Lead cooled fast reactor system

Abstract

The application relates to a lead-cooled fast reactor system, which comprises a reactor core, a reactor vessel, a partition assembly, a main pump and a steam generator, the upper and lower sides of the reactor core are respectively provided with a coolant basket outlet for circulating coolant and a reactor core inlet, the reactor vessel comprises a vessel cylinder, the reactor core is arranged in the vessel cylinder and defines an annular cavity, the partition assembly divides the annular cavity into multiple chambers, the multiple chambers comprise an upper chamber, a middle chamber and a bottom chamber, the main pump and the steam generator are arranged in the annular cavity in a circumferential interval, the steam generator is provided with a primary coolant inlet and a primary coolant outlet, the main pump is provided with a main pump inlet and a main pump outlet, the coolant basket outlet and the primary coolant inlet are located in the upper chamber, the primary coolant outlet and the main pump inlet are located in the middle chamber, and the main pump outlet and the reactor core inlet are located in the bottom chamber. The structure of the lead-cooled fast reactor system of the embodiment of the application is reasonable, the cooling effect is good, and the reliability is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of nuclear reactor technology, and more specifically, to a lead-cooled fast reactor system. Background Technology

[0002] Both lead-bismuth cooled reactors and sodium-cooled fast reactors are liquid metal cooled reactors. International research and development began as early as the 1950s and 60s, and both are currently candidate reactor types for fourth-generation nuclear energy systems. Russia has over 80 reactor-years of experience operating lead-bismuth reactors in nuclear submarines, making it the only country in the world with such operational experience. As a fourth-generation reactor type, lead-bismuth reactors, due to their generally dual-loop arrangement, inherent safety, chemically inert coolant, and simplified safety and auxiliary systems, offer advantages such as miniaturization, transportability, and ease of maintenance, making them a promising and highly sought-after application area.

[0003] However, in related technologies, the structural design of lead-cooled fast reactor systems is unreasonable, the cooling effect of coolant circulation within the reactor vessel is poor, and the reliability during use is low. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art.

[0005] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention propose a lead-cooled fast reactor system with a reasonable structural design, good cooling effect, and high reliability during use.

[0006] An embodiment of the lead-cooled fast reactor system of the present invention includes: a reactor core, wherein a coolant basket outlet and a core inlet for circulating coolant are respectively provided on the upper and lower sides of the reactor core; a reactor vessel, wherein the reactor vessel includes a vessel cylinder, the reactor core is disposed in the vessel cylinder and defines an annular cavity, and coolant is disposed in the annular cavity and the reactor core; a baffle assembly, wherein the baffle assembly is disposed in the annular cavity to divide the annular cavity into a plurality of chambers, the plurality of chambers including an upper chamber, a middle chamber and a bottom chamber arranged sequentially from top to bottom; at least one main pump and at least one steam generator, wherein the main pump and the steam generator are arranged circumferentially spaced along the annular cavity, the steam generator having a primary coolant inlet and a primary coolant outlet for circulating coolant, the main pump having a main pump inlet and a main pump outlet for circulating coolant, the coolant basket outlet and the primary coolant inlet being located in the upper chamber, the primary coolant outlet and the main pump inlet being located in the middle chamber, and the main pump outlet and the core inlet being located in the bottom chamber.

[0007] The lead-cooled fast reactor system according to an embodiment of the present invention divides the annular cavity into multiple chambers for coolant circulation, employing a pipeless connection method for coolant circulation. This avoids safety accidents caused by pipe ruptures. Furthermore, because the coolant flows from bottom to top within the reactor core and from top to bottom within the annular cavity, it mitigates the unstable impact of gravity on the coolant and prevents problems such as rupture of the heat transfer tubes in the steam generator, thereby improving the core cooling efficiency and resulting in better core cooling performance. Therefore, the lead-cooled fast reactor system of the present invention has advantages such as reasonable structural design, good cooling effect, and high reliability during use.

