A solid fuel reactor

Abstract

This application provides a solid fuel reactor, comprising: a reaction zone; and a reflector zone surrounding the reaction zone. The reflector zone includes a reflector packing surrounding the reaction zone and flow channels within the reflector packing. Adjacent layers of flow channels have a channel spacing in the radially outward direction of the reflector zone, and the channel spacing gradually increases in the radially outward direction. The solid fuel reactor provided by this application can improve the thermal conductivity of the reactor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates primarily to the field of nuclear power technology, and in particular to a solid fuel reactor. Background Technology

[0002] The reflector zone of a solid-fuel reactor is a key component for achieving efficient and robust reactor operation. During reactor operation, molten fuel salt flows within the flow channels of the reflector zone, allowing the zone to conduct residual heat generated in the fuel solution outwards, thus facilitating heat exchange within the reactor. Currently, the structure of the flow channels within the reactor is not specifically designed, leading to thermal stress concentration within the reflector zone. This reduces the uniformity of neutron moderation, which is detrimental to safe reactor operation and cannot guarantee uniform heat transfer, thereby decreasing the reactor's thermal conductivity. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a solid fuel reactor that can improve the thermal conductivity of the reactor.

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a solid fuel reactor, comprising: a reaction zone; and a reflector zone, wherein the reflector zone is disposed around the reaction zone, the reflector zone including a reflector zone filler disposed around the reaction zone and flow channels disposed in the reflector zone filler, wherein adjacent layers of the flow channels have a channel spacing in the radially outward direction of the reflector zone, and the channel spacing gradually increases in the radially outward direction.

[0005] Optionally, the reaction zone includes a solid fuel assembly and a liquid fuel assembly, with the liquid fuel assembly located outside the solid fuel assembly.

[0006] Optionally, the reflective area filler includes graphite.

[0007] Optionally, the reflective zone includes a first layer of flow channels, a second layer of flow channels, and a third layer of flow channels. The first layer of flow channels is closer to the reaction zone than the second layer of flow channels, and the second layer of flow channels is closer to the reaction zone than the third layer of flow channels. Each of the first layer of flow channels, the second layer of flow channels, and the third layer of flow channels includes one or more of the flow channels.

[0008] Optionally, the first layer of flow channels and the second layer of flow channels include a first channel spacing in the radially outward direction, and the second layer of flow channels and the third layer of flow channels include a second channel spacing in the radially outward direction, wherein the second channel spacing is greater than the first channel spacing, and the ratio of the second channel spacing to the first channel spacing is in the range of 2.5 to 3.5.

[0009] Optionally, the first layer of flow channels has a projected distance on the surface of the reaction zone, and the ratio of the first channel spacing to the projected distance is in the range of 2 to 4.

[0010] Optionally, the reaction zone and the reflection zone have an interface, and the interface shape in any cross-section of the reactor includes one of a circle, a regular shape, and an irregular shape.

[0011] Optionally, the flow channels in each layer are arranged according to the boundary shape of the interface.

[0012] Optionally, the reflective area includes an upper reflective area and a lower reflective area, the upper reflective area being located above the lower reflective area, and the upper reflective area and the lower reflective area being connected by a connecting structure.

[0013] Optionally, the connection structure includes a fastener, which includes a fastening bolt and a fastening nut. The fastening bolt passes through the upper reflective area and the lower reflective area, and the fastener is adapted to connect the upper reflective area and the lower reflective area.

[0014] Optionally, the fastening bolt includes a bolt head and a screw, and the connection structure further includes a graphite washer. The bolt head is located outside the reflective area, the screw passes through the upper reflective area and the lower reflective area, the graphite washer is located between the bolt head and the reflective area, and the graphite washer is also located between the fastening nut and the reflective area.

