Self-powered wireless in-core detector
View Patent ↗A method and apparatus for monitoring a parameter in an irradiated environment and communicating a signal representative of the monitored parameter to a less caustic environment that employs a wireless transmitter that is powered by the irradiated environment. The power for the wireless transmitter is derived from a self-powered radiation detector disposed within the radioactive environment.
1. A method of transmitting a monitored parameter from a highly caustic irradiated environment in which a plurality of atoms are undergoing a fission reaction to a less caustic environment comprising the steps of:
monitoring the parameter indicative of a condition of the highly irradiated environment and generating a signal representative of the monitored parameter;
generating an electrical current at a location proximate the highly caustic irradiated environment, as a byproduct of the fission reaction;
using the electrical current to power a wireless transmitter; and
employing the wireless transmitter to wirelessly communicate the signal to the less caustic environment.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the generating step is powered by a self-powered radiation detector.
3. The method of claim 1 including the steps of:
powering the wireless transmitter from a rechargeable battery; and
recharging the rechargeable battery from a charger that derives its power from the irradiated environment.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the charger performing the recharging step is a self-powered radiation detector.
5. An in-core instrument thimble assembly for disposition in a core of a nuclear reactor, comprising:
a self-powered radiation detector assembly responsive to a radiation environment in which it is placed to generate an electric current representative of the strength of the radiation environment;
a wireless transmitter connected to the electric current for transmitting at least a portion of the electric current wirelessly to a less caustic environment; and
a power source for powering the wireless transmitter that derives its power from the radiation environment.
6. The in-core instrument thimble assembly of claim 5 wherein the self-powered radiation detector assembly includes a first self-powered radiation detector that supplies power to the power source.
7. The in-core instrument thimble assembly of claim 6 wherein the first self-powered radiation detector that supplies power to the power source also generates the electric current representative of the strength of the radiation environment.
8. The in-core instrument thimble assembly of claim 6 including a second self-powered radiation detector that generates the electric current representative of the strength of the radiation environment.
9. The in-core instrument thimble assembly of claim 5 wherein the power source comprises:
a rechargeable battery for powering the wireless transmitter; and
a charger connected to the rechargeable battery that derives its power from the irradiated environment.
10. The in-core instrument thimble assembly of claim 9 wherein the charger is a self-powered radiation detector.
11. A method of transmitting a monitored parameter from a highly caustic irradiated environment within a nuclear reactor in which a plurality of atoms are undergoing a fission reaction, to a less caustic environment comprising the steps of:
monitoring the parameter indicative of a condition of the highly irradiated environment and generating a signal representative of the monitored parameter;
generating an electrical current at a location proximate the highly caustic irradiated environment, the electrical current being generated by a self powered radiation detector as part of an in-core instrument thimble assembly, as by-product of the fission reaction;
using the electrical current to recharge a rechargeable battery powering a wireless transmitter; and
employing the wireless transmitter to wirelessly communicate the signal to the less caustic environment.