[0008] In some embodiments, the partition assembly includes an upper partition and a bottom partition, the upper partition being disposed above the bottom partition, an upper chamber being located above the upper partition, a middle chamber being located between the upper partition and the bottom partition, and a bottom chamber being located below the bottom partition.

[0009] In some embodiments, the coolant basket outlet and the primary coolant inlet are both located on the upper side of the upper chamber.

[0010] In some embodiments, the primary coolant outlet is located on the lower side of the central chamber, and the main pump inlet is located on the upper side of the central chamber.

[0011] In some embodiments, the coolant basket outlet is a strip-shaped hole extending in the vertical direction, and there are multiple coolant basket outlets, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the reactor core; and / or, there are multiple primary coolant inlets and primary coolant outlets, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the steam generator.

[0012] In some embodiments, the main pump includes a pump casing, a drive motor, and an impeller. The drive motor is connected to the impeller and is located at the upper end of the container body. The main pump inlet and the main pump outlet are located on the pump casing. The impeller is located on the pump casing and is located in the area of ​​the middle chamber or the bottom chamber.

[0013] In some embodiments, an inert gas zone for containing inert gas is provided above the upper chamber.

[0014] In some embodiments, the height dimension of the upper chamber along the vertical direction is greater than the height dimensions of the middle chamber and the bottom chamber along the vertical direction.

[0015] In some embodiments, there are multiple main pumps and multiple steam generators, which are arranged at circumferential intervals along the annular cavity.

[0016] In some embodiments, the reactor vessel further includes a top cover, which is detachably disposed at the upper end of the vessel body to close the annular cavity. The lead-cooled fast reactor system further includes a support assembly, which includes an upper grid and a lower grid. The upper grid is disposed below the top cover and connected to the upper end of the reactor core, and the lower grid is disposed at the bottom of the vessel body and connected to the lower end of the reactor core. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a top cross-sectional view of the lead-cooled fast reactor system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross section of AA.

[0019] Figure label:

[0020] 1. Core; 11. Fuel rods; 12. Coolant basket; 121. Coolant basket outlet; 122. Core inlet;

[0021] 2. Reactor vessel; 21. Vessel shell; 211. Annular cavity; 2111. Upper chamber; 2112. Middle chamber; 2113. Bottom chamber; 212. Inert gas zone; 22. Top cover;

[0022] 3. Partition assembly; 31. Upper partition; 32. Bottom partition;

[0023] 4. Steam generator; 41. Primary coolant inlet; 42. Primary coolant outlet;

[0024] 5. Main pump; 51. Pump casing; 511. Main pump inlet; 512. Main pump outlet; 52. Drive motor; 53. Impeller;

