Compact space reactor core structure suitable for passive starting

Abstract

The invention discloses a compact space reactor core structure suitable for passive starting. The compact space reactor core structure is composed of a fuel area and an external structure. The fuel area consists of a fuel rod, a control rod and a coolant; the fuel area is divided into an inner area and an outer area, and neutron poison with a certain mass fraction is dispersed in the fuel in the inner area and used for flattening radial power distribution; the fuel rod adopts high-concentration uranium dioxide fuel and a high-temperature-resistant molybdenum alloy cladding; the external structure is composed of radial reflecting layers, coolant channels and a source range detector which are alternately arranged, and the radial reflecting layers are used for reflecting neutrons leaked from a reactor core on one hand and acting with protons or alpha particles in a cosmic space to generate neutrons on the other hand when the reactor is started, so that the initial neutron fluence level is improved; sensitive 3He proportional counter tubes are selected as the source range detectors, and the four source range detectors are arranged on the inner side of the metal beryllium in a 90-degree symmetry mode in the radial direction. On the whole, the space reactor core has the characteristics of compact structure and convenience in monitoring.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of nuclear reactor engineering, in particular to a compact space reactor core structure suitable for passive starting. Background technique [0002] As one of the best options for solving the energy supply problem of spacecraft in deep space and dark environment, space reactor has the characteristics of compact structure, high power density, long life span and strong environmental adaptability. Common space reactor types include gas-cooled fast reactors, liquid metal-cooled reactors, and heat pipe reactors. Compared with other types of thermoelectric conversion systems, gas-cooled fast reactors with direct Brayton cycle systems have higher cycle efficiency and Smaller system weight and volume. The design of the space reactor core usually requires that the core volume be compressed as much as possible without sacrificing the power capability of the core, so as to improve the propulsion performance of the spa...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, this passive starting method puts forward new requirements for the choice of reactor fuel arrangement and reflector material

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