Patent ID: 6813328
Filing Date: 2004-11-02
Classification: F04D,G21C,Y02E

Abstract:
A nuclear reactor comprising a reactor vessel, nuclear fuel, a plurality of control rods, reactor coolant, at least one steam generator, a first pipe penetrating a wall of said reactor vessel and connected to a first inlet of said steam generator and at least one reactor coolant pump including a motor, said pump connected to a second inlet of said steam generator, wherein said nuclear fuel, said control rods, said reactor coolant, said steam generator and said reactor coolant pump including said motor are all located inside said reactor vessel, said pump comprising:a housing; an annular stator disposed in said housing and having a generally cylindrical passage extending therethrough and a plurality of stator windings, said stator having energizing means for electrically connecting a source of electrical power to said plurality of stator windings; an axial flow impeller assembly rotatably mounted in said generally cylindrical passage in said stator, said impeller assembly comprising an impeller and a sealed rotor mounted around the perimeter of said impeller and positioned inside said stator to form an electric motor, the operation of which rotates said impeller to produce a pressurized flow of fluid through said generally cylindrical passage; at least one radial bearing mounted between said impeller assembly and said housing; a thrust bearing mounted between said impeller assembly and said housing and located downstream from said rotor; a shaft centrally positioned in said generally cylindrical passage in said housing and secured to said rotor; said impeller assembly rotatably supported by said shaft; and insulation material disposed within said stator, said insulation material comprising a plurality of solid pieces of mica, glass and ceramic insulation tightly packed within said stator.