Small nuclear reactor device and its operation method

Abstract

A small nuclear reactor device and an operating method thereof are provided. The small nuclear reactor device includes a main unit including a reactor core therein, and an opening and closing unit that can be attached to and detached from the main unit for opening and closing the inside of the main unit, the opening and closing unit being installed so as to be attached and detached based on being placed downward inside the main unit, and a number of ICI (In-core instrument) modules for measuring the state of the small nuclear reactor are inserted and installed in the opening and closing unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a small nuclear reactor device and an operating method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Small modular reactors are classified into forced circulation and natural circulation types based on their main design concept and characteristics. These small modular reactors are compact in size and have the core, steam generator (in the case of a pumped forced circulation SMR), and other components concentrated inside the reactor. Therefore, when designing the reactor interior, an in-core instrument (ICI) assembly is installed to ensure smooth coolant flow below the core.

[0003] The ICI assembly is capable of capturing information about the inside of a nuclear reactor, which is essential for normal operation. The ICI assembly is installed from the top of the reactor to the core. The control rod assemblies and other equipment are structurally essential above the inner core of a nuclear reactor.

[0004] A large number of ICI assemblies are installed alongside these internal reactor structures, totaling up to 45. Because small modular reactors have a compact internal structure, installing ICI assemblies in the internal flow passages above the core can lead to a decrease in internal flow efficiency. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to ensure the flow path of the internal cooling water by enabling the connecting tubes of various measuring equipment to be installed inside a small modular reactor to be installed at the bottom of the reactor like a large commercial reactor.

[0006] This also contributes to improving the flow efficiency, which is directly related to the reactor power output.

[0007] Another objective is to contribute to improving maintainability during planned preventive maintenance (e.g., nuclear fuel replacement, etc.).

[0008] The objects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other objects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides a small nuclear reactor device that includes a main body unit containing a reactor core therein, and an opening / closing unit that can be attached and detached from the main body unit for opening and closing the interior of the main body unit, the opening / closing unit being attached and detached based on being placed downward inside the main body unit, and a number of ICI (In-core instrument) modules for measuring the status of the small nuclear reactor are inserted and attached to the opening / closing unit.

[0010] The opening / closing unit is disposed inside the main unit and can be attached and detached by moving downward.

[0011] In addition, a number of ICI modules are inserted and mounted in the opening / closing unit.

[0012] The ICI module is inserted and mounted so that its upper end does not reach the internal position of the main unit where the core is located.

[0013] In addition, the main unit includes a lower mounting portion to which the opening / closing unit is mounted, and the mounting portion includes a protrusion with a recess formed at the top, and the opening / closing unit is mounted on the mounting portion and pressurized downward by internal pressure corresponding to the operation of the small nuclear reactor.

[0014] The opening / closing unit also includes a mounting main body portion and an extension main body portion extending from the mounting main body portion to at least a portion of the peripheral edge portion, the extension main body portion entering the open space between the protrusions and being attached to the protrusions, and the extension main body portion entering the recessed portion and being attached so as to be placed on top of the protrusions.

[0015] In addition, the opening / closing unit has a first mounting groove formed on the periphery of the extended main body portion, a ring-shaped first metal finishing material mounted in the first mounting groove to improve the sealing power of the internal space, a second mounting groove formed on the periphery of the placement main body portion, a ring-shaped second metal finishing material mounted in the second mounting groove to improve the sealing power of the internal space, the extended main body portion is mounted so that the first metal finishing material protrudes by a first value larger than the outer diameter of the extended main body portion and corresponds to the main body unit, and the placement main body portion is mounted so that the second metal finishing material protrudes by a second value larger than the outer diameter of the placement main body portion and corresponds to the main body unit.

[0016] In addition, the opening / closing unit is removed from the main unit based on an internal removal operation in which it retreats into the internal space of the main unit and is removed, an entry direction change operation in which the entry direction is changed to a set angle in the internal space in accordance with the internal removal operation, and an external removal operation in which it is removed from the main unit via the open space in accordance with the entry direction change operation.

