High temperature gas cooled reactor graphite in-vessel components, core and high temperature gas cooled reactor

Abstract

This invention discloses a graphite reactor internal component, a reactor core, and a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. The graphite reactor internal component has a top surface and a bottom surface. One of the top surface and the bottom surface has a first protrusion, and the other of the top surface and the bottom surface has a first groove. The graphite reactor internal component has a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to each other along its width direction. One of the first side surface and the second side surface has a second protrusion, and the other of the first side surface and the second side surface has a second groove. This invention, by setting protrusions and grooves on the graphite reactor internal component, forms an effective sealing structure, reduces helium leakage, improves in-core heat exchange efficiency, reduces the risk of excessively high local core temperatures, avoids excessive consumption of reactivity due to temperature negative feedback, ensures sufficient backup reactivity of the reactor, and enables the reactor to operate stably at high power for a long period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of high-temperature gas-cooled reactor technology, specifically to a graphite reactor internal component, reactor core, and high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. Background Technology

[0002] The active zone of the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor uses a cylindrical pebble bed core. Its cylindrical cavity is constructed from graphite blocks forming side, top, and bottom reflector layers, creating a space to accommodate the fuel spheres. The top reflector layer houses the cold gas chamber, and the bottom reflector layer houses the hot gas chamber. During operation, helium gas enters the cold gas chamber through the cold helium channels in the side reflector layers, absorbs heat from the top of the reactor, mixes in the hot gas chamber, and then exchanges heat in the evaporator, circulating to produce steam to drive the turbine for power generation.

[0003] However, the design of the graphite reactor internals 100 in the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor has flaws. There are no specific sealing measures for adjacent and interlayer installations, resulting in an actual helium leakage rate of 40%, far exceeding the designed 10%. The high leakage rate makes it difficult to remove heat from the reactor core, leading to excessively high local temperatures. Furthermore, the negative temperature feedback consumes reactivity, resulting in insufficient backup reactivity and affecting the safe and stable operation of the reactor and its long-term high-power operation. 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 provide a graphite reactor internal component, reactor core, and high-temperature gas-cooled reactor.

[0006] The graphite internal component of the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor of this invention has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite each other along its thickness direction. One of the top surface and the bottom surface has a first protrusion, and the other of the top surface and the bottom surface has a first groove. The shape of the first protrusion is adapted to fit the inner cavity of the first groove. The graphite internal component has a first side surface and a second side surface opposite each other along its width direction. One of the first side surface and the second side surface has a second protrusion, and the other of the first side surface and the second side surface has a second groove. The shape of the second protrusion is adapted to fit the inner cavity of the second groove.

[0007] In some embodiments, there are multiple first protrusions and multiple first grooves, and each of the multiple first protrusions and multiple first grooves is arranged at intervals along the length direction of the graphite stack internal component and corresponds to the other one-to-one.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second protrusion is provided on the top surface of the graphite pile inner component, and the second groove is provided on the bottom surface of the graphite pile inner component.

[0009] In some embodiments, there are multiple of each of the second protrusions and the second grooves, and each of the multiple second protrusions and the multiple second grooves is arranged at intervals along the length direction of the graphite stack internal component and corresponds to it one by one.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one end of the second protrusion extends along the width direction of the graphite pile internal member to the edge of the graphite pile internal member.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the first protrusion and / or the second protrusion is rectangular.

[0012] In some embodiments, the graphite stack internal component has a first arcuate surface and a second arcuate surface relative to each other along its length direction, the first arcuate surface being recessed in the direction toward the second arcuate surface, and the second arcuate surface being protruding in the direction away from the first arcuate surface.

[0013] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the graphite stack internals in the width direction gradually increase along the direction from the first arcuate surface to the second arcuate surface.

[0014] The reactor core of this invention includes the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor graphite internals described in any of the above embodiments. Multiple graphite internals form a multilayer graphite group. Each layer of the graphite group includes multiple graphite internals arranged circumferentially along the reactor core. In the circumferential direction of the reactor core, a first protrusion of one of two adjacent graphite internals is engaged with a first groove of the other two adjacent graphite internals. In the axial direction of the reactor core, a second protrusion of one of two adjacent graphite internals is engaged with a second groove of the other two adjacent graphite internals.

