Miniature reactor with drum cooling structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a miniature reactor with a rotary drum cooling structure. The miniature reactor with the rotary drum cooling structure comprises a main heat exchanger and a control rotary drum, the control rotary drum comprises a shell and a rotary drum body, the rotary drum body is arranged in a sealed cavity of the shell, the miniature reactor further comprises a cooling circulation loop, and the cooling circulation loop is arranged between the main heat exchanger and the control rotary drum. A part of the cooling medium of the main heat exchanger absorbs heat generated on the surface of the drum body through the circulation loop. The invention provides a miniature reactor with a drum cooling structure, which can improve the performance of a control drum and the safety and stability of reactor operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of microreactor technology, and more particularly to a microreactor with a drum cooling structure. Background Technology

[0002] In current nuclear reactor control drum designs, the control drum mainly consists of a neutron absorber, a neutron reflector, and an outer shell. During reactor operation, the control drum is rotated by motors and other active components. By adjusting the angle of the neutron-absorbing material within the drum relative to the reactor core, the neutron flux to the core is controlled, thereby controlling the reactor power. However, the control drum faces challenges in self-heating and heat dissipation under normal operating conditions. During operation, the neutron absorber within the control drum radiates heat due to neutron absorption. Simultaneously, a gap exists between the drum and its surrounding channel to ensure normal rotation. This results in high heat generation and difficulty in heat dissipation, leading to excessively high drum temperatures. Currently, there is a lack of effective cooling methods. Excessive temperatures not only affect the performance of the drum materials and reduce their lifespan but may also threaten the safe operation of the reactor. Therefore, a microreactor structure that can effectively solve the heat dissipation problem of the control drum is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this invention proposes a microreactor with a drum cooling structure, which improves the performance of the control drum and the safety and stability of reactor operation.

[0004] Specifically, the present invention proposes a micro reactor with a drum cooling structure. The micro reactor includes a main heat exchanger and a control drum. The control drum includes a shell and a drum body. The drum body is disposed in a sealed cavity of the shell. The micro reactor also includes a cooling circulation loop, which is disposed between the main heat exchanger and the control drum. A portion of the cooling medium of the main heat exchanger absorbs the heat generated on the surface of the drum body through the circulation loop.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling circulation loop includes a medium delivery pipeline and a medium recovery pipeline, which are respectively connected to the main heat exchanger and the shell. The cooling medium enters the sealed cavity of the shell through the medium delivery pipeline and then returns to the main heat exchanger through the medium recovery pipeline.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a check valve and a flow regulating valve are provided on the medium conveying pipeline.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control drum further includes a mechanical seal, and both ends of the drum body in the length direction are connected to the housing through the mechanical seal.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an outwardly extending connecting shaft is provided at the end of the drum body. The mechanical shaft seal includes a compression spring, a rotating ring, a stationary ring, and an end cap sleeved on the connecting shaft. One end of the compression spring abuts against the end of the drum body, and the other end abuts against the rotating ring. The stationary ring is disposed between the rotating ring and the end cap. The stationary ring is shaped to match the opening on the housing. The end cap is fixed to the housing and fits against the stationary ring.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical shaft seal further includes a gasket, and a step is formed on the stationary ring, the gasket being disposed on the step.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical shaft seal further includes an O-ring, and an O-groove is provided inside the moving ring, the O-ring being disposed within the O-groove.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the microreactor further includes a reactor core and a high-temperature heat pipe, wherein the reactor core conducts heat to the main heat exchanger through the high-temperature heat pipe.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the microreactor includes a plurality of control drums arranged around the reactor core, and each control drum is provided with a separate cooling circulation loop between itself and the main heat exchanger.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a baffle plate is provided in the main heat exchanger, and a portion of the cooling medium of the main heat exchanger flows along the baffle plate.

[0014] The present invention provides a micro reactor with a drum cooling structure. By setting up a cooling circulation loop, it solves the problem of excessive temperature caused by self-heating of the existing control drum, thereby improving the performance of the control drum and the safety and stability of reactor operation.

