Maximum extended load line limit analysis for a boiling water nuclear reactor

Patent 6721383 Issued on April 13, 2004. Estimated Expiration Date:

December 14, 2021. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

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Inventors

Application

No. 09683335 filed on 12/14/2001

US Classes:

376/245, TESTING, SENSING, MEASURING, OR DETECTING A FISSION REACTOR CONDITION376/207, WITH CONTROL OF REACTOR (E.G., CONTROL OF COOLANT FLOW)376/210, By coolant flow376/219, By movement of control element or by release of neutron absorbing material376/246, Flowmeters376/247Temperature or pressure measurement

Examiners

Primary: Palabrica, R

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Armstrong Teasdale LLP

International Class

G21C 1700

Abstract

A computerized method for expanding the operating domain of a boiling water nuclear reactor that permits safe operation of the reactor at core flows lower than normal operating parameters is provided. The operating domain is characterized by a map of the reactor thermal power and core flow. The computerized method includes determining by computer simulation a load line characteristic that is elevated over normal operating parameters and that increases reactor performance over normal operating parameters, performing safety evaluations by computer simulation at the elevated load line to determine compliance with safety design parameters, and performing operational evaluations by computer simulation at the elevated load line.

Other References

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