A regulator support structure and regulator system

Abstract

The application provides a voltage stabilizer supporting structure and a voltage stabilizer system, and the voltage stabilizer supporting structure comprises an upper supporting assembly and a lower supporting assembly. The upper supporting assembly is composed of a plurality of lug supports and supporting lugs, is uniformly arranged along the circumference of the upper cylinder of the voltage stabilizer near the upper head, provides axial support and circumferential limiting, and is connected with the lower head of the lower supporting assembly by horizontal pull rods and a forged boss. The lower supporting assembly is uniformly distributed along the circumference, realizes gapless horizontal limiting, and optimizes the spatial layout of the lower head. Through the synergistic effect of the upper and lower supports, the voltage stabilizer is allowed to expand downward along the axial direction under thermal load. The supporting gap is eliminated through the special structural design of the supporting assembly, the radiation exposure of the operation and maintenance personnel caused by regular adjustment and maintenance is avoided, and the problems of gap collision, excessive thermal stress and structural fatigue of the voltage stabilizer supporting structure are effectively solved, so that the safety, shock resistance and economy of the voltage stabilizer are significantly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of nuclear power plant pressurizer structure technology, and in particular to a pressurizer support structure and pressurizer system. Background Technology

[0002] As a key pressure control device in the reactor coolant system, the pressurizer in a nuclear power plant is used to maintain the stability of the reactor primary loop pressure under normal operation and transient conditions. Its support structure directly affects the safety of the nuclear island. During long-term operation, thermal loads can cause significant thermal expansion deformation of the pressurizer cylinder along the axial direction. If the support system does not properly constrain this expansion, it can easily lead to local stress concentration, weld fatigue, or even structural failure.

[0003] In existing nuclear power plant installations, the upper support of the pressurizer generally uses a radial limiter with a gap, requiring gap adjustment during each major overhaul cycle. This exposes maintenance personnel to radiation and increases the risk of collisions during earthquakes. The lower support often uses skirt supports or lug supports, which restricts the space under the pressurizer head, affecting the accessibility for maintenance of equipment such as electric heaters, and creating stress concentration and fatigue risks at weld locations. Furthermore, inadequate constraint of the support structure on the thermal expansion of the pressurizer can lead to excessive thermal stress on the upper head nozzles. Existing pressurizer support systems still have shortcomings in thermal expansion compatibility, welding reliability, and limiter accuracy. These deficiencies severely restrict the safety and economy of nuclear power plants. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a voltage stabilizer support structure and a voltage stabilizer system to solve the technical problems of insufficient seismic performance of voltage stabilizer support structures, radiation exposure hazards to maintenance personnel caused by gap detection and adjustment, large seismic response of the upper head, large expansion load of the upper head nozzle, and insufficient fatigue resistance of welds.

[0005] The present invention provides a voltage regulator support structure, comprising: An upper support assembly is disposed in the region of the cylinder of the voltage regulator near the upper end cap and is evenly arranged circumferentially along the cylinder. The upper support assembly includes multiple support seats, which are connected to the cylinder to achieve axial support and circumferential limiting of the voltage regulator. The lower support assembly is disposed at the lower end cap of the voltage regulator and evenly arranged around it. The lower support assembly includes a plurality of horizontal limiting members, which are connected to the lower end cap to achieve horizontal limiting of the voltage regulator. The upper support assembly is configured to fix the voltage regulator in the axial direction, and the lower support assembly is configured to allow the voltage regulator to undergo thermal expansion displacement in the axial direction.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the support is an ear-type support, which is connected to a corresponding ear. The ear is fixed to the civil structure and is used to transfer the load of the voltage stabilizer to the civil structure.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the ear-type supports is three, and they are evenly distributed at 120° intervals along the circumferential direction of the voltage stabilizer.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper end cap and the cylinder are connected by a first weld, and the end of the lug support near the upper end cap is at a predetermined distance L from the first weld. The predetermined distance L satisfies the minimum space requirement for in-service inspection of the first weld.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined distance L satisfies: L≥2t+50, where t is the thickness of the first weld.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the ear-type supports includes at least two stiffening plates and a base plate, wherein the stiffening plates are distributed along the width direction of the base plate; The side edge of the stiffener extends along the axial direction of the voltage stabilizer and is welded to the cylinder. The bottom surface of the stiffener is welded to the bottom plate, and a gap is provided between the bottom plate and the cylinder.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the stiffening plate and the cylinder are connected by full penetration welding.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the stiffening plate and / or the cylinder are provided with a first welding bevel in the corresponding welding area, and the first welding bevel is a K-type welding bevel.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the stiffening plate is connected to the cylinder by a second weld, the second weld extending along the axial direction of the cylinder and having a length not less than the dimension of the stiffening plate in that axial direction.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the stiffening plate and the base plate are connected by full penetration welding.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the base plate and / or the stiffening plate are provided with a second welding bevel in the corresponding welding area, and the second welding bevel is a K-type welding bevel.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal limiting member is a horizontal tie rod, and the lower end cap is provided with a plurality of protrusions evenly distributed along the circumference. One end of the horizontal tie rod is connected to the lower end cap through the protrusions.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the bosses is four, and they are evenly distributed at 90° intervals along the circumferential direction of the lower end cap.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the boss and the lower end cap are integrally forged.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the horizontal tie rods includes a connecting rod and two connecting heads. An adjustable connecting mechanism is provided between the connecting rod and the connecting heads for adjusting the horizontal limiting gap during installation, so as to achieve stable support and no loosening of the voltage regulator.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, a wave tube is also connected to the bottom of the lower end cap, and the wave tube is used to compensate for the thermal expansion displacement of the voltage regulator along the axial direction of the cylinder.