[0015] The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor of this invention includes the reactor core described in any of the above embodiments.

[0016] This invention reduces helium leakage by creating protrusions and grooves on the graphite reactor internals to form an effective sealing structure. More helium can circulate within the reactor core along the designed path, fully absorbing the heat released from the fuel spheres and carrying it to the evaporator for heat exchange, thereby improving the in-core heat exchange efficiency. Due to the increased in-core heat exchange efficiency, more heat can be effectively utilized to generate steam, which in turn drives the turbine to generate electricity. This allows the reactor to produce more electricity with the same fuel consumption, effectively increasing the reactor's power output. This invention reduces helium leakage, lowers the risk of localized overheating in the reactor core, avoids excessive consumption of reactivity due to temperature negative feedback, and ensures sufficient backup reactivity. This enables the reactor to operate stably at high power for extended periods, reducing safety hazards and downtime maintenance frequency caused by core instability. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the internal components of the graphite stack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the internal components of the graphite stack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal components of the graphite pile according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Sectional view of AA.

[0021] Figure label:

[0022] 100. Internal components of a graphite pile; 1. Top surface; 2. Bottom surface; 3. First protrusion; 4. First groove; 5. First side surface; 6. Second side surface; 7. Second protrusion; 8. Second groove; 9. First arc-shaped surface; 10. Second arc-shaped surface; 11. Control rod hole; 12. Cold ammonia hole. Detailed Implementation

[0023] 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.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the graphite stack internal component 100 of the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor of this embodiment of the invention has a top surface 1 and a bottom surface 2 opposite to each other along its thickness direction. One of the top surface 1 and the bottom surface 2 has a first protrusion 3, and the other of the top surface 1 and the bottom surface 2 has a first groove 4, wherein the shape of the first protrusion 3 is adapted to fit the inner cavity of the first groove 4. The graphite stack internal component 100 has a first side surface 5 and a second side surface 6 opposite to each other along its width direction. One of the first side surface 5 and the second side surface 6 has a second protrusion 7, and the other of the first side surface 5 and the second side surface 6 has a second groove 8, wherein the shape of the second protrusion 7 is adapted to fit the inner cavity of the second groove 8.

[0025] The reactor core of this invention includes a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor graphite internal component 100 as described in any of the above embodiments. Multiple graphite internal components 100 form a multilayer graphite group. Each graphite group includes multiple graphite internal components 100 arranged circumferentially along the reactor core. In the circumferential direction of the reactor core, a first protrusion 3 of one of two adjacent graphite internal components 100 is engaged and connected with a first groove 4 of the other two adjacent graphite internal components 100. In the axial direction of the reactor core, a second protrusion 7 of one of two adjacent graphite internal components 100 is engaged and connected with a second groove 8 of the other two adjacent graphite internal components 100.

[0026] During the assembly of the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor core in this embodiment of the invention, the top surface 1 and bottom surface 2 of the graphite internal component 100 are respectively provided with a first protrusion 3 and a first groove 4, and the shape of the first protrusion 3 is adapted to fit the inner cavity of the first groove 4. During the layer-to-layer installation, the upper and lower layers are connected by the concave and convex grooves, which not only fixes the position of the upper and lower layers, but also prevents helium from leaking from the gaps between the layers through the connection of the concave and convex grooves.

[0027] When two adjacent graphite stack internal components 100 are installed in the circumferential direction, a second protrusion 7 and a second groove 8 are respectively provided on the first side 5 and the second side 6 of the graphite stack internal component 100, and the shape of the second protrusion 7 is adapted to fit the inner cavity of the second groove 8. When two adjacent graphite stack internal components 100 are installed, they interlock to form a labyrinth-like sealed structure. This structure increases the resistance to helium bypass flow and effectively prevents helium leakage between the gaps of graphite blocks in the same layer.