[0015] Optionally, the connection structure further includes a connecting sleeve located at the junction of the upper reflective area and the lower reflective area, and the connecting sleeve is adapted to fasten the reflective area.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, this application sets the spacing between two adjacent flow channels to gradually increase in the radial outward direction, which can further smooth the heat flow distribution during heat conduction and reduce the temperature gradient of heat conduction, thereby reducing the concentration of thermal stress in the reflection zone and further improving the heat conduction efficiency and operational safety of the reactor. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of this application; they are incorporated into and constitute a part of this application. The drawings illustrate embodiments of this application and, together with this specification, serve to explain the principles of this application. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a solid fuel reactor according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a top structural cross-sectional view of a solid fuel reactor according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a top structural cross-sectional view of a solid fuel reactor according to another embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a top structural cross-sectional view of a solid fuel reactor according to another embodiment of this application; Figure 5 Is it like this? Figure 1 The diagram shows an enlarged view of a partial structure of a solid fuel reactor. Figure 6 This is a front view of a solid fuel reactor according to an embodiment of this application; Figures 7-9 Is it like this? Figure 6 The diagram shows a partial structural schematic of a solid fuel reactor. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some examples or embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, these drawings can be applied to other similar scenarios without creative effort. Unless obvious from the context or otherwise specified, the same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same structures or operations.

[0019] As indicated in this application and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" are not specifically singular and may include plural forms. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of explicitly identified steps and elements, which do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0023] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. In addition, although the terminology used in this application is selected from commonly known and used terms, some terms mentioned in this application's specification may have been chosen by the applicant according to his or her judgment, and their detailed meanings are explained in the relevant sections of this description. Moreover, this application should be understood not only through the actual terms used, but also through the meaning implied by each term.

[0024] It should be understood that when a component is referred to as "on another component," "connected to another component," "coupled to another component," or "in contact with another component," it can be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or in contact with that other component, or there may be an inserting component. In contrast, when a component is referred to as "directly on another component," "directly connected to," "directly coupled to," or "directly in contact with" another component, there is no inserting component.

[0025] This application refers to Figure 1A solid molten salt reactor 10 (hereinafter referred to as "reactor 10") is proposed. Figure 1 A partial structural schematic diagram of reactor 10 is shown. (For example...) Figure 1 As shown, the reactor 10 includes a reaction zone 11 and a reflection zone 12. The reflection zone 12 is arranged around the reaction zone 11. The reflection zone 12 includes a reflection zone filler 21 arranged around the reaction zone 11 and flow channels 22 provided in the reflection zone filler 21. The flow channels 22 of adjacent layers are arranged in the radial outward direction of the reflection zone 12 (for a clearer view, please refer to...). Figure 2 and Figure 5 The surface has a channel spacing that gradually increases in the radial outward direction.

[0026] A clearer reference Figure 2 , Figure 2 A top sectional view of reactor 10 is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the reaction zone 11 includes a solid fuel assembly 23 and a liquid fuel assembly 24, with the liquid fuel assembly 24 located outside the solid fuel assembly 23.

[0027] In this embodiment, the reflector filling 21 includes graphite. The reflector 12 can re-scatter high-speed neutrons that may leak out of the reaction zone 11 back into the reaction zone 11. It can also effectively connect the fuel assemblies (including solid fuel assemblies 23 and liquid fuel assemblies 24) and the support structure (not shown) of the reaction zone 11 (core) to form a complete rigid structure. In this embodiment, because graphite has a large neutron scattering cross section and an extremely low trapping cross section, it can form a strong and uniform neutron reflection field outside the core. Therefore, high-speed neutrons that leak out of the reaction zone 11 into the reflector 12 can return to the reaction zone 11 and undergo deceleration, trapping, or even fission again. This can significantly improve the neutron utilization rate and overall value-added ratio of the core, and achieve high fuel burnup and long cycle.

