Passive nuclear reactor cooling system using compressed gas energy and coolant storage outside nuclear plant

摘要

A passive safety system for a nuclear power plant (100) cools a nuclear power plant after shutdown (SCRAM) even when all primary water circulation has been disabled. The system comprises a source of compressed gas (112, 805) that can be its only source of operating energy, a source of water (106, 500), and a plurality of plumbing components. The system is located nearby but outside of the plant where it will not be damaged in the event of an accident inside the plant. In one embodiment, the system is located underground. In another embodiment, the system is portable so that the gas and water are carried in tanks (500, 510) on railroad cars or other wheeled conveyances. The portable system is located above ground, or optionally in a covered trench (705). In an alternative embodiment, only compressed gas is used to cool the plant.