[0028] This invention reduces helium leakage by creating protrusions and grooves on the graphite reactor core 100 to form an effective sealing structure. More helium can circulate within the core according to the designed path, fully absorbing the heat released from the fuel spheres and carrying it to the evaporator for heat exchange, thereby improving the in-core heat exchange efficiency. Due to the improved in-core heat exchange efficiency, more heat can be effectively utilized to generate steam, which in turn drives the turbine to generate electricity. This allows the reactor to produce more electricity with the same fuel consumption, effectively increasing the reactor's power output. This invention reduces helium leakage, lowers the risk of localized overheating in the core, avoids excessive consumption of reactivity due to temperature negative feedback, and ensures sufficient backup reactivity. This enables the reactor to operate stably at high power for extended periods, reducing safety hazards and downtime maintenance frequency caused by core instability.

[0029] In some embodiments, there are multiple first protrusions 3 and multiple first grooves 4, and each of the multiple first protrusions 3 and multiple first grooves 4 is arranged at intervals along the length direction of the graphite stack internal component 100 and corresponds to one another.

[0030] Multiple first protrusions 3 and multiple first grooves 4 correspond one-to-one, like multiple "locks" that firmly connect the upper and lower graphite core components 100 together. This greatly increases the contact area and connection points between layers, which can better resist the complex mechanical forces inside the core, prevent relative displacement or shaking of the upper and lower components during operation, and ensure the stability of the entire core structure.

[0031] The combination of multiple protrusions and grooves forms multiple sealing lines. When helium attempts to leak from the interlayer gaps, each protrusion and groove acts as a barrier to the helium flow, increasing the path length and resistance of the helium leak and further reducing the possibility of helium leakage from the interlayer, thereby improving the core's sealing performance.

[0032] During reactor operation, the graphite reactor internals 100 are subjected to various forces, such as thermal stress and pressure. The spaced arrangement of multiple protrusions and grooves can evenly distribute these forces along the entire length of the components, preventing excessive local stress that could lead to component damage. This extends the service life of the graphite reactor internals 100 and ensures the long-term stable operation of the reactor.

[0033] Multiple one-to-one corresponding protrusions and grooves provide clear positioning markers for the installation of the graphite reactor internal components 100. Installers can easily and accurately align the upper and lower components based on the positions of the protrusions and grooves, improving installation efficiency and accuracy and reducing the impact of installation errors on reactor performance.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second protrusion 7 is provided on the top surface 1 of the graphite stack inner component 100, and the second groove 8 is provided on the bottom surface 2 of the graphite stack inner component 100.

[0035] like Figure 4 As shown, the second protrusion 7 is positioned on the top surface 1, and the second groove 8 is positioned on the bottom surface 2. During the core assembly process, operators can more intuitively and conveniently assemble the upper and lower graphite core components 100. From a construction operation perspective, this layout conforms to the conventional installation sequence and visual perception. Workers can easily align the second protrusion 7 of the upper component with the second groove 8 of the lower component during installation, improving installation efficiency and reducing installation errors.

[0036] In some embodiments, there are multiple second protrusions 7 and multiple second grooves 8, and each of the multiple second protrusions 7 and multiple second grooves 8 is arranged at intervals along the length direction of the graphite stack inner member 100 and corresponds to one another.

[0037] During the operation of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, a complex mechanical environment is generated inside the reactor. The internal components 100 of the same layer of graphite reactor need to be tightly connected to resist the action of various forces. The arrangement of multiple second protrusions 7 and second grooves 8 increases the connection points between adjacent internal components 100 of the graphite reactor, making their connection in the circumferential direction of the reactor core more stable and preventing relative displacement or loosening of the components during operation.

[0038] Similar to how the first protrusion 3 and the first groove 4 enhance interlayer sealing, the combination of multiple second protrusions 7 and second grooves 8 forms multiple sealing lines between the same-layer graphite core components 100. This significantly increases the resistance to helium leakage in the interlayer gaps, effectively reduces helium bypass phenomena, and improves the overall sealing performance of the core.

