Modular fuel element connection structure and assembly system

Abstract

The present invention provides a modular fuel element connection structure and assembly system, which relates to the field of nuclear reaction technology. The modular fuel element connection structure includes a first end cover, a second end cover, a plurality of nuclear fuel elements and a plurality of central tubes. Each nuclear fuel element is provided with a first cooling channel, and the cooling grooves of each nuclear fuel element are spliced ​​to form a second cooling channel; the first end cover is arranged at the top of the assembly module; the second end cover is arranged at the bottom of the assembly module; and the plurality of central tubes are respectively assembled in the second cooling channels. Compared with the prior art, the present invention adopts a modular design, which is convenient to assemble and flexible to expand, and realizes dual-channel cooling at the same time. A single nuclear fuel element can be cooled through the first cooling channel, and the entire assembly module can be cooled through the second cooling channel, which helps to achieve a more uniform temperature distribution and lower stress, and improves the thermal efficiency and safety of the TCR reactor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of nuclear reaction technology, in particular to a modular fuel element connection structure and assembly system. Background Art

[0002] Transformation Challenge Reactor TCR is a further step forward in nuclear reactor technology and manufacturing, with advantages such as improved safety, modularity and improved thermal efficiency. However, the current TCR technology still has challenges such as assembly complexity and the need for efficient cooling mechanisms. Among them, the core of TCR uses micro-encapsulated solid fuel, which provides more effective fission product containment and better structural integrity. Although TCR reactors have these advantages, the current nuclear fuel installation is relatively complicated, and the cooling performance is difficult to meet the requirements. Therefore, optimizing the installation and cooling of nuclear fuel is still crucial to maximizing reactor performance. Summary of the invention

[0003] The objects of the present invention include, for example, providing a modular fuel element connection structure and assembly system, which can adopt a modular design, is easy to assemble and flexible to expand, and optimizes the cooling structure to achieve dual-flow channel cooling, which helps to achieve a more uniform temperature distribution and improve the thermal efficiency and safety of the TCR reactor.

[0004] The embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a modular fuel element connection structure, comprising:

[0006] A plurality of nuclear fuel elements, wherein the plurality of nuclear fuel elements are spliced ​​together to form an assembly module, a first cooling channel is provided through the middle of each nuclear fuel element, a cooling groove is provided on the outer side wall of each nuclear fuel element, and adjacent cooling grooves are spliced ​​together to form a second cooling channel that penetrates the assembly module;

[0007] A first end cover, the first end cover is arranged at the top end of the assembly module and is simultaneously buckled on the ends of the plurality of nuclear fuel elements, and the first end cover is provided with a plurality of first cooling ports and a plurality of second cooling ports, the plurality of first cooling ports are respectively connected to the top ends of the plurality of first cooling channels, and the plurality of second cooling ports are respectively connected to the top ends of the plurality of second cooling channels;

[0008] a second end cover, the second end cover being arranged at the bottom end of the assembly module and being buckled on the ends of the plurality of nuclear fuel elements at the same time, and the second end cover being provided with a plurality of third cooling ports and a plurality of fourth cooling ports, the plurality of third cooling ports being correspondingly connected to the bottom ends of the plurality of first cooling channels respectively, and the plurality of fourth cooling ports being correspondingly connected to the bottom ends of the plurality of second cooling channels respectively;

[0009] A plurality of central tubes are respectively mounted in the second cooling channel and connected to adjacent nuclear fuel elements, and both ends of each central tube extend to the second cooling port and the fourth cooling port respectively.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the first cooling channel is cross-shaped, and the shapes of the first cooling opening and the third cooling opening are adapted to the shape of the first cooling channel.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the second cooling channel is circular, the central tube is adapted to the second cooling channel, and the shapes of the second cooling port and the fourth cooling port are adapted to the shape of the second cooling channel.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, each of the cooling grooves is in the shape of a quarter arc, and every four nuclear fuel elements are spliced ​​together to form a second cooling channel.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the inner surface of the first end cover is provided with a first groove, and the top side of each of the nuclear fuel elements is provided with a first protrusion, and the first protrusion is correspondingly assembled in the first groove;

