That is the same question I asked myself when the problem first came up. I concluded that a scram most likely was necessary since the output of the reactor is normally many times the requirement to supply the backup equipment load. I suspect that it would be extremely difficult to back the power output downward enough without loosing system stability. In fact, the power resulting just from the nuclear decay elements might exceed the load required with no ability to dissipate the excess energy safely. One might wonder if the left over heat could be deposited within the inlet water as long as the pumps were operating. I suppose that it might have been possible had the personnel at the reactors been trained to handle the problem in that manner.
I am afraid that time is their worst enemy when a crisis such as this arises unless everyone is trained for exactly this scenario. Someone more familiar with reduced output operation of a reactor might know the answers to our questions. Dave -----Original Message----- From: mixent <[email protected]> To: vortex-l <[email protected]> Sent: Fri, Nov 23, 2012 5:17 pm Subject: Re: [Vo]:Michio Kaku: One solar flare could bring many Fukushimas In reply to David Roberson's message of Fri, 23 Nov 2012 14:53:25 -0500 (EST): Hi, [snip] >Vrol, the insertion of the rods does in fact kill the chain reaction as you suspect. The problem is that energy continues to be released by the highly radioactive elements that reside within the active reactor. This heat is adequate to cause a meltdown if not removed. > > >Dave ...all of this makes me wonder if it might be safer NOT to scram the reactor. That way it can continue to provide power itself to power it's own auxiliary equipment. Regards, Robin van Spaandonk http://rvanspaa.freehostia.com/project.html