[0039] During operation, the internal components of the graphite stack are subjected to various loads such as thermal stress and pressure. Multiple spaced protrusions and grooves can evenly distribute these loads along the entire length of the graphite internal components 100, avoiding local stress concentration that could lead to component damage, thereby improving the service life and reliability of the components.

[0040] During installation, the multiple corresponding second protrusions 7 and second grooves 8 provide clear positioning references for the installation of adjacent graphite stack internal components 100. Installers can more accurately and quickly align and install the components, improving installation efficiency and quality.

[0041] In some embodiments, at least one end of the second protrusion 7 extends along the width direction of the graphite stack inner member 100 to the edge of the graphite stack inner member 100.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, when at least one end of the second protrusion 7 extends along the width direction of the graphite stack internal component 100 to the edge of the graphite stack internal component 100, it can further seal any leakage channels that may exist between the graphite stack internal components 100 in the same layer. During the operation of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, helium may leak from the side edge gaps of the graphite stack internal component 100. The second protrusion 7 extending to the edge can act as a barrier, preventing helium from escaping from these edge areas, thereby strengthening the overall sealing effect between the graphite stack internal components 100 in the same layer and reducing the amount of helium leakage.

[0043] The second protrusion 7 extends to the edge, increasing the contact area and connection range between adjacent graphite core components 100. Under the complex mechanical environment inside the core, such as when affected by thermal stress and pressure fluctuations, a larger connection area allows adjacent components to better cooperate in bearing forces, resisting relative displacement and swaying, improving the stability of the connection between the same layer of graphite core components 100, and ensuring the integrity of the core structure.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the first protrusion 3 and / or the second protrusion 7 is rectangular.

[0045] Rectangular cross-section protrusions are relatively simple to manufacture. Whether using machining (such as milling, cutting, etc.) or other forming processes, rectangular shapes are easier to control precisely in terms of dimensions and shape accuracy. Compared to some complex cross-sections, rectangular protrusions are easier to manufacture, which can improve production efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0046] When the first protrusion 3 engages with the first groove 4, and the second protrusion 7 engages with the second groove 8, the rectangular cross-section provides a large contact area. During the operation of the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, a complex mechanical environment exists within the reactor, including thermal stress and pressure changes. A larger contact area allows for better force transfer between the protrusions and grooves, reducing local stress concentration, thereby enhancing the stability of the graphite reactor internal components 100 in interlayer and intralayer connections and ensuring the integrity of the reactor core structure.

[0047] The rectangular shape allows for a tighter fit between the protrusions and grooves. In terms of sealing, the rectangular edges better block helium leakage paths. Compared to other shapes, the sealing interface formed between the rectangular protrusions and grooves is more regular, reducing the possibility of helium bypassing the sealing area and contributing to improved core sealing performance.

[0048] In some embodiments, the graphite stack internal component 100 has a first arcuate surface 9 and a second arcuate surface 10 relative to each other along its length direction. The first arcuate surface 9 is recessed inward in the direction toward the second arcuate surface 10, and the second arcuate surface 10 is protruding in the direction away from the first arcuate surface 9.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the core of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor is typically a cylindrical structure. The graphite core component 100 is designed with opposing first arc-shaped surfaces 9 (concave) and second arc-shaped surfaces 10 (convex), allowing for better fit within the cylindrical space of the core. Multiple such graphite core components 100 can be arranged closely around the core circumference, forming a complete cylindrical core structure, resulting in more efficient use of core space and improved overall core compactness.

[0050] The curved surface design increases the contact area and mutual constraint between the internal components 100 of the graphite reactor core. During core operation, it is subjected to various forces, such as thermal stress and pressure. The combination of concave and convex curved surfaces can better disperse and transmit these forces, reduce local stress concentration, thereby enhancing the stability of the entire core structure and reducing the risk of component damage due to uneven stress.

[0051] In some embodiments, the dimension of the graphite stack internal component 100 in the width direction gradually increases along the direction from the first arcuate surface 9 to the second arcuate surface 10.