[0028] Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of graphite remains between 80 and 120 W / (m·K) in the 600°C–700°C range, enabling it to rapidly conduct the residual heat generated by the molten fuel salt in the flow channels 22 outwards. This is because adjacent layers of flow channels 22 in the reactor 10 are located in the radially outward direction of the reflector zone 12 (e.g., Figure 1The array of flow channels 22, arranged in the radial direction X, has a channel spacing that gradually increases outwards, presenting an array of loosely spaced internal and tightly spaced external channels. This reduces flow resistance within the flow channels 22, thereby further smoothing heat flow distribution, achieving uniform heat exchange, reducing the temperature gradient within the core, and minimizing localized thermal stress concentration. Furthermore, the tightly spaced internal and loosely spaced external flow channel array 22 provides the reflector layer 12 with good structural rigidity, while the loose external flow channel structure reduces the need for drilling holes in the graphite, further reducing the likelihood of graphite crack initiation and propagation.

[0029] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 In reactor 10, the flow channels 22 of the reflector zone 12 include a first layer of flow channels 31, a second layer of flow channels 32, and a third layer of flow channels 33. The first layer of flow channels 31 is closer to the reaction zone 11 than the second layer of flow channels 32, and the second layer of flow channels 32 is closer to the reaction zone 11 than the third layer of flow channels 33. Each of the first, second, and third layers of flow channels 31 includes one or more flow channels 22. For example... Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the flow channel 22 is provided through the reflector zone 12, and during the operation of the reactor 10, the flow channel 22 is suitable for the flow of fuel molten salt.

[0030] A clearer reference Figure 5 In this embodiment, the first layer of flow channels 31 and the second layer of flow channels 32 have a first channel spacing h1 in the radially outward direction X, and the second layer of flow channels 32 and the third layer of flow channels 33 have a second channel spacing h2 in the radially outward direction X. The second channel spacing h2 is greater than the first channel spacing h1, wherein the ratio of the second channel spacing h2 to the first channel spacing h1 ranges from 2.5 to 3.5. By setting the ratio of the second channel spacing h2 to the first channel spacing h1, the thermal conductivity of the reactor 10 can be further improved while ensuring the structural rigidity of the reflector layer 12.

[0031] Furthermore, the first layer of flow channels 31 has a projected distance h3 on the surface of the reaction zone 11, and the ratio of the first channel spacing h1 to the projected distance h3 ranges from 2 to 4. With this arrangement, the heat energy of the reaction zone 11 can be quickly transferred from the flow channel to the outside, achieving efficient energy transfer.

[0032] In this embodiment, return to reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 There is an interface S1 between the reaction zone 11 and the reflection zone 12, providing a clearer reference. Figure 2In reactor 10, the interface S1 has a circular shape at any cross-section of reactor 10. Setting the cross-section of interface S1 to be circular optimizes the overall stress distribution of reactor 10. Exemplarily, in other embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the boundary shape of any cross-section of interface S1 can also be as follows: Figure 3 The regular hexagonal shape shown (not limited to hexagons, but can be quadrilaterals, octagons, etc.) allows for a high graphite filling rate in the reflective layer 12, resulting in a more uniform neutron distribution. Alternatively, it can also be... Figure 4 The irregular shape shown is beneficial for space filling and uniform stress distribution in the reactor. In practical applications, different interface shapes can be flexibly selected according to the core layout and hydrodynamic requirements, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0033] In this embodiment, each flow channel 22 is arranged according to the boundary shape of the interface. For example, refer to... Figure 2 At this point, the interface between reaction zone 11 and reflection zone 12 is circular in any cross-section of reactor 10. Therefore, the first layer of flow channels 31, the second layer of flow channels 32, and the third layer of flow channels 33 (as shown by the dotted lines in the figure) also exhibit a circular arrangement. On the other hand, referring to... Figure 3 It can also be seen that when the boundary shape is hexagonal or irregular, the first layer of flow channels 31, the second layer of flow channels 32, and the third layer of flow channels 33 (as shown by the dotted lines in the figure) can also adaptively change their shape arrangement. Through the above settings, the reflection zone 12 can be optimally matched according to the geometry and neutron flux distribution of the reaction zone 11, forming intersecting slowing paths, increasing the number of neutron scatterings, and thus significantly improving the overall neutron reflection coefficient.