[0021] The present invention also proposes a voltage regulator system, including a voltage regulator and a voltage regulator support structure as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The voltage regulator support structure and voltage regulator system proposed in this invention, through the upper support assembly being arranged close to the upper end cap, achieve axial and circumferential limiting while cooperating with the lower support providing horizontal limiting, realize the axial downward expansion of the voltage regulator under thermal load, and the relatively weak stiffness of the wave tube arranged spirally at the bottom absorbs the axial downward expansion displacement difference of the voltage regulator, effectively reducing the displacement difference between the upper end cap and the connecting pipe due to thermal expansion; Using an adjustable horizontal tie rod as the lower support of the voltage regulator eliminates support clearance, avoids in-service clearance inspection procedures, reduces radiation exposure of maintenance personnel caused by regular adjustments and maintenance, and reduces collision loads caused by support clearance under seismic conditions. At the same time, it significantly optimizes the space of the lower end cap of the voltage regulator, provides sufficient space for the installation and maintenance of the electric heater, and improves the gas flow at the lower end cap position. In the upper support assembly of the present invention, the connection weld between the bottom plate of the lug support and the cylinder is eliminated and a gap is set. At the same time, the connection weld between the stiffening plate and the cylinder is lengthened. While ensuring structural strength, stress concentration at the weld end is eliminated, and the risk of insufficient fatigue failure resistance at the weld position between the bottom plate and the cylinder is eliminated. This invention, through the coordinated operation of the upper and lower support components, enables the voltage regulator to achieve controllable displacement under thermal load and reliable limiting under accident conditions, thereby improving overall seismic performance and operational safety. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0024] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a voltage regulator support structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front view of a voltage regulator support structure provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a top view of a voltage regulator support structure provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the lug-type support of the voltage regulator support structure provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a front view of the lug-type support of a voltage regulator support structure provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a left view of the lug-type support of a voltage regulator support structure provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a top view of the lug-type support of the voltage regulator support structure provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the lower support assembly of a voltage regulator support structure provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 100. Upper support assembly; 200. Lower support assembly; 300. Voltage regulator; 400. Fluctuation tube; 110. Ear-type support; 111. Rib plate; 112. Base plate; 113. First welding bevel; 114. Second welding bevel; 120. Support ear; 210. Horizontal tie rod; 211. Connecting rod; 212. Fork-shaped seat; 310. Cylinder body; 320. Upper head; 330. Lower head; 331. Boss; 340. First weld. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments. Various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0027] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. The drawings only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0028] In the following description, numerous details are explored to provide a more thorough explanation of embodiments of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other embodiments, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form rather than in detail to avoid obscuring embodiments of the invention.

