power supply

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application relates to the technical field of device for generating electric energy by fusion or fission reaction, and particularly relates to a power supply, which comprises a reactor and a heat pipe, the reactor generates heat, and the heat pipe conducts the heat out; a heat exchanger, the heat pipe exchanges heat with the heat exchanger; and a power generation system, the power generation system generates power by using the heat conducted out by the heat exchanger. The heat pipe has an evaporation part, an adiabatic part and a condensation part, the evaporation part is arranged inside the reactor, the adiabatic part is arranged between the evaporation part and the condensation part, and the condensation part extends out of the reactor from two ends of the adiabatic part, wherein the evaporation part is located between the two adiabatic parts. By using the power supply in the embodiment of the present application, the heat of the reactor can be conducted out by two ends of the heat pipe, double-end heat transfer is realized, the heat transfer efficiency of the heat pipe and the power level of the reactor core are improved, the amount of the heat pipe is reduced, thereby the volume and mass of the whole reactor are reduced, and the mobile application of the reactor is more facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to the technical field of devices for generating electrical energy through fusion or fission reactions, and more specifically to a power supply. Background Technology

[0002] The statements herein are provided merely as background information in relation to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Currently, the increasing energy demand in remote areas far from the power grid has created a significant need for power sources that can be flexibly deployed and have long endurance. Compared to traditional loop reactors, heat pipe reactors utilize heat pipes instead of coolant to remove heat generated by the reactor. They offer numerous advantages, including being passive, requiring no pressure loop, having a long service life, being simple, and highly reliable, making them a key candidate for flexible, high-power, and long-endurance power sources. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A brief overview of this application is provided below to offer a basic understanding of certain aspects thereof. It should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive summary of the application. It is not intended to identify key or essential parts of the application, nor is it intended to limit its scope. Its purpose is merely to present certain concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a power source comprising: a reactor and a heat pipe, wherein the reactor generates heat and the heat pipe conducts heat out; a heat exchanger, wherein the heat pipe exchanges heat with the heat exchanger; and a power generation system, wherein the power generation system uses the heat conducted by the heat exchanger to generate electricity; wherein the heat pipe has an evaporation section, an insulation section, and a condensation section, the evaporation section being disposed inside the reactor, the insulation section being disposed between the evaporation section and the condensation section, and the condensation section extending from both ends of the insulation section outward from the reactor, wherein the evaporation section is located between the two insulation sections.

[0006] In the embodiments of the present invention, the power supply is configured with a heat pipe having an evaporation section, an insulation section, and a condensation section. The condensation section extends from both ends of the insulation section outward from the reactor, allowing the heat of the reactor to be discharged from both ends of the heat pipe, thus achieving double-end heat transfer. This improves heat transfer efficiency and the power level of the reactor core, reduces the number of heat pipes used, thereby reducing the overall volume and mass of the reactor and making it more suitable for mobile applications. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the invention.

[0008] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power supply according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat pipe along its axial direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a heat pipe along its radial direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a safe heat transfer heat pipe along its axial direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a safe heat transfer heat pipe along its radial direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0014] 10. Reactor; 11. Core; 111. Fuel rod; 20. Heat pipe; 21, 71. Shell and tube; 22, 72. Suction core; 23, 74. Connector; 24. Crescent channel; 201, 701. Evaporator; 202, 702. Insulation section; 203, 703. Condenser; 30. Heat exchanger; 40. Power generation system; 50. Shielding component; 60. Decay heat removal heat exchanger; 70. Safety heat transfer heat pipe; 73. Two main channels; 80. First pipeline; 90. Second pipeline.

[0015] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are shown only in a schematic manner without affecting the reader's understanding. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity and brevity, not all features of actual implementations are described in the specification. However, it should be understood that many implementation-specific decisions must be made in the development of any such actual embodiment to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with constraints related to the system and business, and these constraints may vary depending on the implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that while development work can be very complex and time-consuming, such development work is merely a routine task for those skilled in the art who benefit from the content of this application.

[0017] It should also be noted that, in order to avoid obscuring the invention with unnecessary details, only the device structure and / or processing steps closely related to the solution according to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, while other details that are not closely related to the invention are omitted.