[0017] Furthermore, the small nuclear reactor undergoes planned preventive maintenance based on the main unit and the opening and closing unit, and the planned preventive maintenance includes nuclear fuel replacement of the small nuclear reactor.

[0018] Furthermore, in the small nuclear reactor, a surplus space for installing an internal cooling water flow path is ensured based on the main unit and the opening and closing unit.

[0019] To achieve the above object, a method for operating a small nuclear reactor device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a step of preparing nuclear power generation in a small nuclear reactor; and a step of generating nuclear power in the small nuclear reactor, wherein the small nuclear reactor includes a main unit having a reactor core therein, and an opening / closing unit that can be attached and detached from the main unit to open and close the interior of the main unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] The small nuclear reactor system and its operating method according to the present invention as described above have one or more of the following advantages.

[0021] The present invention allows the connecting tubes of various measuring equipment installed inside a small modular reactor to be installed at the bottom of the reactor like in a large commercial reactor, thereby ensuring a flow path for internal cooling water.

[0022] This also contributes to improving the flow efficiency, which is directly related to the reactor power output.

[0023] It can also contribute to improving maintainability during planned preventive maintenance (e.g., nuclear fuel replacement). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a small nuclear reactor device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the small nuclear reactor device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the lower part of the small nuclear reactor device shown in FIG. 1 is opened and closed. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the lower part of the small nuclear reactor device shown in FIG. 1 is opened and closed. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the lower part of the small nuclear reactor device shown in FIG. 1 is opened and closed. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the lower part of the small nuclear reactor device shown in FIG. 1 is opened and closed. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration of the small nuclear reactor device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a method for operating a small nuclear reactor device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Advantages and features of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving them, will become clear from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be embodied in various different forms. The present embodiments are provided merely to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, and the present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims. The same reference symbols refer to the same elements throughout the specification.

[0026] 1 and 2, a small nuclear reactor device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main unit 110 and an opening / closing unit 120. Referring to FIG.

[0027] The mounting portion 111 of the main unit 110 includes a protrusion 1112. The opening and closing unit 120 includes a mounting main body portion 121 and an extension main body portion 122. The main unit 110 of the small nuclear reactor device 100 includes a reactor core 50 therein.

[0028] The opening and closing unit 120 of the small nuclear reactor device 100 can be attached to the main unit 110 to open and close the inside of the main unit 110. The opening and closing unit 120 can be detached from the main unit 110 to open and close the inside of the main unit 110.

[0029] The opening / closing unit 120 can be placed downward inside the main unit 110. The opening / closing unit 120 is provided so that it can be attached and detached based on the placement downward. A number of ICI (In-core instrument) modules 130 are inserted and attached to the opening / closing unit 120.

[0030] Furthermore, the ICI module 130 measures the state of the small nuclear reactor device 100. The ICI module 130 is inserted and installed so that its upper end does not reach the internal position of the main unit 110 where the reactor core 50 is located.

[0031] The mounting part 111 of the main body unit 110 corresponds to a lower region where the opening / closing unit 120 is mounted. The protrusion 1112 of the mounting part 111 has a recess 1111 formed at the top.

[0032] The opening and closing unit 120 is mounted on the mounting part 111. The opening and closing unit 120 is pressed downward by internal pressure according to the operation of the small nuclear reactor device 100. The mounting main body part 121 of the opening and closing unit 120 is placed on the main body unit 110.

[0033] The extension body portion 122 of the opening / closing unit 120 is provided so as to extend from the mounting body portion 121 to at least a part of the peripheral edge portion. The extension body portion 122 enters the open space S between the protrusions 1112 and is attached to the protrusions 1112.

[0034] Here, the extension body portion 122 is inserted into the recess portion 1111 and mounted on the upper portion of the protrusion portion 1112. Referring to Figures 3 to 6, the opening and closing unit 120 is mounted and removed based on an internal removal operation, an insertion direction change operation, and an external removal operation.