[0029] The pressurizer is a key component of the reactor coolant system in a nuclear power plant, undertaking important functions such as pressure regulation, volume control, and overpressure protection. Its support structure must meet the requirements of various operating conditions, including self-weight, transient temperature changes, LOCA (loss-of-coolant accident) loads, and seismic loads, while allowing thermal expansion displacement during normal operation and limiting excessive displacement under accident conditions. Existing support structures still have many shortcomings. For example, a second-generation nuclear power unit uses an upper radial limiter and a lower skirt support, which has problems such as the need for periodic adjustment of the support gap leading to radiation exposure for maintenance personnel, gap collisions affecting seismic performance, limited lower space restricting the maintenance of electric heaters, and poor heat dissipation accelerating equipment aging. A third-generation nuclear power unit uses a similar upper support, but the lower part uses lug-type supports. In addition to gap issues, there is also insufficient fatigue resistance due to stress concentration in the weld area. Furthermore, some nuclear power units use a complex structure of clamping rings combined with outriggers, which not only has a large number of components and a huge workload for installation and maintenance, but also needs to bear the additional load of the ADS (Automatic Depressurization System) module. Existing support structures generally suffer from problems such as collision risks and maintenance difficulties caused by support gaps, excessive dynamic response caused by unreasonable structural layout, and equipment maintenance difficulties due to space constraints, which seriously affect the safety and economy of nuclear power plant operation.

[0030] Please see Figures 1 to 8This invention proposes a voltage regulator support structure, including an upper support assembly 100 and a lower support assembly 200. The upper support assembly 100 is disposed in the region of the cylinder 310 of the voltage regulator 300 near the upper end cap 320 and is evenly arranged circumferentially along the cylinder 310. The upper support assembly 100 includes multiple support brackets connected to the cylinder 310 to achieve axial support and circumferential limiting of the voltage regulator 300. The lower support assembly 200 is disposed at the lower end cap 330 of the voltage regulator 300 and is evenly arranged circumferentially thereafter. The lower support assembly 200 includes multiple horizontal limiting members connected to the lower end cap 330 to achieve horizontal limiting of the voltage regulator 300. The upper support assembly 100 is configured to fix the voltage regulator 300 in the axial direction, and the lower support assembly 200 is configured to allow the voltage regulator 300 to undergo thermal expansion displacement in the axial direction.

[0031] Please see Figures 1 to 8 It is understandable that the voltage regulator 300 mainly bears various dynamic / static loads such as its own weight, transient temperature, transient pressure, LOCA load, seismic load, and pipe load. The design of the voltage regulator support structure must ensure that it can provide reliable support for the voltage regulator 300, so that it can remain stable under various operating conditions. The voltage regulator support structure must be able to withstand various operating conditions and safely transfer the load to the civil engineering structure such as the floor slab. While allowing the voltage regulator 300 to undergo radial displacement due to pressure and thermal expansion during normal operation of the power station, it must limit the voltage regulator 300 to generate excessive displacement under LOCA load and seismic load, and keep the central axis position of the voltage regulator 300 relatively fixed. In the voltage regulator support structure of the present invention, the upper support assembly 100 can bear most of the self-weight and vertical load of the voltage regulator 300, restrict the overall axial displacement of the voltage regulator 300, and constrain its circumferential rotation and prevent the upper part from swinging horizontally; while the lower support assembly 200 is used to restrict the horizontal displacement and swing of the lower part of the voltage regulator 300, while allowing it to expand or contract freely along the axial direction. The structure of multiple horizontal limiting members arranged circumferentially significantly reduces the space occupied in the lower end cap area, providing sufficient operating space for the installation, maintenance and replacement of the electric heater, while improving the air circulation conditions in this area, which is conducive to the timely dissipation of heat. During the startup or operation of a nuclear power plant, the coolant temperature inside the pressurizer 300 rises, causing thermal expansion of the pressurizer 300 body. With the synergistic effect of the upper support assembly 100 and the lower support assembly 200, the overall thermal expansion deformation of the pressurizer 300 is transmitted from the upper fixed support point to the lower part, thereby significantly reducing the relative displacement difference between the upper end cap 320 and the connecting pipe and effectively alleviating thermal stress. At the same time, the spatial layout of the lower end cap 330 can ensure sufficient air circulation environment, which can effectively reduce the working temperature of non-metallic components such as electric heater joints, seals and cables, delay the thermal aging process, and extend service life.