[0025] 61. Upper grid; 62. Lower grid; 63. Core bottom support. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0027] The following is a reference appendix. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A lead-cooled fast reactor system according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the lead-cooled fast reactor system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a reactor core 1, a reactor vessel 2, a diaphragm assembly 3, at least one main pump 5, and at least one steam generator 4.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the core 1 has a coolant basket outlet 121 and a core inlet 122 on its upper and lower sides, respectively, for circulating coolant. For example, the coolant can be liquid lead coolant or liquid lead-bismuth coolant. The reactor vessel 2 includes a vessel shell 21, the core 1 is disposed within the vessel shell 21 and defines an annular cavity 211, the annular cavity 211 and the core 1 are filled with coolant, and a baffle assembly 3 is disposed within the annular cavity 211 to divide the annular cavity 211 into multiple chambers, the multiple chambers including an upper chamber 2111, a middle chamber 2112 and a bottom chamber 2113 arranged sequentially from top to bottom.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the main pump 5 and the steam generator 4 are arranged circumferentially at intervals along the annular cavity 211. For example, there are multiple main pumps 5 and multiple steam generators 4, arranged circumferentially at intervals along the annular cavity 211. The steam generator 4 has a primary coolant inlet 41 and a primary coolant outlet 42 for circulating coolant. The main pump 5 has a main pump inlet 511 and a main pump outlet 512 for circulating coolant. The coolant basket outlet 121 and the primary coolant inlet 41 are located in the upper cavity 2111, the primary coolant outlet 42 and the main pump inlet 511 are located in the middle cavity 2112, and the main pump outlet 512 and the core inlet 122 are located in the bottom cavity 2113.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the lead-cooled fast reactor system of the present invention, the main pump 5 can drive the coolant to move from bottom to top in the reactor core 1. Then the coolant is discharged from the coolant basket outlet 121 and enters the upper chamber 2111. The coolant in the upper chamber 2111 enters the steam generator 4 through the primary loop coolant inlet 41 for heat exchange. Then the cooled coolant is discharged from the primary loop coolant outlet 42 into the middle chamber 2112. The coolant in the middle chamber 2112 enters the main pump 5 through the main pump inlet 511. Then, under the driving action of the main pump 5, it is introduced into the bottom chamber 2113, so that the coolant in the bottom chamber 2113 can enter the reactor core 1 through the reactor core inlet 122, so that the coolant circulates between the reactor core 1 and the annular chamber 211.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the lead-cooled fast reactor system of the present invention, the coolant is circulated by dividing the annular cavity 211 into multiple chambers, i.e., by using a pipeless connection method. This avoids safety accidents caused by pipe rupture. Furthermore, since the coolant flows from bottom to top within the reactor core 1 and from top to bottom within the annular cavity 211, the unstable impact of the coolant under gravity can be mitigated, and problems such as the rupture of the heat transfer tubes of the steam generator 4 can be prevented, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the reactor core 1 and resulting in better cooling performance. Therefore, the lead-cooled fast reactor system of the present invention has advantages such as reasonable structural design, good cooling effect, and high reliability during use.

[0033] It is understood that the number of chambers within the annular cavity 211 can be three or more. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the number of chambers within the annular cavity 211 is three. The number of chambers can be selected according to design requirements, and this application does not limit this selection.

[0034] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the partition assembly 3 includes an upper partition 31 and a bottom partition 32. The upper partition 31 is positioned above the bottom partition 32. The upper chamber 2111 is located above the upper partition 31, the middle chamber 2112 is located between the upper partition 31 and the bottom partition 32, and the bottom chamber 2113 is located below the bottom partition 32. It is understood that both the upper partition 31 and the bottom partition 32 are horizontally placed partitions, dividing the annular cavity 211 into three adjacent chambers: the upper chamber 2111, the middle chamber 2112, and the bottom chamber 2113. The lead-cooled fast reactor system of this embodiment, by configuring the partition assembly 3 with the above structure, facilitates the manufacturing and processing of the lead-cooled fast reactor system and achieves better performance.

[0035] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the reactor core 1 includes fuel rods 11 and a basket 12. Multiple fuel rods 11 are spaced apart within the basket 12, and the basket 12 defines an annular cavity 211 between itself and the container shell 21. The core inlet 122 and the coolant basket outlet 121 are arranged vertically on the basket 12. The main pump 5 and the steam generator 4 both pass through the upper partition 31 from top to bottom and enter the middle chamber 2112. The inner peripheral wall of the upper partition 31 abuts against the outer peripheral wall of the basket 12, and the outer peripheral wall of the upper partition 31 abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the container shell 21. The lower ends of the main pump 5 and the steam generator 4 abut against the bottom partition 32, and the bottom partition 32 has corresponding holes for communication between the main pump outlet 512 and the bottom chamber 2113.

[0036] Optionally, such as Figure 2As shown, the coolant basket outlet 121 and the primary coolant inlet 41 are both located on the upper side of the upper chamber 2111. Because both the coolant basket outlet 121 and the primary coolant inlet 41 are located on the upper side of the upper chamber 2111, the coolant in the upper chamber 2111 can flow from top to bottom, thereby optimizing the coolant flow path and resulting in better cooling performance of the lead-cooled fast reactor system. For example, the coolant basket outlet 121 is a strip-shaped hole extending in the vertical direction, and there are multiple coolant basket outlets 121, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the reactor core 1. There are also multiple primary coolant inlets 41 and primary coolant outlets 42, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the steam generator 4.