[0018] The inventors of this invention have discovered that most heat pipes installed in traditional heat pipe reactor power supplies are single-end heat transfer devices. However, since the heat transfer power of heat pipes is limited, a large number of heat pipes need to be installed in order to meet the heat transfer requirements of the reactor core. This can easily lead to an increase in the overall volume and mass of the reactor, as well as a limitation on the output power level of the reactor core.

[0019] Based on this, embodiments of the present invention provide a power supply, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the power source includes a reactor 10, a heat pipe 20, a heat exchanger 30, and a power generation system 40. The reactor 10 generates heat, the heat pipe 20 conducts heat transfer, the heat pipe 20 exchanges heat with the heat exchanger 30, and the power generation system 40 uses the heat transferred from the heat exchanger 30 to generate electricity. The heat pipe 20 has an evaporation section 201, an insulation section 202, and a condensation section 203. The evaporation section 201 is located inside the reactor 10, the insulation section 202 is located between the evaporation section 201 and the condensation section 203, and the condensation section 203 extends from both ends of the insulation section 202 outward from the reactor 10. The evaporation section 201 is located between the two insulation sections 202.

[0020] In the embodiments of the present invention, the power supply is configured such that the heat pipe 20 has an evaporation section 201, an insulation section 202, and a condensation section 203, with the condensation section 203 extending from both ends of the insulation section 202 outward from the reactor, so that the heat of the reactor 10 can be discharged from both ends of the heat pipe 20, realizing double-end heat transfer, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency and the power level of the reactor core, reducing the amount of heat pipe 20 used, thereby reducing the overall volume and mass of the reactor 10, and making it more conducive to the mobile application of the reactor 10.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the power source also includes a safety heat transfer pipe 70, which is disposed between the heat pipes 20. The safety heat transfer pipe 70 has an evaporation section 701, an insulation section 702, and a condensation section 703. The evaporation section 701 is disposed inside the reactor 10, and the insulation section 702 is disposed between the evaporation section 701 and the condensation section 703. The condensation section 703 extends from both ends of the insulation section 702 outward from the reactor 10. The evaporation section 701 is located between the two insulation sections 702, so that the heat of the reactor core 11 can also be discharged through the condensation sections 703 at both ends of the safety heat transfer pipe 70. At the same time, it can discharge the decay heat of the core 11 when the reactor 10 is tilted during movement or when it is tilted due to other reasons, thereby ensuring the safety of the reactor 10.

[0022] like Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, the reactor includes a core 11, and the evaporation section 201 of the heat pipe 20 is disposed within the core 11 through mounting holes in the core 11, so that the heat from the core 11 is transferred to the condensation sections 203 at both ends of the heat pipe 20 by absorbing heat through the evaporation of the working fluid within the evaporation section 201. Similarly, the evaporation section 701 of the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 is disposed within the core 11 through mounting holes in the core 11, so that the heat from the core 11 is transferred to the condensation sections 703 at both ends of the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 by absorbing heat through the evaporation of the working fluid within the evaporation section 701.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the power supply also includes a heat exchanger 30. Two heat exchangers 30 are provided: condenser sections 203 at both ends of the heat pipe 20 and condenser sections 703 at both ends of the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70. These are respectively installed in the two heat exchangers 30 through mounting holes. After the heat from the reactor core 11 is conducted from the evaporator section 201 of the heat pipe 20 to the condenser sections 203 at both ends of the heat pipe 20, the working fluid in the condenser section 203 condenses and releases heat, transferring the heat to the gaseous working fluid in the heat exchanger 30. Similarly, after the heat from the reactor core 11 is conducted from the evaporator section 701 of the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 to the condenser sections 703 at both ends of the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70, the working fluid in the condenser section 703 condenses and releases heat, transferring the heat to the gaseous working fluid in the heat exchanger 30. This allows the heat from the reactor core 11 of the reactor 10 to be conducted to the heat exchanger 30.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the power source also includes a power generation system 40, which generates electricity by utilizing the heat absorbed by the gaseous working fluid inside the heat exchanger 30 after heat exchange with the heat pipe 20 and the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70. For example, the power generation system can be an open-loop air Brayton power generation system, or a supercritical carbon dioxide closed-loop Brayton power generation system that meets the concealment requirements.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the power source further includes a first conduit 80 and a second conduit 90. The first conduit 80 is used to transfer the gaseous working fluid, after absorbing heat in the heat exchanger 30, to the power generation system 40, whereby the power generation system 40 converts the heat of the gaseous working fluid into electrical energy. The second conduit 90 is used to transfer the heat-released gaseous working fluid from the power generation system 40 back to the heat exchanger 30 for continued heat exchange with the heat pipe 20 and the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70, thereby forming a circulation of the gaseous working fluid.