[0014] The inner surface of the second end cover is provided with a second protrusion, and the bottom side of each nuclear fuel element is provided with a second groove, and the second protrusion is correspondingly assembled in the second groove.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the first protrusion is arranged on the top side edge of the nuclear fuel element, and the first protrusions on two adjacent nuclear fuel elements are spliced ​​with each other and assembled in the corresponding first groove at the same time;

[0016] The second groove is arranged at the bottom edge of the nuclear fuel element, the second grooves on two adjacent nuclear fuel elements are spliced ​​with each other, and the second protrusion is assembled in two adjacent second grooves at the same time.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, a retaining ridge is provided on the periphery of each of the center tubes, and a retaining groove is provided on the inner side wall of each of the second cooling channels, and the retaining ridges are correspondingly assembled in the retaining grooves to fix the center tube and the nuclear fuel element to each other in the circumferential direction.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, one of the top end of each of the central tubes and the first end cover is provided with a first annular groove, and the other is provided with a first annular convex plate, the first annular convex plate is correspondingly assembled in the first annular groove, and the first annular convex plate and the first annular groove are both arranged around the second cooling port;

[0019] One of the bottom end of each central tube and the second end cover is provided with a second annular groove, and the other is provided with a second annular convex plate, the second annular convex plate is correspondingly assembled in the second annular groove, and the second annular convex plate and the second annular groove are both arranged around the fourth cooling port.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, a first positioning block is arranged around the first annular convex plate, a first positioning groove is arranged around the periphery of the first annular groove, the first positioning block is correspondingly assembled in the first positioning groove, and the first positioning groove and the first positioning block both correspond to the top end of the clamping convex strip;

[0021] A second positioning block is arranged around the second annular convex plate, a second positioning groove is arranged on the periphery of the second annular groove, the second positioning block is correspondingly assembled in the second positioning groove, and the second positioning groove and the second positioning block both correspond to the bottom end of the clamping convex strip.

[0022] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an assembly system, comprising a modular fuel element connection structure as described in any one of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention include, for example:

[0024] The modular fuel element connection structure and assembly system provided by the embodiment of the present invention splices a plurality of nuclear fuel elements to form an assembly module, and a first cooling channel is provided through the middle of each nuclear fuel element, and a cooling groove is provided on the outer wall of each nuclear fuel element, and adjacent cooling grooves can be spliced ​​together to form a second cooling channel that penetrates the assembly module, and a first end cover is arranged at the top of the assembly module and is simultaneously buckled on the ends of a plurality of nuclear fuel elements, thereby improving the assembly and binding of the plurality of nuclear fuel elements, and a first cooling port correspondingly connected to the first cooling channel and a second cooling port correspondingly connected to the second cooling channel are arranged on the first end cover; the second end cover is arranged at the bottom of the assembly module and is simultaneously buckled on the ends of the plurality of nuclear fuel elements, thereby further improving the assembly and binding of the plurality of nuclear fuel elements, and a third cooling port correspondingly connected to the first cooling channel and a second cooling port correspondingly connected to the second cooling channel are arranged on the second end cover. At the same time, a central tube is also correspondingly arranged in the plurality of second cooling channels, and each central tube is connected to an adjacent nuclear fuel element, thereby further improving the assembly and binding of the plurality of nuclear fuel elements. Compared with the prior art, the present invention adopts a modular design, utilizes multiple nuclear fuel elements to splice together to form a module, and utilizes a first end cover, a second end cover and a center tube to achieve assembly and coordination. The assembly is convenient and can be flexibly expanded. At the same time, by designing a first cooling channel and a second cooling channel, dual-channel cooling is achieved. A single nuclear fuel element can be cooled through the first cooling channel, and the entire assembly module can be cooled through the second cooling channel, which helps to achieve a more uniform temperature distribution and lower stress, and improve the thermal efficiency and safety of the TCR reactor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the embodiments are briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a modular fuel element connection structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a modular nuclear fuel element provided by an embodiment of the present invention at a first viewing angle;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the nuclear fuel element;

[0029] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a modular nuclear fuel element provided by an embodiment of the present invention at a second viewing angle;

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the central tube in FIG.

[0031] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of middle VI;

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of middle VII;

[0033] Figure 8 for Figure 4 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of Figure Ⅷ;

[0034] Fig. 9 for Figure 4 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of Figure IX.