[0015] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description of the invention are exemplary and illustrative, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as described in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings are included to provide further explanation of the invention; they are incorporated into and constitute a part of this application. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with this specification, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a microreactor with a drum cooling structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a mechanical shaft seal according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0019] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the arrangement of the control drum in a microreactor according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0021] Microreactor 100

[0022] Main heat exchanger 101

[0023] Baffle 1011

[0024] Entrance 1012

[0025] Export 1013

[0026] Control drum 102

[0027] Casing 1021

[0028] Drum body 1022

[0029] Connecting shaft 1023

[0030] Cooling circulation loop 103

[0031] Medium delivery pipeline 1031

[0032] Medium recovery pipeline 1032

[0033] One-way valve 1033

[0034] Flow regulating valve 1034

[0035] Mechanical shaft seal 104

[0036] Compression spring 1041

[0037] Dynamic Ring 1042

[0038] 1043 static ring

[0039] End cap 1044

[0040] Gasket 1045

[0041] O-ring 1046

[0042] Core 105

[0043] High-temperature heat pipe 106 Detailed Implementation

[0044] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this application or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0046] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0047] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0048] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0049] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a microreactor with a drum cooling structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown, the present invention provides a microreactor 100 with a drum cooling structure. The microreactor 100 mainly includes a main heat exchanger 101 and a control drum 102. The control drum 102 includes a shell 1021 and a drum body 1022, which is disposed within a sealed cavity of the shell 1021. The microreactor 100 also features a cooling circulation loop 103, which is disposed between the main heat exchanger 101 and the control drum 102. The cooling medium in the main heat exchanger 101 is responsible for heat transfer, and a portion of the cooling medium flows along the cooling circulation loop 103. When flowing through the control drum 102, it contacts the surface of the drum body 1022 and absorbs the heat generated by the drum body 1022 during operation through heat exchange. The design of the cooling circulation loop 103 effectively solves the problem of excessive temperature caused by self-heating and difficulty in heat dissipation of the control drum 102 during operation. It not only significantly improves the performance of the control drum 102, but also strongly guarantees the safety and stability of the micro reactor 100 operation.

[0050] In some examples, the cooling circulation loop 103 includes a media delivery pipeline 1031 and a media recovery pipeline 1032. One end of the media delivery pipeline 1031 is connected to the main heat exchanger 101, and the other end is connected to the shell 1021 of the control drum 102. When the reactor starts up, a portion of the cooling medium in the main heat exchanger 101 is delivered through the media delivery pipeline 1031 to the sealed cavity of the shell 1021 of the control drum 102. In this sealed space, the cooling medium is in full contact with the drum body 1022, absorbing the heat generated by the drum body 1022 during operation, thereby achieving preliminary cooling of the drum body 1022. One end of the media recovery pipeline 1032 is connected to the sealed cavity of the shell 1021 of the control drum 102, and the other end is connected to the main heat exchanger 101. After the cooling medium absorbs heat within the sealed cavity, it flows back to the main heat exchanger 101 through the medium recovery pipeline 1032, allowing the cooling medium to regain its cooling capacity in the main heat exchanger 101 and achieve recycling. The entire cooling cycle loop 103 is used to ensure continuous cooling of the control drum 102, thereby providing reliable support for the stable operation of the microreactor 100.

[0051] In some examples, a check valve 1033 and a flow regulating valve 1034 are configured on the medium delivery pipeline 1031. The function of the check valve 1033 is to strictly control the flow direction of the cooling medium, ensuring that it can only enter the cavity of the housing 1021 of the control drum 102 from the main heat exchanger 101 through the medium delivery pipeline 1031 in the preset direction (arrow), and then flow back to the main heat exchanger 101 through the medium recovery pipeline 1032, effectively preventing the cooling medium from flowing back due to factors such as pressure fluctuations. The check valve 1033 avoids interference with the normal operation of the main heat exchanger 101 caused by the backflow of the cooling medium, prevents cooling interruption caused by backflow, and ensures the continuity of the cooling cycle. The flow regulating valve 1034 is responsible for dynamically regulating the flow rate of the cooling medium. According to the heat generation of the control drum 102 under different operating conditions, the total amount of cooling medium entering the cavity of the housing 1021 can be controlled by adjusting the opening of the flow regulating valve 1034. When the temperature of the drum body 1022 is too high, the flow rate can be increased to dissipate heat quickly; when the temperature is within a reasonable range, the flow rate can be reduced or maintained to optimize system energy consumption. The flexible adjustment capability of the flow regulating valve 1034 allows the cooling effect to match the actual heat dissipation requirements of the drum 102, ensuring the stability of the drum body 1022's operating temperature and improving the overall operating efficiency of the cooling system.

[0052] In some examples, in the structural design of the control drum 102, to ensure the airtightness of the sealed cavity of the housing 1021 while meeting the rotation requirements of the drum body 1022, the control drum 102 is also equipped with a mechanical shaft seal 104. The drum body 1022 is connected to the housing 1021 at both ends in the longitudinal direction through the mechanical shaft seal 104. On the one hand, the mechanical shaft seal 104 provides the necessary support for the rotation of the drum body 1022, ensuring that the drum body 1022 can rotate flexibly to adjust the reactor power; on the other hand, it can form a reliable seal between the drum body 1022 and the housing 1021, effectively preventing the cooling medium from leaking from the gap between the two, thereby maintaining the amount of cooling medium in the sealed cavity of the housing 1021, ensuring the normal operation of the cooling cycle, and providing a stable environment for the efficient heat dissipation of the drum body 1022.