[0026] like Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, fuel rods 111 are provided inside the core 11. The lengths of the evaporation sections 201 of the heat pipe 20 and 701 of the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 are the same as the length of the fuel rods 111, so that the heat released by the fuel rods 111 can be quickly absorbed by the evaporation sections 201 of the heat pipe 20 and 701 of the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency of the heat pipe 20 and the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the power supply also includes a shield 50, which is disposed on both sides of the reactor core 11. The insulating portion 202 of the heat pipe 20 is correspondingly disposed with the shield 50, and the condensing portion 203 of the heat pipe 20 is configured to extend outward from the side of the decay heat export heat exchanger 60 near the reactor core. Similarly, the insulating portion 702 of the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 is correspondingly disposed with the shield 50, and the condensing portion 703 of the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 is configured to extend outward from the side of the decay heat export heat exchanger 60 near the reactor core. In this embodiment, by providing the shield 50, radiation from the reactor core 11 of the reactor 10 is blocked, providing radiation protection for the devices and components in the power supply disposed on the side of the shield 50 away from the reactor core 11.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the power supply also includes a decay heat removal heat exchanger 60, which is configured to remove the decay heat generated by the core 11, i.e., the heat from the heat pipe 20 and the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70, when the reactor is shut down or under accident conditions, so as to ensure the safe operation of the reactor 10.

[0029] In some embodiments, the insulating portion 202 of the heat pipe 20 is configured to extend outward from both sides of the core 11 to the side of the decay heat export heat exchanger 60 near the core 11, corresponding to the position of the shield 50. Similarly, the insulating portion 702 of the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 is configured to extend outward from both sides of the core 11 to the side of the decay heat export heat exchanger 60 near the core 11, corresponding to the position of the shield 50.

[0030] In some embodiments, two decay heat conduction heat exchangers 60 are provided, each disposed between the shield 50 and the heat exchanger 30. The condensation portions 203 at both ends of the heat pipe 20 pass through the mounting holes of the two decay heat conduction heat exchangers 60 and extend towards the two heat exchangers 30. Similarly, the condensation portions 703 at both ends of the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 pass through the mounting holes of the two decay heat conduction heat exchangers 60 and extend towards the two heat exchangers 30.

[0031] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the heat pipe 20 includes a shell 21 and a wick 22. The shell 21 forms a cavity for containing the heat-conducting working fluid, and the wick 22 is disposed on the inner wall of the shell 21 so that the working fluid in the heat pipe 20 can circulate between the evaporation section 201, the insulation section 202, and the condensation section 203. Specifically, when the evaporation section 201 of the heat pipe 20 absorbs heat from the core 11, the working fluid vaporizes into a gaseous state through the wick 22 and moves to the condensation section 203 through the insulation section 202. In the condensation section 203, it exchanges heat with the heat exchanger 30 and condenses into a liquid state. It then returns to the evaporation section 201 through the wick 22 and the crescent-shaped channel 24 between the shell 21 and the wick 22, thereby forming a circulation of the working fluid within the heat pipe 20.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the wick 22 is formed by fixing multiple wick segments 22 together. The heat pipe 20 used in this embodiment, which is capable of heat transfer at both ends, is longer than the traditional heat pipe with heat transfer at one end. Therefore, it is necessary to fix multiple wick segments 22 together to meet the length requirements of the wick 22 of the heat pipe 20 with heat transfer at both ends, so as to ensure the heat transfer capacity and heat transfer efficiency of the heat pipe 20.

[0033] Furthermore, the number of segments in the absorbent core 22 is determined based on the manufacturing process of the absorbent core 22 and the required length of the absorbent core 22 for the heat pipe 20. For example, the absorbent core 22 can be formed by fixing two or three absorbent core segments 22 together.