[0032] Please see Figures 1 to 8 The voltage regulator support structure of the present invention, through the coordinated cooperation of the upper and lower support components, not only meets the support requirements of the voltage regulator, but also realizes the controllable displacement of the voltage regulator 300 under thermal load and the reliable limiting under accident conditions. At the same time, it significantly improves the equipment maintenance conditions and operating environment. The structure is simple and highly reliable, and fundamentally solves a series of problems such as gap collision caused by support gap and its adverse effect on the equipment's seismic resistance, the harm of operation and maintenance radiation exposure to the health of operation and maintenance personnel, the large seismic response of the upper end cap 320 of the voltage regulator 300, the large expansion load of the upper end cap 320 pipe, the cramped space of the lower end cap 330, as well as the concentration of thermal stress and the weak resistance to structural fatigue failure.

[0033] Please see Figures 1 to 7 In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper support assembly 100 is arranged on the upper part of the cylinder 310 of the voltage regulator 300, providing vertical (i.e., axial) and circumferential support for the voltage regulator 300. It is arranged along the axial direction of the voltage regulator 300 as close as possible to the upper end cap 320 to ensure that the voltage regulator 300 expands mainly downwards along the axis of the cylinder 310 under heating conditions. The upper support assembly 100 includes a support base and lugs 120. Specifically, the support base is a lug-type support 110, which is connected to the corresponding lug 120. The lugs 120 are fixed to the civil structure and are used to transfer the load of the voltage regulator 300 to the civil structure. The lug-type support 110 and the lugs 120 can be connected by bolts or welding, etc. The tight fit between the lug-type support 110 and the lug 120 provides reliable support for the voltage stabilizer 300 and forms a circumferential limiting constraint, avoiding the gap problem of radial limiting and preventing the cylinder 310 from rotating or shifting due to earthquakes or operating loads, thus significantly reducing the risk of collision. It should be noted that the support is not limited to the lug-type support 110; in other embodiments, other structural forms such as hinged supports can also be used, as long as they can achieve the functions of axial support and circumferential limiting.

[0034] Please see Figures 1 to 7 In one embodiment of the present invention, the number of lug supports 110 is three, and they are evenly distributed at 120° intervals along the circumferential direction of the voltage stabilizer 300. This symmetrical layout ensures that the cylinder 310 is subjected to symmetrical force and uniform load transfer, avoids stress concentration caused by over-constraint, provides a stable three-point support system for the voltage stabilizer 300, effectively controls the displacement response of the voltage stabilizer 300 under various working conditions, improves the dynamic stability of the equipment under seismic action, and significantly reduces local deformation of parts such as the upper end cap 320 and the welded joints of the cylinder 310.

[0035] Please see Figures 1 to 7In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper end cap 320 and the cylinder 310 are connected by a first weld 340. The end of the lug support 110 near the upper end cap 320 is at a predetermined distance L from the first weld 340. The predetermined distance L meets the minimum space requirement for in-service inspection of the first weld 340. This distance setting ensures that the weld area can be completely inspected by non-destructive testing methods during service, facilitating early detection of welding defects and stress corrosion problems, thereby improving equipment operation safety. At the same time, it can ensure the optimization of the support position, enabling the upper support to effectively control the displacement of the upper end cap area.

[0036] Please see Figures 1 to 7 In one embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined distance L satisfies: L≥2t+50, where t is the thickness of the first weld 340. This distance relationship is determined based on actual experience in in-service inspection and structural mechanics analysis, ensuring that the inspection equipment has sufficient space to operate and providing sufficient margin to prevent uncertainties during the inspection process. It is understood that if the predetermined distance L is too small, stress superposition or a blind spot may occur between the lug support 110 and the weld area, which will affect the inspection quality of the weld; if the distance is too large, the force path of the support will be extended, the structural stiffness will decrease, and the support effect will be significantly reduced. By limiting L≥2t+50, the support layout is optimized while ensuring a balance between inspection space and structural stiffness, significantly improving the fatigue life of the weld area of ​​the voltage regulator 300.