[0053] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a mechanical shaft seal according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown, in some examples, a connecting shaft 1023 extending outward and passing through the housing 1021 is provided at the end of the drum body 1022. The connecting shaft 1023 provides a mounting base for the mechanical shaft seal 104. The mechanical shaft seal 104 includes a compression spring 1041, a moving ring 1042, a stationary ring 1043, and an end cap 1044, which are sequentially sleeved on the connecting shaft 1023. One end of the compression spring 1041 abuts against the end of the drum body 1022, and the other end abuts against the moving ring 1042. The compression spring 1041 provides a continuous axial compression force to the moving ring 1042 through its own elastic force, ensuring that the moving ring 1042 and the stationary ring 1043 can fit tightly together. The stationary ring 1043 is disposed between the moving ring 1042 and the end cap 1044. Its shape matches the shape of the opening on the housing 1021, and it can be inserted into the opening to form a preliminary sealing fit. The end cap 1044 is fixedly mounted on the housing 1021 and fits tightly against the stationary ring 1043. The end cap 1044 fixes and limits the stationary ring 1043, further enhancing the sealing effect. When the drum body 1022 rotates, the connecting shaft 1023 drives the moving ring 1042 to rotate synchronously, while the stationary ring 1043 remains stationary due to the fixing effect of the end cap 1044. The tight contact surface between the moving ring 1042 and the stationary ring 1043 forms a dynamic sealing interface, effectively preventing the leakage of cooling medium, while not affecting the normal rotation of the drum body 1022.

[0054] In some examples, the mechanical shaft seal 104 also includes a gasket 1045. A step is machined into the stationary ring 1043, and the gasket 1045 is disposed at the step. The step limits the gasket 1045, allowing it to be stably positioned between the stationary ring 1043 and the housing 1021, filling the small gap between them, and further preventing the cooling medium from leaking from the mating surface of the stationary ring 1043 and the housing 1021, thus enhancing the overall integrity of the sealing structure.

[0055] In some examples, the mechanical shaft seal 104 also includes an O-ring 1046. An O-groove is formed inside the rotating ring 1042, and the O-ring 1046 is disposed within the O-groove, fitting tightly against the surface of the connecting shaft 1023. The O-ring 1046 forms a reliable seal between the rotating ring 1042 and the connecting shaft 1023, preventing cooling medium from penetrating along the surface of the connecting shaft 1023 and improving the overall sealing effect of the mechanical shaft seal 104.

[0056] Return to Figure 1In some examples, the microreactor 100 also includes a core 105 and a high-temperature heat pipe 106. The core 105 conducts heat to the main heat exchanger 101 via the high-temperature heat pipe 106. Specifically, the core 105 generates a large amount of heat, which is efficiently transferred to the main heat exchanger 101 via the high-temperature heat pipe 106, and then transferred to the peripheral thermoelectric modules via the main heat exchanger 101 to generate electricity. The main heat exchanger 101 performs heat exchange functions, not only meeting the energy conversion requirements of the reactor, but also providing a usable cooling medium for the cooling loop 103, ensuring that the energy flow and thermal management of the entire reactor system are in an orderly state.

[0057] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the arrangement of control drums in a microreactor according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown, in some examples, the microreactor 100 includes multiple control drums 102 for precise control of the neutron flux in the reactor core 105. Multiple control drums 102 are distributed around the reactor core 105, and each control drum 102 has a separate cooling circulation loop 103 between itself and the main heat exchanger 101. This cooling design allows for flexible adjustment of the cooling medium supply based on the actual heat generation of each control drum 102, ensuring that each control drum 102 operates stably at a suitable temperature. This avoids affecting the overall control accuracy due to overheating of a single drum, while also improving the fault tolerance and reliability of the cooling system.

[0058] In some examples, a baffle 1011 is provided within the main heat exchanger 101. When the cooling medium enters the main heat exchanger 101, a portion flows along the guide of the baffle 1011. The baffle 1011 alters the flow path of the cooling medium, prolonging its residence time within the main heat exchanger 101 and increasing the contact area with heat-generating components such as the high-temperature heat pipe 106, thereby enhancing heat exchange efficiency and ensuring that the main heat exchanger 101 can fully absorb the heat transferred from the core 105. The remaining portion of the cooling medium diverted to the control drum 102 retains sufficient cooling capacity and absorbs heat from the control drum 102 through the cooling circulation loop 103.