[0034] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the heat pipe 20 further includes connectors 23, which are arranged in multiple ways for fixing multiple wicking segments 22 together to form wicking segments 22 of a length suitable for heat transfer at both ends of the heat pipe 20. For example, the multiple wicking segments 22 can be fixed by welding to the multiple connectors 23.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the connector 23 can be configured as an annular shape, and its outer diameter is configured to match the inner diameter of the absorbent core 22, so that the connector 23 can be securely connected to the absorbent core 22. Specifically, when fixing multiple absorbent cores 22 together using the connector 23, the absorbent cores 22 to be connected can be inserted into the connector 23 from both ends and fixedly connected to the connector 23 by spot welding, so as to form absorbent cores 22 with a length suitable for the heat pipe 20 with double-ended heat transfer. For example, the connector 23 can be configured with a wall thickness of 1-2 mm and a length of 40-50 mm.

[0036] like Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the cross-section of the gap between the shell 21 and the wick 22 is set to crescent shape to form a crescent-shaped channel 24, so as to provide a larger reflux channel for the working fluid to flow back from the condenser 203 to the evaporator 201, thereby increasing the working fluid reflux rate and reflux efficiency, thereby increasing the heat transfer of the heat pipe 20 in its axial direction, and thus reducing the amount of heat pipe 20 used, making the overall structure of the reactor more compact and reducing its volume and mass.

[0037] In this embodiment, during reactor shutdown or accident conditions, the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 and heat pipe 20 jointly absorb the decay heat of the reactor core 11, and the heat from the working fluid inside the heat pipe 20 and safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 is discharged through the decay heat export heat exchanger 60 to ensure the safe operation of the reactor 10. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 includes a shell 71, a wick 72, and two main channels 73. The shell 71 forms a cavity for containing the heat-conducting working fluid. The wick 72 is disposed on the inner wall of the shell 71. The two main channels 73 are symmetrically arranged inside the wick 72, so that the working fluid in the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 can circulate between the evaporation section 701, the insulation section 702, and the condensation section 703. The circulation principle is the same as that of the heat pipe 20, except that the return channels for the working fluid from the condensation section 703 to the evaporation section 701 are two main channels 73, which will not be elaborated here. At the same time, the arrangement of the two main channels 73 allows the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 to still conduct heat from the core 11 when it is in an inclined state, thereby ensuring that the heat transfer performance of the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 remains unchanged in the inclined state, and thus ensuring the safety performance of the reactor when it tilts during movement, transportation, or other situations.

[0038] Specifically, since the gap between the shell 21 and the wick 22 of the heat pipe 20 is a crescent-shaped cross section, a crescent-shaped channel 24 is formed that allows the working fluid to flow back from the condenser 203 to the evaporator 201. However, the crescent-shaped channel 24 is relatively large and cannot overcome the influence of gravity on the internal working fluid recirculation. Therefore, heat transfer can only be carried out when the heat pipe 20 is in a horizontal state. When the heat pipe 20 is in an inclined state, the heat pipe 20 will lose its heat transfer capability.

[0039] Therefore, the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 is provided with two main channels 73. By symmetrically arranging the two main channels 73 inside the liquid absorber 72, a return channel for the working fluid is provided, while overcoming the influence of gravity on the return of the working fluid inside. This ensures that the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 can still transfer heat when it is in an inclined state, thereby enabling the removal of the decay heat of the reactor core during reactor movement or when it is in an inclined state due to other reasons, thus ensuring the safety of the reactor.

[0040] like Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the wick 72 is formed by fixing multiple wicks 72 together to meet the length requirements of the wick 72 of the double-ended heat transfer safety heat pipe 70, thereby ensuring the heat transfer and heat transfer efficiency of the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70.

[0041] Furthermore, the number of segments in the absorbent core 72 is determined based on the manufacturing process of the absorbent core 72 and the required length of the absorbent core 72 for the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70. For example, the absorbent core 72 can be formed by fixing two or three absorbent core segments 72 together.

[0042] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the safe heat transfer heat pipe 70 further includes connectors 74, which are arranged in multiple configurations for fixing multiple wicking segments 72 together to form wicking segments 72 of a length suitable for double-ended heat transfer in the safe heat transfer heat pipe 70. For example, the multiple wicking segments 72 can be fixed by welding to the multiple connectors 74.