[0037] Please see Figures 1 to 7In one embodiment of the present invention, each ear-type support 110 includes at least two stiffening plates 111 and a base plate 112. The stiffening plates 111 are distributed along the width direction of the base plate 112. The side edges of the stiffening plates 111 extend along the axial direction of the voltage stabilizer 300 and are welded to the cylinder 310. The bottom surface of the stiffening plates 111 is welded to the base plate 112, and a gap is provided between the base plate 112 and the cylinder 310. In the structural design of the lug support 110, the stiffening plate 111 bears the main load transfer function, effectively dispersing the load transfer path and reducing local stress concentration in the cylinder 310. The bottom plate 112 is connected to the stiffening plate 111, enhancing the overall rigidity and stability of the lug support 110. A gap is provided between the bottom plate 112 and the cylinder 310, solving the problem of poor local fatigue resistance of the weld. This gap effectively avoids excessive local constraint on the joint area by the lug support 110, preventing stress and stress concentration at the connection weld between the bottom plate 112 and the cylinder 310 when subjected to circumferential and radial deformation of the voltage stabilizer 300. Simultaneously, it provides buffer space for the thermal expansion of the cylinder 310, improving the structure's thermal stress adaptability and significantly enhancing its fatigue resistance. The lug support 110 and the lugs 120 work together to form the upper support system, achieving reliable support and stress release for the voltage stabilizer 300. It should be noted that the ear-type support 110 is not limited in structure and can adopt a double-ear, triple-ear or multi-ear structure to adapt to the stress requirements of voltage regulators 300 of different specifications.

[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 7 In one embodiment of the present invention, the stiffening plate 111 and the cylinder 310 are connected by full penetration welding. The stiffening plate 111 and / or the cylinder 310 are provided with a first welding bevel 113 in the corresponding welding area. The first welding bevel 113 is a K-type welding bevel. The full penetration welding process ensures the strength and integrity of the connection. The K-type bevel design allows the weld to achieve complete penetration, and at the same time, it can better control the welding deformation during the welding process. It is also beneficial to the filling of welding material and the expulsion of gas, thereby improving the weld formation quality and detectability, and is suitable for high-strength welding applications. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the bevel form can also be other structures, such as X-type, which can be selected according to the structure of the cylinder 310 and welding process parameters to balance processability and strength requirements.

[0039] Please see Figures 1 to 7In one embodiment of the present invention, the stiffening rib 111 is connected to the cylinder 310 by a second weld. The second weld extends along the axial direction of the cylinder 310, and its length is not less than the dimension of the stiffening rib 111 in that axial direction. The axial extension of the weld effectively disperses the load path, allowing stress to be uniformly transmitted along the axial direction of the cylinder 310, thereby reducing the risk of local stress concentration at the weld toe and improving the fatigue life of the joint. It is understood that the second weld bears and transmits the load between the support assembly and the voltage regulator 300 body. By increasing the weld length, the stress level per unit length is reduced, giving the structure better durability under cyclic loading. The weld length being consistent with the dimension of the stiffening rib 111 ensures the matching of welded connection strength and prevents the potential for insufficient load-bearing capacity in the welded area.

[0040] Please see Figures 1 to 7 In one embodiment of the present invention, the stiffening plate 111 and the base plate 112 are connected by full penetration welding. Specifically, the bottom surface of each stiffening plate 111 and the upper surface of the base plate 112 are reliably connected by a third weld. The welding area extends along the entire length of the bottom surface of the stiffening plate 111 to ensure uniform load distribution. The base plate 112 and / or the stiffening plate 111 are provided with a second welding bevel 114 in the corresponding welding area. This bevel is preferably a K-type welding bevel, which enables the weld to achieve complete penetration and form a connection joint with good mechanical properties. This connection method ensures the overall structural integrity of the lug support 110, improves the overall stiffness and bending resistance of the stiffening plate 111 and the base plate 112, and enables the stiffening plate 111 and the base plate 112 to form a strong connection and jointly bear the load transfer function. The K-type bevel design ensures the welding quality, avoids fatigue crack initiation due to insufficient welding, and improves the overall fatigue resistance and long-term service reliability of the support.

[0041] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 8In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower support assembly 200 includes a horizontal limiting member, specifically, a horizontal tie rod 210. The lower end cap 330 has a plurality of protrusions 331 evenly arranged circumferentially. One end of the horizontal tie rod 210 is connected to the lower end cap 330 via the protrusions 331, reliably limiting the horizontal displacement of the voltage regulator 300 under earthquake or operational loads, preventing the voltage regulator 300 from swaying or shifting as a whole. The horizontal tie rod 210 adopts a simple rod structure, which significantly reduces the structural complexity and space occupation of the lower end cap area compared to structures such as skirt supports or ear supports 110, providing ample operating space for the installation, inspection, and maintenance of the electric heater. Simultaneously, this open structural design avoids the support structure from enclosing the lower end cap area, effectively improving gas flow in this area, promoting timely heat dissipation, and improving the working environment of equipment such as the electric heater. The horizontal tie rod 210 works in conjunction with the upper support assembly 100. The upper part fixes the axial position of the voltage stabilizer 300, while the lower part allows free axial expansion but constrains the horizontal direction. This achieves a balance between thermal expansion and seismic performance of the voltage stabilizer 300, effectively reducing the dynamic response in the upper end cap area and improving the stress state of the connecting pipe. It is understandable that the structure of the horizontal tie rod 210 can effectively prevent structural impact under earthquake conditions, while under thermal conditions, the tie rod structure does not constrain axial deformation, thus avoiding the accumulation of thermal stress.