[0035] Icons: 100-modular fuel element connection structure; 110-first end cover; 111-first groove; 112-first cooling port; 113-first annular groove; 114-second cooling port; 115-first positioning groove; 130-second end cover; 131-second protrusion; 132-third cooling port; 133-second annular convex plate; 134-fourth cooling port; 135-second positioning block; 150-nuclear fuel element; 151-first cooling channel; 152-cooling groove; 153-second cooling channel; 154-first protrusion; 155-second groove; 156-holding groove; 170-center tube; 171-holding convex strip; 173-first annular convex plate; 175-second annular groove; 177-first positioning block; 179-second positioning groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0037] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed for protection, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, further definition and explanation thereof is not required in subsequent drawings.

[0039] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that if the terms "upper", "lower", "inside", "outside", etc. appear to indicate an orientation or position relationship, they are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or are the orientation or position relationship in which the product of the invention is usually placed when used. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0040] In addition, the terms “first”, “second”, etc., if used, are merely used to distinguish between the descriptions and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0041] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the features in the embodiments of the present invention may be combined with each other.

[0042] See also Figures 1 to 9 The embodiment of the present invention provides a modular fuel element connection structure 100, which can adopt a modular design, is easy to assemble and flexible to expand, and optimizes the cooling structure to achieve dual-channel cooling, which helps to achieve a more uniform temperature distribution and improve the thermal efficiency and safety of the TCR reactor.

[0043] The modular fuel element connection structure 100 provided in the embodiment of the present invention comprises a first end cover 110, a second end cover 130, a plurality of nuclear fuel elements 150 and a plurality of central tubes 170, wherein the plurality of nuclear fuel elements 150 are spliced ​​together to form an assembly module, a first cooling channel 151 is provided through the middle of each nuclear fuel element 150, a cooling groove 152 is provided on the outer wall of each nuclear fuel element 150, and adjacent cooling grooves 152 are spliced ​​together to form a second cooling channel 153 that passes through the assembly module; the first end cover 110 is provided at the top end of the assembly module and is simultaneously buckled on the ends of the plurality of nuclear fuel elements 150, and the first end cover 110 is provided with a plurality of first cooling ports 112 and a plurality of second cooling ports 114, and the plurality of first cooling ports 112 and the plurality of first cooling channels 153 are connected to each other. The top ends of the plurality of first cooling channels 151 are respectively connected correspondingly, and the plurality of second cooling ports 114 are respectively connected correspondingly with the top ends of the plurality of second cooling channels 153; the second end cover 130 is arranged at the bottom end of the assembly module, and is simultaneously buckled on the ends of the plurality of nuclear fuel elements 150, and the second end cover 130 is provided with a plurality of third cooling ports 132 and a plurality of fourth cooling ports 134, the plurality of third cooling ports 132 are respectively connected correspondingly with the bottom ends of the plurality of first cooling channels 151, and the plurality of fourth cooling ports 134 are respectively connected correspondingly with the bottom ends of the plurality of second cooling channels 153; the plurality of central tubes 170 are respectively assembled in the second cooling channels 153, and are connected to the adjacent nuclear fuel elements 150, and the two ends of each central tube 170 extend to the second cooling port 114 and the fourth cooling port 134, respectively.

[0044] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first end cap 110 and the second end cap 130 are used to tightly fix the entire assembly module, and the detachable connection between the central tube 170 and the nuclear fuel element 150 is combined to improve the cohesion of the entire assembly module. Due to the modular design, a plurality of nuclear fuel elements 150 are spliced ​​to form a module, and the first end cap 110, the second end cap 130 and the central tube 170 are used to realize assembly and coordination, which is convenient for assembly and flexible for expansion. At the same time, by designing the first cooling channel 151 and the second cooling channel 153, dual-channel cooling is realized, and a single nuclear fuel element 150 can be cooled through the first cooling channel 151, and the entire assembly module can be cooled through the second cooling channel 153, which helps to achieve more uniform temperature distribution and lower stress, and improve thermal efficiency and safety of the TCR reactor.