[0037] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the primary coolant outlet 42 is located on the lower side of the central chamber 2112, and the main pump inlet 511 is located on the upper side of the central chamber 2112. Thus, the coolant, after heat exchange with the steam generator 4, is discharged into the bottom of the central chamber 2112 through the primary coolant outlet 42. Then, the coolant flows upward against gravity and enters the main pump 5 through the main pump inlet 511. By arranging the primary coolant outlet 42 and the main pump inlet 511 in the above manner, the lead-cooled fast reactor system of this embodiment ensures a smooth coolant flushing process during startup and shutdown, thereby making the operation of the lead-cooled fast reactor system more reliable.

[0038] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the height of the upper chamber 2111 in the vertical direction is greater than that of the middle chamber 2112 and the bottom chamber 2113 in the vertical direction. In other words, the height of the upper chamber 2111 is higher than that of the middle chamber 2112 and the bottom chamber 2113. By setting the heights of the upper chamber 2111, the middle chamber 2112, and the bottom chamber 2113 to the above-described structure, the lead-cooled fast reactor system of this embodiment can optimize the coolant circulation path and improve the cooling effect.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the main pump 5 includes a pump casing 51, a drive motor 52, and an impeller 53. The drive motor 52 is connected to the impeller 53 and is located at the upper end of the reactor core 21. The main pump inlet 511 and the main pump outlet 512 are located on the pump casing 51. The impeller 53 is located on the pump casing 51 and is situated within the middle chamber 2112 or the bottom chamber 2113. It can be understood that the pump casing 51 extends from top to bottom through the upper chamber 2111 and the middle chamber 2112. The drive motor 52 is located at the top of the reactor core 21, and its drive shaft extends downwards and is connected to the impeller 53. The impeller 53 drives the coolant to enter through the main pump inlet 511 and exit through the main pump outlet 512. Since the impeller 53 is located within the middle chamber 2112 or the bottom chamber 2113, that is, the impeller 53 is located at the inlet of the reactor core 1. In other words, the impeller 53 is located at the cold end of the entire coolant system, which can reduce the working environment of the main pump 5, reduce equipment requirements, and thus extend the service life of the equipment.

[0040] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, an inert gas zone 212 for containing inert gas is provided above the upper chamber 2111. In other words, the steam generator 4 is connected to the upper inert gas zone, and the density difference between the inert gas and liquid lead (lead bismuth) is used to mitigate the problem of pipe rupture in the steam generator 4. For example, the steam generator 4 can be a coil heat exchanger.

[0041] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the reactor vessel 2 also includes a top cover 22, which is detachably mounted on the upper end of the vessel shell 21 to enclose the annular cavity 211. The lead-cooled fast reactor system also includes a support assembly, which includes an upper grid 61 and a lower grid 62. The upper grid 61 is located below the top cover 22 and connected to the upper end of the core 1, while the lower grid 62 is located at the bottom of the vessel shell 21 and connected to the lower end of the core 1. It is understood that the upper grid 61 supports the upper end of the fuel rods 11, and the lower grid 62 supports the lower end of the fuel rods 11. The support assembly also includes a core bottom support 63, which is located at the bottom of the vessel shell 21 and connected to the lower end of the core 1. Furthermore, since the coolant surrounds the outer periphery of the core 1, it provides buoyancy support for the core 1. The support structure of the lead-cooled fast reactor system in the embodiments of the present invention adopts a device fixing form of top fixing + buoyancy support + partition component support, which can effectively simplify the support mechanism in the pool and improve the stability of the core 1 support in the lead-cooled fast reactor system.

[0042] In summary, the lead-cooled fast reactor system of this invention optimizes the coolant flow channel arrangement by setting the container shell 21 as a pool-type structure and dividing the annular cavity 211 into sections, resulting in a simpler and more compact structure. Furthermore, since the annular cavity 211 has multiple chambers, it can be used for distributing the flow of liquid lead (lead-bismuth), mitigating the unstable impact of liquid lead (lead-bismuth) under gravity, and preventing rupture accidents of the heat transfer tubes of the steam generator 4.