[0052] During operation, the radial stress distribution of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor core is uneven. Generally, the stress is greater closer to the core center. The design of the graphite core components 100, whose width gradually increases from the first arc surface 9 to the second arc surface 10, allows the components to better adapt to this stress distribution. The second arc surface 10, being closer to the outer edge of the core, has a larger size, which enhances the load-bearing capacity of the components and resists the relatively smaller stress on the outer side. The first arc surface 9, closer to the core center, has a relatively smaller size, but because there are more components at the core center, they share a greater stress. This design optimizes the mechanical properties of the entire core structure, improving the core's safety and stability.

[0053] The reactor core of this invention includes a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor graphite internal component 100 as described in any of the above embodiments. Multiple graphite internal components 100 form a multilayer graphite group. Each graphite group includes multiple graphite internal components 100 arranged circumferentially along the reactor core. In the circumferential direction of the reactor core, a first protrusion 3 of one of two adjacent graphite internal components 100 is engaged and connected with a first groove 4 of the other two adjacent graphite internal components 100. In the axial direction of the reactor core, a second protrusion 7 of one of two adjacent graphite internal components 100 is engaged and connected with a second groove 8 of the other two adjacent graphite internal components 100.

[0054] The present invention also discloses a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, comprising the core of any of the above embodiments.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A graphite reactor internal component for a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, characterized in that, The graphite stack internal component has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite each other along its thickness direction. One of the top surface and the bottom surface has a first protrusion, and the other of the top surface and the bottom surface has a first groove. The shape of the first protrusion is adapted to fit into the cavity of the first groove. The graphite stack internal component has a first side surface and a second side surface opposite each other along its width direction. One of the first side surface and the second side surface has a second protrusion, and the other of the first side surface and the second side surface has a second groove. The shape of the second protrusion is adapted to fit into the cavity of the second groove. The number of each of the first protrusion and the first groove is multiple, and each of the multiple first protrusions and the multiple first grooves is arranged at intervals along the length direction of the graphite stack internal component and corresponds to it one by one; The number of each of the second protrusion and the second groove is multiple, and each of the multiple second protrusions and multiple second grooves is arranged at intervals along the length direction of the graphite pile inner member and corresponds to it one by one; at least one end of the second protrusion extends along the width direction of the graphite pile inner member to the edge of the graphite pile inner member. Multiple graphite stack internals form a multi-layer graphite assembly. Each graphite assembly includes multiple graphite stack internals arranged circumferentially along the core. In the circumferential direction of the core, the first protrusion of one of two adjacent graphite stack internals engages with the first groove of the other two adjacent graphite stack internals. In the axial direction of the core, the second protrusion of one of two adjacent graphite stack internals engages with the second groove of the other two adjacent graphite stack internals.

2. The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor graphite reactor internals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second protrusion is provided on the top surface of the graphite pile internal component, and the second groove is provided on the bottom surface of the graphite pile internal component.

3. The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor graphite reactor internals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the first protrusion and / or the second protrusion is rectangular.

4. The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor graphite reactor internals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The graphite stack internal component has a first arc-shaped surface and a second arc-shaped surface relative to each other along its length direction. The first arc-shaped surface is recessed inward in the direction toward the second arc-shaped surface, and the second arc-shaped surface is protruding in the direction away from the first arc-shaped surface.

5. The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor graphite reactor internals according to claim 4, characterized in that, The dimensions of the graphite stack internal components gradually increase in the width direction from the first arcuate surface to the second arcuate surface.

6. A reactor core, characterized in that, The reactor comprises a plurality of graphite internals for a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor as described in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the plurality of graphite internals form a multilayer graphite assembly, each layer of the graphite assembly comprising a plurality of graphite internals arranged circumferentially along the reactor core, wherein a first protrusion of one of two adjacent graphite internals in the circumferential direction of the reactor core is engaged with a first groove of the other two adjacent graphite internals, and a second protrusion of one of two adjacent graphite internals in the axial direction of the reactor core is engaged with a second groove of the other two adjacent graphite internals.

7. A high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, characterized in that, Includes the reactor core as described in claim 6.

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