[0034] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 A front view of the structure of reactor 10 is shown, as follows: Figure 6As shown, the reflector zone 12 includes an upper reflector zone 41 and a lower reflector zone 42. The upper reflector zone 41 is located above the lower reflector zone 42, and the upper reflector zone 41 and the lower reflector zone 42 are connected by a connecting structure 43. The arrangement of the upper reflector zone 41 and the lower reflector zone 42 in the reactor 10 forms a longitudinal force transmission channel, which helps to eliminate stress concentration at the graphite interface of the reflector zone 41, improves the overall stiffness to a certain extent, and maintains the structural integrity in high-irradiation and high-temperature environments. Simultaneously, the arrangement of the upper reflector zone 41 and the lower reflector zone 42 enables the reactor 10 to be modular and detachable, facilitating inspection, replacement, or upgrades during operation, thus improving the operation and maintenance efficiency and availability of the reactor 10.

[0035] Furthermore, in combination Figures 6-9 , Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A magnified structural diagram of region A in the middle. Figure 8 It shows Figure 6 A magnified structural diagram of region B in the middle. Figure 9 It shows Figure 6 A magnified structural diagram of region C in the middle. (See diagram below.) Figures 6-9 As shown, the connection structure 43 includes a fastener 51, which includes a fastening bolt 52 and a fastening nut 53. See the reference for a clearer view. Figure 6 The fastening bolt 52 passes through the upper reflector zone 41 and the lower reflector zone 42, and the fastener 51 is adapted to connect the upper reflector zone 41 and the lower reflector zone 42. For example, in this embodiment, the fastening bolt 52 and the fastening nut 53 are made of high-temperature resistant alloy material to improve the operational stability of the reactor 10.

[0036] In this embodiment, the combination is clearer. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The fastening bolt 52 includes a bolt head 54 and a screw 55. The connecting structure 43 also includes a graphite gasket 56. The bolt head 54 is located outside the reflective area 12, and the screw 55 passes through the upper reflective area 41 and the lower reflective area 42 (see details). Figure 6 The graphite gasket 56 is located between the bolt head 54 and the reflective area 12, and also between the fastening nut 53 and the reflective area 12. The graphite gasket 56 ensures a uniform pre-tightening fit between the fastener 51 and the reflective area 12, effectively preventing loosening of the fastener 51 or cracking of the reflective area 12 under high-temperature cycling, thus further improving the operational stability of the reactor 10.

[0037] On the other hand, the connecting structure 43 also includes a connecting sleeve 57, which is located at the junction of the upper reflecting area 41 and the lower reflecting area 42, and is adapted to fasten the reflecting area 12. In this embodiment, referring to... Figure 6 Screw 55 passes through connecting sleeve 57, which connects the upper reflector zone 41 and the lower reflector zone 42 together, providing further support for fixing the upper reflector zone 41 and the lower reflector zone 42. This further improves the connection stability of reactor 10, thereby ensuring the safe operation of reactor 10. Further details can be found at [reference]. Figure 1 Multiple connection structures 43 can be installed on reactor 10 to further increase the connection strength of reactor 10.

[0038] This application sets the spacing between two adjacent flow channels to gradually increase in the radial outward direction, which can further smooth the heat flow distribution during heat conduction and reduce the temperature gradient during heat conduction. This reduces the concentration of thermal stress in the reflection zone, thereby further improving the heat conduction efficiency and operational safety of the reactor.

[0039] The basic concepts have been described above. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, the above disclosure is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this application. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements, and corrections to this application. Such modifications, improvements, and corrections are suggested in this application, and therefore remain within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this application.

[0040] Furthermore, this application uses specific terms to describe embodiments of the application. For example, "an embodiment," "one embodiment," and / or "some embodiments" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of the application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "an alternative embodiment" mentioned twice or more in different locations in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the application can be appropriately combined.