[0042] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 8 In one embodiment of the present invention, there are four bosses 331, which are evenly distributed at 90° intervals along the circumferential direction of the lower end cap 330. Each boss 331 cooperates with a tie rod to provide effective horizontal restraint for the voltage stabilizer 300. The symmetrical arrangement enables symmetrical distribution of the horizontal load at the lower part of the voltage stabilizer 300, ensuring the uniformity of the horizontal restraint, providing a stable horizontal constraint system for the voltage stabilizer 300, reducing local deformation of the end cap, and improving the overall seismic symmetry and load balance.

[0043] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 8 In one embodiment of the present invention, the boss 331 and the lower end cap 330 are integrally forged. The integral forging process ensures the material continuity between the boss 331 and the lower end cap 330, avoids stress concentration problems that may occur due to welding connections, significantly improves the integrity and load-bearing capacity of the structure, improves the stress distribution state, and enhances fatigue resistance. The integral structure also simplifies the manufacturing process, enhances geometric accuracy and crack resistance, and has good reliability.

[0044] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 8In one embodiment of the present invention, each horizontal tie rod 210 includes a connecting rod 211 and two connectors. An adjustable connection mechanism is provided between the connecting rod 211 and the connectors to adjust the horizontal limiting gap during installation, thereby achieving stable support and no loosening of the voltage stabilizer 300. Specifically, the connector is, for example, a fork-shaped seat 212 with a U-shaped opening structure. By adjusting the screw-in depth of the connecting rod 211 and the fork-shaped seat 212, the overall length of the tie rod can be precisely adjusted. The fork-shaped seat 212 can be connected to the boss 331 on the lower end cap 330 by bolts or pins, while the other end is connected to the fixed base on the civil structure, forming a complete force transmission path. This connection structure ensures uniform stress distribution when the connector is under load, avoiding local overload, facilitating maintenance, and significantly reducing the risk of loosening during long-term operation. The adjustable connection mechanism can flexibly adapt to site deviations during installation. By precisely controlling and eliminating the horizontal limiting gap, it can achieve no loosening under various working conditions, effectively preventing wear and collision caused by vibration. Furthermore, the simple rod-like structure of the horizontal tie rod 210, combined with the compact design of the fork-shaped seat 212, optimizes the space of the lower end cap 330, providing a more ample operating area for the arrangement and maintenance of the electric heater, while also promoting airflow and improving heat dissipation. It should be noted that the structure of the horizontal tie rod 210 is not limited; for example, a ball joint or similar device can be used in conjunction with the rod-like structure to achieve horizontal limiting, as long as stable horizontal limiting is achieved.

[0045] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 8In one embodiment of the present invention, a wave-like pipe 400 is connected to the bottom of the lower end cap 330 to compensate for the thermal expansion displacement of the voltage regulator 300 along the axial direction of the cylinder 310. Specifically, the wave-like pipe 400 is designed as a flexible pipe with relatively low stiffness, and it is installed in a spiral arrangement in the bottom region of the voltage regulator 300. It can absorb and dissipate the axial displacement of the cylinder 310 of the voltage regulator 300 caused by temperature changes through its own deformation. During the operation of a nuclear power plant, when the internal temperature of the pressurizer 300 rises, the cylinder 310 will undergo thermal expansion. Since the upper support assembly 100 fixes the upper part of the pressurizer 300, the thermal expansion mainly develops downward along the axial direction. At this time, the flexible design of the wave tube 400 allows it to compensate for this downward displacement through the elastic deformation of the spiral structure. Since the stiffness of the wave tube 400 is relatively weak, it generates a small reaction force when subjected to axial displacement, which further reduces the load transmitted to the connecting pipeline system. This avoids excessive relative displacement between the pressurizer 300 and the connecting pipeline, significantly reduces the displacement difference between the upper end cap area and the connecting pipeline, valves and other components, and effectively alleviates the additional stress caused by uneven thermal expansion. Through this collaborative design, the wave tube 400, together with the upper support assembly 100 and the lower support assembly 200, constitute a displacement compensation system. This system not only ensures the thermal displacement requirements of the pressure regulator 300 during normal operation, but also effectively reduces the expansion displacement difference between the upper part of the pressure regulator 300, the upper end cap 320, and components such as pipes and valves, thus alleviating thermal stress and ensuring structural integrity under accident conditions.