[0045] It is worth noting that the first end cover 110 and the second end cover 130 can be connected to the external frame to form an upper and lower frame. The nuclear fuel element 150 is a quadrilateral structure with grooves in the four corners (i.e., a cross-shaped structure). The center position of the end face of each nuclear fuel element 150 is provided with a first cooling channel 151 specifically used for individual cooling to ensure that each nuclear fuel element 150 can dissipate heat efficiently. In addition, the second cooling channel 153 and the center tube 170 serve as additional cooling channels to supplement the cooling needs of the entire assembly module. This dual design not only optimizes heat management, but also achieves a more uniform temperature distribution, so that the temperature of the entire assembly module can be maintained at around 600°C.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first cooling channel 151 is cross-shaped, and the shapes of the first cooling port 112 and the third cooling port 132 are adapted to the shape of the first cooling channel 151. Specifically, the center of the first cooling channel 151 overlaps with the center of the end surface of the nuclear fuel element 150, and the cross-shaped structure can greatly increase the heat exchange area, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency and heat exchange effect. Of course, in other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first cooling channel 151 can also be rectangular or circular, etc., which is not specifically limited here.

[0047] In this embodiment, the second cooling channel 153 is circular, the central tube 170 is adapted to the second cooling channel 153, and the shapes of the second cooling port 114 and the fourth cooling port 134 are adapted to the shape of the second cooling channel 153. Specifically, each cooling groove 152 is in the shape of a 1 / 4 arc, and every 4 nuclear fuel elements 150 are spliced ​​to form a second cooling channel 153, wherein a plurality of nuclear fuel elements 150 can be distributed in an array. Of course, in other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the second cooling channel 153 can also be in other shapes such as a rectangle or a diamond, which is not specifically limited here. Moreover, in other preferred embodiments of the present invention, each cooling groove 152 can also be in the shape of a 1 / 6 arc, so that every 6 nuclear fuel elements 150 can be spliced ​​to form a second cooling channel 153, and at this time, a plurality of nuclear fuel elements 150 can be distributed in a honeycomb shape.

[0048] It is worth noting that, with respect to a single nuclear fuel element 150, the first cooling channel 151 is located inside, the second cooling channel 153 is located outside, and the external second cooling channel is located in the central tube 170 for rapid initial cooling. The coolant quickly flows through the external area of ​​the nuclear fuel element 150 through the second cooling channel. This process effectively eliminates the heat on the surface of the nuclear fuel element 150, creating favorable conditions for fine cooling of the internal channel. The internal first cooling channel is located inside the fuel element, and the channel is used for fine cooling to ensure uniform temperature distribution and efficient heat dissipation. Since the coolant has a slow flow rate in the internal first cooling channel, the cooling effect is thorough, thereby ensuring a more uniform temperature distribution inside. This can reduce the thermal stress caused by the temperature gradient and improve the overall stability and service life of the nuclear fuel element 150.

[0049] It should be noted that the nuclear fuel element 150 in this embodiment is composed of an outer shell and a core nuclear fuel. The outer shell of the nuclear fuel is made of a heat-resistant protective material, such as silicon carbide or zirconium material, which can withstand high temperature and radiation and protect the core nuclear fuel. The core nuclear fuel can be loaded into the outer shell, and the material of the nuclear fuel can be a mixed material, which can ensure safety under high temperature and radiation, and ensure long life and optimal performance. With the end cover design, multi-layer protection structure and reinforced support design, the impact resistance and seismic resistance are enhanced, and the overall safety and stability of the system are improved.

[0050] In this embodiment, the inner surface of the first end cover 110 is provided with a first groove 111, and the top side of each nuclear fuel element 150 is provided with a first protrusion 154, and the first protrusion 154 is correspondingly assembled in the first groove 111; the inner surface of the second end cover 130 is provided with a second protrusion 131, and the bottom side of each nuclear fuel element 150 is provided with a second groove 155, and the second protrusion 131 is correspondingly assembled in the second groove 155. Specifically, through the axial concave-convex structure on the first end cover 110 and the second end cover 130, it can be ensured that the same nuclear fuel element 150 is installed and inserted through the axial concave-convex structure, thereby ensuring the stability and consistency of the overall structure.

