Patent ID: 8867691

Claim:
A system for isolating a nuclear power plant from effects of seismic action, comprising: an artificial lake formed as a depressed area in the ground surrounded by walls or banks to constrain a volume of water within the depressed area, the lake having a concrete reinforced bed, the walls or banks of the lake surrounded by a land-based support area; at least one source of water in liquid communication with the volume of water in the lake, the at least one source controlled to selectively release water into the lake to maintain the surface of the water in the lake at a selected level; at least one vessel floating on the surface of the volume of water; a plurality of shock absorbers connected to the at least one vessel and connected to the walls or banks, the shock absorbers dampening movement of the vessel with respect to the walls or banks; and a nuclear power plant constructed on the at least one vessel, the nuclear power plant including at least one cooling tower that receives cooling water from the lake and that releases heated water into the lake.