[0043] Furthermore, since the coolant flows within the annular cavity 211 using a pipe-free connection, accidents caused by pipe rupture are avoided. Moreover, the coolant flow field within the annular cavity 211 employs a multi-segment anti-gravity buffer zone design, ensuring a smooth coolant flushing process during startup and shutdown of the lead-cooled fast reactor system.

[0044] Furthermore, the support structure of the lead-cooled fast reactor system in the embodiments of the present invention adopts a device fixing form of top fixing + buoyancy support + partition component support, which can effectively simplify the support mechanism in the pool and improve the stability of the core 1 support in the lead-cooled fast reactor system.

[0045] Furthermore, the lead-cooled fast reactor system of the present invention can effectively reduce the operating requirements of the main pump 5 and extend the service life of the main pump 5 by arranging the impeller 53 of the main pump 5 at the cold end of the main coolant system.

[0046] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0047] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0048] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0050] In this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0051] Although the above embodiments have been shown and described, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Any changes, modifications, substitutions and variations made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lead-cooled fast reactor system, characterized in that, include: The reactor core has a coolant basket outlet and a reactor core inlet on its upper and lower sides, respectively, for circulating coolant. A reactor vessel, the reactor vessel including a vessel cylinder, the reactor core disposed within the vessel cylinder and defining an annular cavity, the annular cavity and the reactor core being provided with coolant; A partition assembly is disposed within the annular cavity to divide the annular cavity into multiple chambers, the multiple chambers including an upper chamber, a middle chamber and a bottom chamber arranged sequentially from top to bottom; At least one main pump and at least one steam generator are arranged circumferentially spaced along the annular cavity. The steam generator has a primary coolant inlet and a primary coolant outlet for circulating coolant. The main pump has a main pump inlet and a main pump outlet for circulating coolant. The coolant basket outlet and the primary coolant inlet are located in the upper cavity. The primary coolant outlet and the main pump inlet are located in the middle cavity. The main pump outlet and the core inlet are located in the bottom cavity.

2. The lead-cooled fast reactor system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The partition assembly includes an upper partition and a bottom partition. The upper partition is disposed above the bottom partition, the upper chamber is located above the upper partition, the middle chamber is located between the upper partition and the bottom partition, and the bottom chamber is located below the bottom partition.

3. The lead-cooled fast reactor system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coolant basket outlet and the primary coolant inlet are both located on the upper side of the upper chamber.

4. The lead-cooled fast reactor system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The primary coolant outlet is located on the lower side of the central chamber, and the main pump inlet is located on the upper side of the central chamber.

5. The lead-cooled fast reactor system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coolant basket outlet is a strip-shaped hole extending in the vertical direction. There are multiple coolant basket outlets, and the multiple coolant basket outlets are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the reactor core. And / or, there are multiple primary coolant inlets and outlets, and they are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the steam generator.

6. The lead-cooled fast reactor system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main pump includes a pump casing, a drive motor, and an impeller. The drive motor is connected to the impeller and is located at the upper end of the container body. The main pump inlet and the main pump outlet are located on the pump casing. The impeller is located on the pump casing and is located in the area of ​​the middle chamber or the bottom chamber.

7. The lead-cooled fast reactor system according to claim 1, characterized in that, An inert gas zone for containing inert gas is provided above the upper chamber.

8. The lead-cooled fast reactor system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height dimension of the upper chamber along the vertical direction is greater than the height dimension of the middle chamber and the bottom chamber along the vertical direction.

9. The lead-cooled fast reactor system according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple main pumps and multiple steam generators, which are arranged at circumferential intervals along the annular cavity.

10. The lead-cooled fast reactor system according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The reactor vessel also includes a top cover, which is detachably disposed at the upper end of the vessel body to close the annular cavity. The lead-cooled fast reactor system also includes a support assembly, which includes an upper grid and a lower grid. The upper grid is disposed on the lower side of the top cover and connected to the upper end of the reactor core, and the lower grid is disposed at the bottom of the vessel body and connected to the lower end of the reactor core.

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