[0051] Further, the first protrusion 154 is arranged at the top side edge of the nuclear fuel element 150, the first protrusions 154 on two adjacent nuclear fuel elements 150 are spliced ​​together and assembled in the corresponding first grooves 111 at the same time; the second groove 155 is arranged at the bottom side edge of the nuclear fuel element 150, the second grooves 155 on two adjacent nuclear fuel elements 150 are spliced ​​together, and the second protrusion 131 is assembled in two adjacent second grooves 155 at the same time. Specifically, two adjacent first protrusions 154 can be spliced ​​together to form a larger protrusion structure, and cooperate with the first groove 111. Since the adjacent first protrusions 154 can be assembled in the first groove 111 at the same time, the two adjacent nuclear fuel elements 150 can be limited at the same time to ensure the combination.

[0052] It should be noted that there is an interference fit structure between the first protrusion 154 and the first groove 111 , and between the second protrusion 131 and the second groove 155 , so as to ensure the bonding performance.

[0053] In this embodiment, the periphery of each central tube 170 is provided with a retaining convex strip 171, and the inner side wall of each second cooling channel 153 is also provided with a retaining groove 156, and the retaining convex strip 171 is correspondingly assembled in the retaining groove 156, so that the central tube 170 and the nuclear fuel element 150 are fixed to each other in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the retaining convex strip 171 and the retaining groove 156 cooperate with each other, so that the nuclear fuel element 150 and the central tube 170 are fixed to each other in the circumferential direction and radial direction, and prevent the assembly module from being loosened due to circumferential or radial displacement during operation. Among them, the periphery of each central tube 170 is evenly provided with 4 retaining convex strips 171, and the inner side wall of each second cooling channel 153 is evenly provided with 4 retaining grooves 156, that is, the inner side wall of the cooling groove 152 of each nuclear fuel element 150 is provided with a retaining groove 156.

[0054] In this embodiment, the top end of each center tube 170 and one of the first end covers 110 are provided with a first annular groove 113, and the other is provided with a first annular convex plate 173, the first annular convex plate 173 is correspondingly assembled in the first annular groove 113, and the first annular convex plate 173 and the first annular groove 113 are both arranged around the second cooling port; the bottom end of each center tube 170 and one of the second end covers 130 are provided with a second annular groove 175, and the other is provided with a second annular convex plate 133, the second annular convex plate 133 is correspondingly assembled in the second annular groove 175, and the second annular convex plate 133 and the second annular groove 175 are both arranged around the fourth cooling port. Specifically, a first annular convex plate 173 is provided at the top end of each center tube 170, a first annular groove 113 is provided on the bottom side surface of the first end cover 110, and the first annular convex plate 173 is correspondingly assembled in the first annular groove 113; at the same time, a second annular groove 175 is provided at the bottom end of each center tube 170, a second annular convex plate 133 is provided on the top side surface of the second end cover 130, and the second annular convex plate 133 is correspondingly assembled in the second annular groove 175, thereby realizing a tight fit between the first end cover 110, the center tube 170 and the second end cover 130.

[0055] In this embodiment, a first positioning block 177 is arranged around the first annular convex plate 173, a first positioning groove 115 is arranged around the periphery of the first annular groove 113, the first positioning block 177 is correspondingly assembled in the first positioning groove 115, and the first positioning groove 115 and the first positioning block 177 both correspond to the top end of the clamping convex strip 171; a second positioning block 135 is arranged around the second annular convex plate 133, a second positioning groove 179 is arranged around the periphery of the second annular groove 175, the second positioning block 135 is correspondingly assembled in the second positioning groove 179, and the second positioning groove 179 and the second positioning block 135 both correspond to the bottom end of the clamping convex strip 171. Specifically, the first positioning block 177 and the second positioning groove 179 are both located at the extended position of the clamping convex strip 171, and the provision of the first positioning block 177 and the second positioning block 135 can further achieve a close fit between the central tube 170 and the first end cover 110 and the second end cover 130.

