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A question about nuclear reactors and backup power

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 1:59 pm
by Spudd86
I've been wondering for a while now why they don't use the residual heat coming from the fuel to run either a thermocouple or a Stirling engine to run pumps to keep the core cool when they loose external power.

Does anyone here know?

Is it just that you can't put the components in a place that will work?

Does the reactors residual decay heat not give enough power for it to be effective?

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 2:54 pm
by mvanwink5
Spudd86,
Heat devices actually work on deltaT, so a heat sink is needed and heat flow must take place with heat rejected likely being twice heat converted to power.
Best regards

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 5:45 pm
by WizWom
theoretically, nuclear plants are able to use low-quality steam from waste heat to power their low pressure turbines, thus providing local power needs.
I've never heard of it actually being done, though.
However, Fukushima Daiichi's trouble was not lack of power so much as the flooded power rooms, which basically shorted out all electrical distribution.

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 5:55 pm
by zapkitty
WizWom wrote:Fukushima Daiichi's trouble was...
... the meltdowns in progress before the tsunami ever hit?