[0046] Please see Figures 1 to 8The present invention also proposes a voltage regulator system, including a voltage regulator 300 and a voltage regulator support structure as described in any of the above embodiments. This voltage regulator system, through the coordinated support system formed by the upper support assembly 100 and the lower support assembly 200 in structure and function, enables stable support and axial thermal expansion release of the voltage regulator 300 under operating conditions. Specifically, the upper support assembly 100 provides axial support and circumferential limiting function for the voltage regulator 300 through the rigid connection between the lug-type support 110 and the lug 120, thereby determining the fixed reference position of the voltage regulator 300 in the installation space; the lower support assembly 200 achieves horizontal constraint through a horizontal limiting member arranged at the lower end cap 330, preventing lateral displacement of the voltage regulator 300 under earthquake or operating loads. The horizontal limiting component adopts an adjustable or hinged connection in its structure. Its direction of action is perpendicular to the axis of the voltage regulator 300, providing gapless limiting only in the horizontal direction of the voltage regulator 300, while not creating rigid constraint in the axial direction. When the voltage regulator 300 undergoes thermal expansion along the axial direction of the cylinder 310 due to the increase in internal medium temperature during operation, the connectors at both ends of the horizontal limiting component can achieve slight rotation or sliding through spherical contact or pin rotation structure, allowing the axial displacement of the voltage regulator 300 to be smoothly released. At the same time, the wave tube 400 located at the bottom of the lower end cap 330 can absorb this axial thermal displacement, thereby avoiding additional stress caused by axial obstruction. Therefore, the upper and lower support structures of the present invention, while maintaining the lateral positioning stability of the pressurizer 300, allow it to expand freely in the axial direction, forming a support characteristic of lateral rigid constraint and longitudinal flexible release. This ensures that the pressurizer 300 can expand freely in the heat while effectively limiting its displacement, effectively avoiding the collision problem of gap supports under working conditions such as earthquakes and the stress concentration problem caused by limited thermal expansion. Under seismic loads and thermal loads, the stability, safety and long-term service reliability of the pressurizer 300 structure can be ensured, and it has good maintenance convenience, providing a reliable guarantee for the long-term stable operation of nuclear power plants.

[0047] In summary, the voltage stabilizer support structure and voltage stabilizer system of the present invention effectively control the displacement response of the upper head area through the specific arrangement and connection method of the upper support component 100, the gapless design of the lower support component 200 eliminates maintenance risks and collision hazards, and optimizes the lower space. The optimized connection method of the lug support 110 improves the fatigue resistance. The synergistic effect between the components ultimately achieves a comprehensive improvement in the safety, reliability and maintainability of the support system.

[0048] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

[0049] Throughout this description, numerous specific details, such as examples of components and / or methods, are provided to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without one or more of these specific details or by other devices, systems, components, methods, parts, materials, components, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations have not been specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the invention.

[0050] Throughout this specification, the terms "an embodiment," "embodiment," or "specific embodiment" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment that is included in at least one embodiment of the invention, but not necessarily in all embodiments. Therefore, the various representations of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "in a specific embodiment" in different places throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic of any specific embodiment of the invention can be combined with one or more other embodiments in any suitable manner. It should be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the invention described and illustrated herein may be based on the teachings herein and will be considered part of the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0051] It should also be understood that one or more of the elements shown in the figures may be implemented in a more separate or more integrated manner, or may even be removed because they are inoperable in certain circumstances or provided because they may be useful for a particular application.

[0052] Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly stated, any arrows in the accompanying drawings should be considered illustrative only and not limiting. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, the term "or" as used herein is generally intended to mean "and / or". Where a term is anticipated to provide a separation or combination capability that is unclear, a combination of components or steps will also be considered as indicated.

[0053] As used herein and throughout the claims below, unless otherwise specified, “a” and “the” include the plural references. Similarly, as used herein and throughout the claims below, unless otherwise specified, “in” means “in” and “on”.

