paragraph 269, wherein

A single electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned for each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

271. The phrase of paragraph 269, wherein

A plurality of electromagnetic flow regulators are assigned for each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

272. The phrase 244.

And a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by each one of the plurality of compartments.

273. A method of adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor:

Flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant into the nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor; And

Electromagnetically regulating the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module.

274. The phrase of paragraph 273, wherein

Electromagnetically regulating the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes:

Flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant through a reactor coolant inlet path formed through the plurality of magnetic conductors;

Generating a Lorentz force that regulates the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path; And

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a reactor coolant flow path formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially perpendicular to the reactor coolant inlet path.

275. The phrase 274.

Generating a Lorentz force that regulates the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path includes generating a Lorentz force that resists the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path. How to.

276. The phrase of 275, wherein

Generating a Lorentz force that imparts resistance to the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path may comprise the reactor coolant inlet path by means of an electrical current-transfer field generating winding disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors. Generating at least one magnetic field.

277. The phrase 274.

Generating a Lorentz force that modulates the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path comprises generating a Lorentz force that forces the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path. .

278. The phrase of paragraph 277, wherein

Generating a Lorentz force forcing the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the reactor coolant inlet path comprises: first plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors disposed within the plurality of magnetic conductors and the plurality of magnetic conductors. Generating at least one magnetic field in the reactor coolant inlet path by a second plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors disposed outside of the field.

279. The phrase of paragraph 273, wherein

Converting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

280. The phrase of paragraph 279, wherein

Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant may be performed by the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of the plurality of diverting flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to each one of the plurality of nuclear fission modules. Converting at least a portion.

281. The phrase of paragraph 279, wherein

Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant comprises diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path bypassing the nuclear fission module.

282. The phrase of paragraph 279, wherein

Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant comprises diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

283. The phrase of paragraph 273, wherein

Sensing at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

284. The phrase of paragraph 283, wherein

Electromagnetically regulating the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module may include an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module. Electromagnetically adjusting the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using and in response to operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module.

285. The phrase of paragraph 284, wherein

And the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes temperature.

286. The phrase of paragraph 284, wherein

And the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module comprises a neutron flux.

287. The phrase of paragraph 284, wherein

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron influence.

288. The phrase of paragraph 284, wherein

And the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes power.

289. The phrase of paragraph 284, wherein

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a characteristic isotope.

290. The phrase of paragraph 284, wherein

And the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes pressure.

291. The phrase of paragraph 284, wherein

And wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes the flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

292. The phrase of paragraph 273, wherein

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor includes flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor, wherein the nuclear fission module includes the nuclear fission module And associated with the burn wave present at a location relative to the burn wave, wherein the burn wave has a width.

293. The phrase of paragraph 292, wherein

Electromagnetically adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module responds to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module. And electromagnetically adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module.

294. The phrase of paragraph 293, wherein

Electromagnetically regulating the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to a burn wave present at a position relative to the nuclear fission module. Electromagnetically regulating the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the width of the burn wave.

295. The phrase of paragraph 273, wherein

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor further comprises flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.

296. The phrase of paragraph 295, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to the coolant flow zone.

297. The phrase of paragraph 273, wherein

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor further comprises flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone. .

298. The phrase of paragraph 297, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to one coolant flow zone.

299. The phrase of paragraph 273, wherein

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor comprises flowing to a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.

300. The phrase of 299, wherein

A single electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

301. The phrase of 299, wherein

A plurality of electromagnetic flow regulators are assigned for each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

302. The phrase of paragraph 273, wherein

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant into a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor may be conducted to a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by each one of the plurality of compartments. Flowing the conductive reactor coolant.

303. A method of adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor:

Flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor; And

Electromagnetically regulating the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module;

Electromagnetically regulating the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes:

Flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes formed through the plurality of magnetic conductors;

Generating a Lorentz force that resists the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes; And

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a reactor coolant flow path formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially perpendicular to the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes.

304. The phrase of 303, wherein

Generating a Lorentz force that imparts resistance to the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes comprises the plurality of flow holes by an electric current-transfer field generating winding disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors. Generating at least one magnetic field.

305. The phrase of 303, wherein

Converting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

306. The phrase of 305, wherein

Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant may be performed by the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of the plurality of diverting flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to each one of the plurality of nuclear fission modules. Converting at least a portion.

307. The phrase of 305, wherein

Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant comprises diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path bypassing the nuclear fission module.

308. The phrase of paragraph 305, wherein

Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant comprises diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

309. The phrase of 303, wherein

Sensing at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

310. The phrase of 309, wherein

Electromagnetically regulating the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module may include an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module. Electromagnetically adjusting the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using and in response to operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module.