[0056] The modular fuel element connection structure 100 provided in this embodiment realizes axially tight fit fixation of the nuclear fuel element 150 through the first protrusion 154 of the first end cover 110 and the second protrusion 131 of the second end cover 130, in cooperation with the first groove 111 and the second groove 155, so that the nuclear fuel element 150 can be easily aligned and locked. The central tube 170 is tightly axially fixed by the annular convex plate and the annular groove, and interference fit is adopted everywhere to ensure the stability and stability of the connection. The principle of this method is to apply a certain interference between the matching components, and the assembled components will not produce relative displacement when subjected to force, thereby achieving high-strength fixation. Tight fit can ensure that no additional buckle structure is required, thereby simplifying the design and manufacturing process, and at the same time, it can also ensure the overall strength and stability of the assembly module. While ensuring fixation, the need for easy disassembly and assembly is also taken into account. The modular design makes it more convenient for each component to be assembled and disassembled, and the entire nuclear fuel assembly is modularly integrated, which can meet the needs of reactors of different sizes, and each identical module can be replaced with each other to achieve efficient maintenance and management.

[0057] It is worth noting that the cooling system of the assembly module in this embodiment is mainly composed of the first cooling channel 151 and the second cooling channel 153. The opening on the end cover can be connected to the cooling channel accordingly, so that the coolant can enter the system from the top and flow through each component along a predetermined path, and the second cooling channel 153 acts as an additional cooling channel for the entire assembly module. This design not only helps the circulation of the coolant, but also promotes the uniform distribution of the temperature of the entire nuclear fuel core. Through the auxiliary cooling of the second cooling pain in the middle, the thermal stress of the entire assembly module can be effectively reduced, ensuring the stability and safety of the nuclear fuel element 150 under high temperature conditions.

[0058] The coolant enters the first cooling port 112 and the second cooling port 114 of the first end cover 110 through the inlet, passes through the first cooling channel and the second flow channel, and finally flows out from the third cooling port 132 and the fourth buckle of the second end cover 130. The coolant flow path design can ensure that the coolant can efficiently remove the heat and keep the nuclear fuel element 150 operating within a safe temperature range. The combined design of the cooling channel and the concave-convex structure on the end plate makes the coolant flow path visible during the disassembly and assembly process, which is convenient for regular inspection and cleaning.

[0059] An embodiment of the present invention also provides an assembly system, including a core container and the aforementioned modular fuel element connection structure 100, the core container having a receiving groove, the assembly module can be placed in the receiving groove, and the receiving groove is filled with coolant, and the assembly module can be cooled by the coolant flowing into the first cooling channel 151 and the second cooling channel 153.

[0060] In summary, the modular fuel element connection structure 100 and the assembly system provided in the embodiment of the present invention splice a plurality of nuclear fuel elements 150 to form an assembly module, and a first cooling channel 151 is provided through the middle of each nuclear fuel element 150, and a cooling groove 152 is provided on the outer wall of each nuclear fuel element 150, and adjacent cooling grooves 152 can be spliced ​​with each other to form a second cooling channel 153 that passes through the assembly module, and a first end cover 110 is provided at the top of the assembly module and is simultaneously buckled on the ends of the plurality of nuclear fuel elements 150, so that the plurality of nuclear fuel elements can be lifted. The assembly and combination of the plurality of nuclear fuel elements 150 is improved, and the first end cover 110 is provided with a first cooling port 112 corresponding to the first cooling channel 151 and a second cooling port 114 corresponding to the second cooling channel 153; the second end cover 130 is provided at the bottom end of the assembly module, and is simultaneously buckled on the ends of the plurality of nuclear fuel elements 150, so as to further improve the assembly and combination of the plurality of nuclear fuel elements 150, and the second end cover 130 is provided with a third cooling port 132 corresponding to the first cooling channel 151 and a second cooling port 114 corresponding to the second cooling channel 153. At the same time, the plurality of second cooling channels 153 are also correspondingly provided with second cooling channels 153, and each center tube 170 is connected to the adjacent nuclear fuel element 150, so as to further improve the assembly and combination of the plurality of nuclear fuel elements 150. Compared with the prior art, the present invention adopts a modular design, utilizes multiple nuclear fuel elements 150 to splice to form a module, and utilizes the first end cover 110, the second end cover 130 and the center tube 170 to realize assembly and coordination, and the assembly is convenient and flexible to expand. At the same time, by designing the first cooling channel 151 and the second cooling channel 153, dual-channel cooling is realized. A single nuclear fuel element 150 can be cooled through the first cooling channel 151, and the entire assembly module can be cooled through the second cooling channel 153, which helps to achieve more uniform temperature distribution and lower stress, and improve the thermal efficiency and safety of the TCR reactor.

