Finite Element Method Analysis of Rectangular-type DC Electromagnetic Pump for Active Heat Decay Removal system of Prototype Gen-IV Sodium Fast Reactor

Abstract

A rectangular-type direct current (DC) electromagnetic pump was analyzed for an active heat decay removal system (ADHRS) of prototype Gen-IV sodium fast reactor (PGSRF) with finite element method (FEM). The pump for the circulation of sodium in the ADHRS requires the developed pressure of 2 kPa and flowrate of 0.02 m3/s at a temperature of 499 K. The DC electromagnetic pump produce the developed pressure from Lorentz’s force by the vector product of the current density and magnetic flux density unlike mechanical pumps for the circulation of sodium. The advantages of electromagnetic pumps are no moving and sealing parts while eliminating the possibility of liquid-metal leak. Therefore, ADHRS, where the liquid sodium with high electrical conductivity and strong chemical reaction property flows, considers the electromagnetic pump to remove active decay heat. The DC electromagnetic pump is analyzed by finite element method in order to figure out distribution of current density and magnetic flux density. In conclusion, the design variables of DC electromagnetic pump for ADHRS is optimized.