311. The phrase of 309, wherein

And the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes temperature.

312. The phrase of paragraph 310, wherein

And the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module comprises a neutron flux.

313. The phrase of paragraph 310, wherein

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron influence.

314. The phrase of clause 310, wherein

And the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes power.

315. The phrase of paragraph 310, wherein

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a characteristic isotope.

316. The phrase of paragraph 310, wherein

And the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes pressure.

317. The phrase of paragraph 310, wherein

And wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes the flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

318. The phrase of paragraph 303, wherein

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor includes flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor, wherein the nuclear fission module includes the nuclear fission module And associated with the burn wave present at a location relative to the burn wave, wherein the burn wave has a width.

319. The phrase of 318, wherein

Electromagnetically adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module responds to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module. And electromagnetically adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module.

320. The phrase of 318, wherein

Electromagnetically regulating the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to a burn wave present at a position relative to the nuclear fission module. Electromagnetically regulating the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the width of the burn wave.

321. The phrase of paragraph 303, wherein

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor further comprises flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.

322. The phrase of paragraph 321, wherein

The electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to the coolant flow zone.

323. The phrase of 303, wherein

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor further comprises flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone. .

324. The phrase of 323, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to one coolant flow zone.

325. The phrase of 303, wherein

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor comprises flowing to a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.

326. The phrase of 325, wherein

A single electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

327. The phrase of paragraph 325,

A plurality of electromagnetic flow regulators are assigned for each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

328. In the text of 303,

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant into a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor may be conducted to a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by each one of the plurality of compartments. Flowing the conductive reactor coolant.

329. A method of adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor:

Flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor; And

Electromagnetically regulating the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module;

Electromagnetically regulating the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module includes:

Flowing an electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes formed through the plurality of magnetic conductors;

Generating a Lorentz force forcing the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes; And

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a reactor coolant flow path formed along the plurality of magnetic conductors and substantially perpendicular to the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes.

330. The phrase of paragraph 329, wherein

Generating a Lorentz force forcing the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant through the plurality of flow holes comprises the first plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors disposed within the plurality of magnetic conductors and the plurality of magnetic conductors. Generating at least one magnetic field in the plurality of flow holes by a second plurality of electrical current-carrying conductors disposed outside of the field.

331. The phrase of paragraph 329, wherein

Converting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

332. In the sentence of 331,

Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant may be performed by the electrically conductive reactor coolant along at least one of the plurality of diverting flow paths extending from the electromagnetic flow regulator to each one of the plurality of nuclear fission modules. Converting at least a portion.

333. The phrase of paragraph 331,

Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant comprises diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path bypassing the nuclear fission module.

334. The phrase of paragraph 331,

Diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant comprises diverting at least a portion of the electrically conductive reactor coolant along a diversion flow path having a first direction and a second direction.

335. The phrase of paragraph 329,

Sensing at least one operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

336. The phrase of paragraph 335,

Electromagnetically regulating the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module may include an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module. Electromagnetically adjusting the flow of the electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using and in response to operating parameters associated with the nuclear fission module.

337. The phrase of paragraph 336,

And the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes temperature.

338. The phrase of paragraph 336,

And the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module comprises a neutron flux.

339. The phrase of paragraph 336,

The operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes neutron influence.

340. The phrase of paragraph 336,

And the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes power.

341. The phrase of paragraph 336,

Wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes a characteristic isotope.

342. The phrase of paragraph 336,

And the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes pressure.

343. The phrase of paragraph 336,

And wherein the operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module includes the flow rate of the electrically conductive reactor coolant.

344. The phrase of paragraph 329, wherein

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor includes flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in the nuclear fission reactor, wherein the nuclear fission module includes the nuclear fission module And associated with the burn wave present at a location relative to the burn wave, wherein the burn wave has a width.

345. The phrase 344.

Electromagnetically adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module responds to a burn wave present at a location relative to the nuclear fission module. And electromagnetically adjusting the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module.

346. The phrase 345.

Electromagnetically regulating the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to a burn wave present at a position relative to the nuclear fission module. Electromagnetically regulating the flow of electrically conductive reactor coolant to the nuclear fission module using an electromagnetic flow regulator coupled to the nuclear fission module in response to the width of the burn wave.

347. The phrase of paragraph 329, wherein

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor further comprises flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a coolant flow zone.

348. The phrase of 347.

The electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to the coolant flow zone.

349. The phrase of paragraph 329, wherein

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor further comprises flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a single coolant flow zone. .