[0041] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the description of the present application and thus aid in the understanding of one or more embodiments, the foregoing description of the embodiments of the present application sometimes combines multiple features into a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, this disclosure method does not imply that the subject matter of the present application requires more features than those mentioned in the claims. In fact, the embodiments contain fewer features than all the features of the single embodiments disclosed above.

[0042] In some embodiments, numbers describing the quantity of components and attributes are used. It should be understood that such numbers used in the description of embodiments are modified in some examples with the terms "approximately," "approximately," or "generally." Unless otherwise stated, "approximately," "approximately," or "generally" indicates that the numbers are allowed to vary by ±20%. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters used in the specification and claims are approximate values, which may be changed depending on the characteristics required by individual embodiments. In some embodiments, numerical parameters should take into account specified significant digits and employ a general method of digit reservation. Although the numerical ranges and parameters used to confirm their breadth of scope in some embodiments of this application are approximate values, in specific embodiments, such values ​​are set as precisely as feasible.

[0043] Although this application has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this application, and various equivalent changes or substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, any changes or modifications to the above embodiments within the essential spirit of this application will fall within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A solid fuel reactor, characterized by, include: Reaction zone; A reflective zone is provided surrounding the reaction zone. The reflective zone includes a reflective zone filler surrounding the reaction zone and flow channels provided in the reflective zone filler. Adjacent layers of the flow channels have a channel spacing in the radially outward direction of the reflective zone, and the channel spacing gradually increases in the radially outward direction.

2. The reactor of claim 1, wherein, The reaction zone includes a solid fuel assembly and a liquid fuel assembly, with the liquid fuel assembly located outside the solid fuel assembly.

3. The reactor of claim 1, wherein, The reflective zone filler includes graphite.

4. The reactor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reflective zone includes a first layer of flow channels, a second layer of flow channels, and a third layer of flow channels. The first layer of flow channels is closer to the reaction zone than the second layer of flow channels, and the second layer of flow channels is closer to the reaction zone than the third layer of flow channels. Each of the first layer of flow channels, the second layer of flow channels, and the third layer of flow channels includes one or more of the flow channels.

5. The reactor as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first layer of flow channels and the second layer of flow channels include a first channel spacing in the radial outward direction, and the second layer of flow channels and the third layer of flow channels include a second channel spacing in the radial outward direction. The second channel spacing is greater than the first channel spacing, wherein the ratio of the second channel spacing to the first channel spacing is in the range of 2.5 to 3.

5.

6. The reactor as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first layer of flow channels has a projected distance on the surface of the reaction zone, and the ratio of the first channel spacing to the projected distance is in the range of 2 to 4.

7. The reactor as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The reaction zone and the reflection zone have an interface, and the interface shape in any cross-section of the reactor includes one of a circle, a regular shape, and an irregular shape.

8. The reactor as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The flow channels in each layer are arranged according to the boundary shape of the interface.

9. The reactor as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The reflective area includes an upper reflective area and a lower reflective area, with the upper reflective area located above the lower reflective area, and the upper reflective area and the lower reflective area connected by a connecting structure.

10. The reactor as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The connection structure includes a fastener, which includes a fastening bolt and a fastening nut. The fastening bolt passes through the upper reflective area and the lower reflective area, and the fastener is adapted to connect the upper reflective area and the lower reflective area.

11. The reactor as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The fastening bolt includes a bolt head and a screw. The connection structure also includes a graphite washer. The bolt head is located outside the reflective area. The screw passes through the upper reflective area and the lower reflective area. The graphite washer is located between the bolt head and the reflective area. The graphite washer is also located between the fastening nut and the reflective area.

12. The reactor as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The connection structure further includes a connecting sleeve located at the junction of the upper reflective area and the lower reflective area, and the connecting sleeve is adapted to fasten the reflective area.

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