[0059] When the microreactor 100 is running, the one-way valve 1033 is opened, and cooling medium is introduced into the inlet 1012 of the main heat exchanger 101. A portion of this medium flows under the guidance of the baffle plate 1011 and is output from the outlet 1013. This portion of the cooling medium is specifically used to cool the condensation section of the high-temperature heat pipe 106, ensuring that the high-temperature heat pipe 106 can continuously and efficiently transfer heat from the reactor core 105 to the main heat exchanger 101. The other portion of the cooling medium is regulated by the one-way valve 1033 and diverted through the medium delivery pipeline 1031 into the shell 1021 of the control drum 102. In the sealed cavity of the shell 1021, the cooling medium is in full contact with the surface of the drum body 1022, efficiently removing the heat generated by the drum body 1022 through heat exchange, and then flows back to the main heat exchanger 101 through the medium recovery pipeline 1032, forming a complete cooling cycle.

[0060] The microreactor with a rotating drum cooling structure provided by this invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0061] 1. High-efficiency cooling: Through the cooling circulation loop, the cooling medium of the main heat exchanger can continuously remove the heat generated by the control drum, effectively reducing the drum temperature and solving the problem of high heat generation and difficult heat dissipation of the control drum, thus meeting the heat dissipation requirements of the equipment in high-temperature environments.

[0062] 2. Reliable sealing: The special structural design of the mechanical shaft seal, through the synergistic action of components such as the compression spring, rotating ring, stationary ring, gasket, and O-ring, achieves a reliable seal, preventing leakage of the cooling medium and ensuring the safety of reactor operation.

[0063] 3. Flexible control: The flow regulating valve installed on the medium delivery pipeline can flexibly adjust the flow rate of the cooling medium entering the control drum according to actual needs, ensuring that the control drum operates within a suitable temperature range.

[0064] 4. Structural optimization: Multiple control drums are arranged around the core, each with its own independent cooling circulation loop, and the baffles in the main heat exchanger optimize the overall structure of the microreactor, improving the system's stability and reliability.

[0065] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the exemplary embodiments described above without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that this invention cover modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A microreactor having a rotating drum cooling structure, the microreactor comprising a primary heat exchanger and a control rotating drum, the control rotating drum comprising a housing and a rotating drum body, the rotating drum body disposed within a sealed cavity of the housing, characterized in that, The micro reactor further comprises a cooling circulation loop arranged between the main heat exchanger and the control drum, and a part of the cooling medium of the main heat exchanger absorbs the heat generated by the surface of the drum body through the circulation loop.

2. The micro-reactor having a rotating drum cooling structure according to claim 1, wherein, The cooling circulation loop comprises a medium conveying pipeline and a medium recycling pipeline, which are respectively communicated with the main heat exchanger and the shell, and the cooling medium enters the closed cavity of the shell through the medium conveying pipeline and returns to the main heat exchanger through the medium recycling pipeline.

3. The micro-reactor having a rotating drum cooling structure according to claim 2, wherein, A one-way valve and a flow regulating valve are arranged on the medium conveying pipeline.

4. The micro-reactor having a rotating drum cooling structure according to claim 1, wherein, The control drum further comprises a mechanical shaft seal, and two ends of the drum body in the length direction are connected with the shell through the mechanical shaft seal.

5. The micro-reactor having a rotating drum cooling structure according to claim 4, wherein, An outwardly extending connecting shaft is arranged at the end of the drum body, and the mechanical shaft seal comprises a compression spring, a moving ring, a static ring and an end cover which are sleeved on the connecting shaft, one end of the compression spring abuts against the end of the drum body, the other end abuts against the moving ring, the static ring is arranged between the moving ring and the end cover, the static ring is in shape cooperation with an opening on the shell, and the end cover is fixed on the shell and abuts against the static ring.

6. The micro-reactor having a rotating drum cooling structure according to claim 5, wherein, The mechanical shaft seal further comprises a gasket, and a step is formed on the static ring, and the gasket is arranged on the step.

7. The micro-reactor having a rotating drum cooling structure as recited in claim 5, wherein, The mechanical shaft seal further comprises an O-ring, and an O-shaped groove is arranged on the inner side of the moving ring, and the O-ring is arranged in the O-shaped groove.

8. The micro-reactor having a rotating drum cooling structure of claim 1, wherein, The micro reactor further comprises a reactor core and a high-temperature heat pipe, and the reactor core conducts heat to the main heat exchanger through the high-temperature heat pipe.

9. The micro-reactor having a rotating drum cooling structure according to claim 8, wherein, The micro reactor comprises a plurality of control drums, and the plurality of control drums are arranged around the reactor core, and a separate cooling circulation loop is arranged between each control drum and the main heat exchanger.

10. The micro-reactor having a rotating drum cooling structure according to claim 8, wherein, A baffle plate is arranged in the main heat exchanger, and a part of the cooling medium of the main heat exchanger flows along the baffle plate.

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