[0043] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the connector 74 can be configured as an annular shape, with its outer diameter matching the inner diameter of the absorbent core 72, allowing the connector 74 to be securely connected to the absorbent core 72. Simultaneously, the connector 74 is configured to have through holes at its connection points with the two main channels 73, the size of which matches the outer diameter of the two main channels 73, allowing the connector 74 to be fixed to the outside of the two main channels 73 for protection. Specifically, when fixing multiple absorbent core segments 72 together using the connector 74, the absorbent cores 72 to be connected can be inserted into the connector 74 from both ends and fixedly connected to the connector 74 by spot welding, forming absorbent cores 72 with a length suitable for the double-ended heat transfer safety heat pipe 70. For example, the connector 74 can be configured with a wall thickness of 1-2 mm and a length of 40-50 mm.

[0044] In some embodiments, the internal working fluid, shell 21, wick 22, and connector 23 of the heat pipe 20, and the internal working fluid, shell 71, wick 72, two main channels 73, and connector 74 of the safe heat transfer heat pipe 70 are made of materials that can simultaneously meet the requirements of radiation resistance, operating temperature requirements, and compatibility principles.

[0045] In some embodiments, when the evaporation section 201 of the heat pipe 20 and the evaporation section 701 of the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 are disposed within the core 11 through the mounting holes of the core 11, they can be fixedly connected to the core 11 by vacuum brazing to ensure the structural integrity of the heat pipe 20 and the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70, prevent pipe deformation, reduce the thermal resistance between the heat pipe 20 and the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 and the core 11, and improve heat transfer efficiency. In other embodiments, when the insulation section 202 and the condensation section 203 of the heat pipe 20 and the insulation section 702 and the condensation section 703 of the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 pass through the mounting holes of the shield 50, the decay heat export heat exchanger 60, and the heat exchanger 30, respectively, the connection method between the heat pipe 20 and the safety heat transfer heat pipe 70 and the mounting holes can be diffusion welding to ensure the stability and reliability of the connection.

[0046] Regarding the embodiments of the present invention, it should also be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0047] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. The scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A power source, comprising: A reactor and heat pipes, wherein the reactor generates heat and the heat pipes dissipate the heat. A heat exchanger, wherein the heat pipe exchanges heat with the heat exchanger. A power generation system that uses the heat exported from the heat exchanger to generate electricity, characterized in that... The heat pipe has an evaporation section, an insulation section, and a condensation section. The evaporation section is disposed inside the reactor. The insulation section is disposed between the evaporation section and the condensation section. The condensation section extends from both ends of the insulation section outward from the reactor. The evaporation section is located between the two insulation sections. The evaporation section, the insulation section, and the condensation section enable the heat from the reactor to be discharged from both ends of the heat pipe.

2. The power supply according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reactor includes a core, and the evaporation section of the heat pipe is disposed within the core through mounting holes in the core.

3. The power supply according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reactor core is equipped with fuel rods, and the length of the evaporation section is the same as the length of the fuel rods.

4. The power supply according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes shielding components, which are disposed on both sides of the core. The insulating portion of the heat pipe is disposed corresponding to the shielding components, and the condensing portion of the heat pipe is configured to extend outward from the side of the heat exchanger near the core, where decay heat is discharged.

5. The power supply according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a decay heat removal heat exchanger, which is configured to remove the decay heat generated by the reactor core when the reactor is shut down or during an accident.

6. The power supply according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat pipe includes: The shell forms a cavity for containing the heat-conducting working fluid; A liquid suction core is disposed on the inner wall of the tube shell.

7. The power supply according to claim 6, characterized in that, The liquid-absorbing core is composed of multiple liquid-absorbing core segments fixedly connected together.

8. The power supply according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cross-section of the gap between the tube shell and the liquid-absorbing core is set to a crescent shape.

9. The power supply according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a safety heat transfer heat pipe, which is disposed between the heat pipes, and The safe heat transfer heat pipe has an evaporation section, an insulation section, and a condensation section. The evaporation section is located inside the reactor, the insulation section is located between the evaporation section and the condensation section, and the condensation section extends from both ends of the insulation section outward from the reactor. The evaporation section is located between the two insulation sections.

10. The power supply according to claim 9, characterized in that, The safe heat transfer heat pipe includes: The shell forms a cavity for containing the heat-conducting working fluid; A suction core, wherein the suction core is disposed on the inner wall of the tube shell and Two main channels are symmetrically arranged inside the absorbent core.

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