[0054] The above description of the embodiments shown in this invention (including the content set forth in the abstract of the specification) is not intended to be an exhaustive enumeration or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein. Although specific embodiments and examples of the invention have been described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, as will be recognized and understood by those skilled in the art. As indicated, these modifications can be made to the invention in accordance with the above description of the embodiments described herein, and such modifications will be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0055] This document has generally described the systems and methods in detail to aid in understanding the invention. Furthermore, various specific details have been set forth to provide a general understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more specific details, or using other means, systems, accessories, methods, components, materials, parts, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, and / or operations have not been specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the invention.

[0056] Therefore, although the invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments thereof, freedom of modification, various changes and substitutions are also within the scope of the foregoing disclosure, and it should be understood that in some cases, certain features of the invention may be adopted without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention and without corresponding use of other features. Thus, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular environment or material to the essential scope and spirit of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology used in the following claims and / or the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for carrying out the invention, but the invention will include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention will be defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A voltage regulator support structure, characterized in that, include: An upper support assembly is disposed in the region of the cylinder of the voltage regulator near the upper end cap and is evenly arranged circumferentially along the cylinder. The upper support assembly includes multiple support seats, which are connected to the cylinder to achieve axial support and circumferential limiting of the voltage regulator. The lower support assembly is disposed at the lower end cap of the voltage regulator and evenly arranged around it. The lower support assembly includes a plurality of horizontal limiting members, which are connected to the lower end cap to limit the horizontal movement of the voltage regulator. The upper support assembly is configured to fix the voltage regulator in the axial direction, and the lower support assembly is configured to allow the voltage regulator to undergo thermal expansion displacement in the axial direction. The support is an ear-type support, each of which includes at least two stiffening plates and a base plate. The stiffening plates are distributed along the width direction of the base plate, and the side edges of the stiffening plates extend along the axial direction of the voltage stabilizer and are welded to the cylinder. The bottom surface of the stiffening plates is welded to the base plate, and a gap is provided between the base plate and the cylinder. The horizontal limiting component is a horizontal tie rod. Each horizontal tie rod includes a connecting rod and two connecting heads. An adjustable connecting mechanism is provided between the connecting rod and the connecting heads to adjust the horizontal limiting gap during installation, so as to achieve stable support and no loosening of the voltage regulator.

2. The voltage regulator support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support is an ear-type support, which is connected to a corresponding ear. The ear is fixed to the civil structure and is used to transfer the load of the voltage stabilizer to the civil structure.

3. The voltage regulator support structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of the lug-type supports is three, and they are evenly distributed at 120° intervals along the circumferential direction of the voltage stabilizer.

4. The voltage regulator support structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper end cap is connected to the cylinder body by a first weld. The end of the lug support near the upper end cap is at a predetermined distance L from the first weld. The predetermined distance L meets the minimum space requirement for in-service inspection of the first weld.

5. The voltage regulator support structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The predetermined distance L satisfies: L≥2t+50, where t is the thickness of the first weld.

6. The voltage regulator support structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The stiffening plate and the cylinder are connected by full penetration welding.

7. The voltage regulator support structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The stiffening plate and / or the cylinder are provided with a first welding bevel in the corresponding welding area, and the first welding bevel is a K-type welding bevel.

8. The voltage regulator support structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The stiffening plate is connected to the cylinder by a second weld, which extends along the axial direction of the cylinder and its length is not less than the dimension of the stiffening plate in that axial direction.

9. The voltage regulator support structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The stiffening plate and the base plate are connected by full penetration welding.

10. The voltage regulator support structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The base plate and / or the stiffening plate are provided with a second welding bevel in the corresponding welding area, and the second welding bevel is a K-type welding bevel.

11. The voltage regulator support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The horizontal limiting component is a horizontal tie rod, and the lower end cap is evenly provided with multiple protrusions along the circumference. One end of the horizontal tie rod is connected to the lower end cap through the protrusions.

12. The voltage regulator support structure according to claim 11, characterized in that, The number of protrusions is four, and they are evenly distributed at 90° intervals along the circumferential direction of the lower end cap.

13. The voltage regulator support structure according to claim 11, characterized in that, The boss and the lower end cap are integrally forged.

14. The voltage regulator support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the lower end cap is also connected to a wave tube, which is used to compensate for the thermal expansion displacement of the pressure regulator along the axial direction of the cylinder.

15. A voltage regulator system, characterized in that, It includes a voltage regulator and a voltage regulator support structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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