350. The phrase of paragraph 349, wherein

Wherein the electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to one coolant flow zone.

351. The phrase of paragraph 329, wherein

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant to a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor comprises flowing to a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones.

352. The phrase of paragraph 351, wherein

A single electromagnetic flow regulator is assigned to each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

353. The phrase of paragraph 351,

A plurality of electromagnetic flow regulators are assigned for each of the plurality of coolant flow zones.

354. The phrase of paragraph 329, wherein

Flowing the electrically conductive reactor coolant into a nuclear fission module in a nuclear fission reactor may be conducted to a plurality of nuclear fission modules forming a reactor core having a plurality of coolant flow zones separated by each one of the plurality of compartments. Flowing the conductive reactor coolant.

Claims (24)

As a system for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid:
Source of electrical power; And
An electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid, comprising an electromagnetic flow regulator, which can be electrically connected to the source of electrical power,
The electromagnetic flow regulator is:
A plurality of magnetic conductors arranged in a fixed relative position, the plurality of magnetic conductors forming a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid along the plurality of magnetic conductors and through the plurality of magnetic conductors in the fluid flow path. A plurality of magnetic conductors forming a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid substantially orthogonal thereto; And
A field-generating winding capable of carrying electrical current, the field-generating winding being electrically connected to a source of electrical power, and allowing the field-generating winding to generate at least one magnetic field in the fluid inlet path. And a field generating winding, wherein the field generating winding can be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors. The method of claim 1,
And the fluid inlet path is further defined by a plurality of flow holes formed in the plurality of magnetic conductors. The method of claim 1,
And the fluid flow path is further formed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors. The method of claim 1,
And the field generating winding is further formed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors. 5. The method of claim 4,
And the field generation winding comprises a helical coil. 5. The method of claim 4,
And the field generation winding comprises a plurality of substantially circular coils. 5. The method of claim 4,
And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors. The method of claim 7, wherein
And the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors. The method of claim 1,
And the field generation winding comprises a first plurality of electrical conductors disposed inside of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors. The method of claim 9,
And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors. 11. The method of claim 10,
And the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors. 11. The method of claim 10,
And the fluid inlet path is further defined through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors. As a system for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid:
Source of electrical power; And
An electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid, comprising an electromagnetic flow regulator, which can be electrically connected to the source of electrical power,
The electromagnetic flow regulator is:
frame;
A plurality of magnetic conductors attached to the frame, the plurality of magnetic conductors forming a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid along the plurality of magnetic conductors, and through the plurality of magnetic conductors, into the fluid flow path. A plurality of magnetic conductors forming a plurality of flow holes forming a fluid inlet path for the electrically conductive fluid substantially orthogonal to the plurality of flow conductors; And
A field generating winding capable of carrying electrical current and disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, the field generating winding can be electrically connected to a source of electrical power, and by the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path And a field generating winding, wherein the field generating winding can be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field can be generated. The method of claim 13,
And the fluid flow path is further formed inside the plurality of magnetic conductors. The method of claim 13,
And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors. The method of claim 15,
And the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors. 17. The method of claim 16,
And the fluid flow path is further formed inside the plurality of magnetic nonconductors. The method of claim 13,
And the field generation winding comprises a helical coil. The method of claim 13,
And the field generation winding comprises a plurality of substantially circular coils. As a system for regulating the flow of an electrically conductive fluid:
Source of electrical power; And
An electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating the flow of the electrically conductive fluid,
The electromagnetic flow regulator is:
frame;
A plurality of magnetic conductors attached to a frame, wherein the plurality of magnetic conductors form a fluid flow path for an electrically conductive fluid along the plurality of magnetic conductors, and through the plurality of magnetic conductors, with respect to the fluid flow path. A plurality of magnetic conductors, forming a plurality of holes forming a fluid inlet path for a substantially orthogonal electrically conductive fluid; And
A field generating winding comprising a first plurality of electrical conductors disposed inside of the plurality of magnetic conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors disposed outside of the plurality of magnetic conductors, wherein the field generating winding comprises: The field generating winding may be electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of magnetic conductors such that at least one magnetic field may be generated by the field generating winding in the fluid inlet path. And a field-generating winding. 21. The method of claim 20,
And a plurality of magnetic nonconductors attached to the frame and disposed between adjacent magnetic conductors of the plurality of magnetic conductors. 22. The method of claim 21,
And the fluid flow path is further defined along the plurality of magnetic nonconductors. 22. The method of claim 21,
And the fluid inlet path is further formed through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors. 24. The method of claim 23,
And the plurality of flow holes are further formed through the plurality of magnetic nonconductors.

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