[0061] The above is only a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A modular fuel element connection structure, characterized in that: include: A plurality of nuclear fuel elements, wherein the plurality of nuclear fuel elements are spliced ​​together to form an assembly module, a first cooling channel is provided through the middle of each nuclear fuel element, a cooling groove is provided on the outer side wall of each nuclear fuel element, and adjacent cooling grooves are spliced ​​together to form a second cooling channel that penetrates the assembly module; A first end cover, the first end cover is arranged at the top end of the assembly module and is simultaneously buckled on the ends of the plurality of nuclear fuel elements, and the first end cover is provided with a plurality of first cooling ports and a plurality of second cooling ports, the plurality of first cooling ports are respectively connected to the top ends of the plurality of first cooling channels, and the plurality of second cooling ports are respectively connected to the top ends of the plurality of second cooling channels; a second end cover, the second end cover being arranged at the bottom end of the assembly module and being buckled on the ends of the plurality of nuclear fuel elements at the same time, and the second end cover being provided with a plurality of third cooling ports and a plurality of fourth cooling ports, the plurality of third cooling ports being correspondingly connected to the bottom ends of the plurality of first cooling channels respectively, and the plurality of fourth cooling ports being correspondingly connected to the bottom ends of the plurality of second cooling channels respectively; A plurality of central tubes are respectively mounted in the second cooling channel and connected to adjacent nuclear fuel elements, and both ends of each central tube extend to the second cooling port and the fourth cooling port respectively.

2. The modular fuel element connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first cooling channel is in a cross shape, and the shapes of the first cooling opening and the third cooling opening are adapted to the shape of the first cooling channel.

3. The modular fuel element connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second cooling channel is circular, the central tube is adapted to the second cooling channel, and the shapes of the second cooling port and the fourth cooling port are adapted to the shape of the second cooling channel.

4. The modular fuel element connection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each of the cooling grooves is in the shape of a quarter arc, and every four nuclear fuel elements are spliced ​​together to form a second cooling channel.

5. The modular fuel element connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner surface of the first end cover is provided with a first groove, and the top side of each of the nuclear fuel elements is provided with a first protrusion, and the first protrusion is correspondingly assembled in the first groove; The inner surface of the second end cover is provided with a second protrusion, and the bottom side of each of the nuclear fuel elements is provided with a second groove, and the second protrusion is correspondingly assembled in the second groove.

6. The modular fuel element connection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first protrusion is arranged on the top side edge of the nuclear fuel element, and the first protrusions on two adjacent nuclear fuel elements are spliced ​​with each other and assembled in the corresponding first groove at the same time; The second groove is arranged at the bottom edge of the nuclear fuel element, the second grooves on two adjacent nuclear fuel elements are spliced ​​with each other, and the second protrusion is assembled in two adjacent second grooves at the same time.

7. The modular fuel element connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The periphery of each central tube is provided with a retaining ridge, and the inner side wall of each second cooling channel is also provided with a retaining groove, and the retaining ridge is correspondingly assembled in the retaining groove to fix the central tube and the nuclear fuel element to each other in the circumferential direction.

8. The modular fuel element connection structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: One of the top end of each of the central tubes and the first end cover is provided with a first annular groove, and the other is provided with a first annular convex plate, the first annular convex plate is correspondingly assembled in the first annular groove, and the first annular convex plate and the first annular groove are both arranged around the second cooling port; One of the bottom end of each central tube and the second end cover is provided with a second annular groove, and the other is provided with a second annular convex plate, the second annular convex plate is correspondingly assembled in the second annular groove, and the second annular convex plate and the second annular groove are both arranged around the fourth cooling port.

9. The modular fuel element connection structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: A first positioning block is arranged around the first annular convex plate, a first positioning groove is arranged on the periphery of the first annular groove, the first positioning block is correspondingly assembled in the first positioning groove, and the first positioning groove and the first positioning block both correspond to the top end of the clamping convex strip; A second positioning block is arranged around the second annular convex plate, a second positioning groove is arranged on the periphery of the second annular groove, the second positioning block is correspondingly assembled in the second positioning groove, and the second positioning groove and the second positioning block both correspond to the bottom end of the clamping convex strip.

10. An assembly system, characterized in that: Comprising a modular fuel element connection structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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