Research on Cylindrical Linear Induction Motor for Drive Mechanism

The control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) is a kind of servo mechanism for the reactor control system of the nuclear power plant. This paper presents a cylindrical linear induction motor suitable for the CRDM. First, the structure of the CRDM is introduced. Second, the relationship between the main dimensions and the electromagnetic load is derived. Third, the influence of materials of the mover shielding shell, speed, and electromagnetic parameters on the lifting force is analyzed by the finite-element method (FEM). Meanwhile, the steady-state temperature of each component of the CRDM is obtained. Finally, a scaled-down prototype is manufactured to verify the rationality of the design. The test results show that the FEM results are consistent with the experimental results, and the essential functions such as lifting, lower insertion, and maintenance can be realized.