[0035] The internal removal operation of the opening / closing unit 120 corresponds to an operation of retreating into the internal space I of the main unit 110 and removing it. The approach direction change operation of the opening / closing unit 120 corresponds to an operation of changing the approach direction to a set angle in the internal space I in response to the internal removal operation.

[0036] Furthermore, the external removal operation of the opening / closing unit 120 includes an operation of passing through the open space S in accordance with the approach direction change operation. Next, the approach direction change operation of the opening / closing unit 120 includes an operation of removing the opening / closing unit 120 from the main unit 110 after the approach direction is changed to a set angle.

[0037] The small nuclear reactor system 100 undergoes planned preventive maintenance based on the main unit 110 and the opening / closing unit 120. The planned preventive maintenance includes nuclear fuel replacement of the small nuclear reactor system 100.

[0038] In the small nuclear reactor device 100, a surplus space for installing an internal cooling water flow path is secured based on the main unit 110 and the opening / closing unit 120.

[0039] 7, the opening / closing unit 120 has a first mounting groove 121H formed on the periphery of the extension body portion 122. A ring-shaped first metal finishing member 140 for improving the sealing force of the internal space I is mounted in the first mounting groove 121H.

[0040] Here, a second mounting groove 122H is formed on the periphery of the mounting body 121. A ring-shaped second metal finishing member 150 for improving the sealing force of the internal space I is mounted in the second mounting groove 122H.

[0041] The extension body portion 122 is mounted to correspond to the main body unit 110 such that the first metal finishing member 140 protrudes by a first value greater than the outer diameter of the extension body portion 122 .

[0042] Furthermore, the second metal finishing material 150 protrudes from the mounting body 121 by a second value larger than the outer diameter of the mounting body 121 , and is attached to correspond to the main unit 110 .

[0043] 8, in a method S100 for operating a small nuclear reactor system according to an embodiment of the present invention, nuclear power generation is prepared or selected for operation of a small nuclear reactor system 100. Next, nuclear power generation of the small nuclear reactor system 100 is performed.

[0044] The small nuclear reactor device 100 includes a main body unit 110 therein, and an opening / closing unit 120 that can be attached to and detached from the main body unit 110 in order to open and close the inside of the main body unit 110 .

[0045] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiment is illustrative in all respects and is not limiting.

Claims

1. A method for operating a small nuclear reactor device, comprising: Preparing for nuclear power generation in small reactors; and generating nuclear power from the small nuclear reactor; The small nuclear reactor comprises: The reactor comprises a main unit including a reactor core therein, and an opening / closing unit that can be attached to and detached from the main unit for opening and closing the inside of the main unit, The method for operating a small nuclear reactor device, wherein the opening and closing unit is provided so as to be mounted and detached based on a downward movement while being located inside the main unit.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the opening and closing unit has a plurality of in-core instrument (ICI) modules inserted therein.

3. 3. The method for operating a small nuclear reactor apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the ICI module is inserted and mounted so that an upper end thereof does not reach an internal position of the main unit where the reactor core is located.

4. A method for operating a small nuclear reactor device, comprising: Preparing for nuclear power generation in small reactors; and generating nuclear power from the small nuclear reactor; The small nuclear reactor comprises: The reactor comprises a main unit including a reactor core therein, and an opening / closing unit that can be attached to and detached from the main unit for opening and closing the inside of the main unit, The main unit includes: a lower mounting portion to which the opening / closing unit is mounted, the mounting portion including a protrusion having a recess formed at an upper portion thereof; The opening and closing unit includes: A method for operating a small nuclear reactor device that is attached to the attachment part and pressurized downward by internal pressure according to the operation of the small nuclear reactor.

5. The opening and closing unit includes: a mounting body portion; and an extension body portion extending from the mounting body portion to at least a portion of the peripheral edge portion; The extension body portion is The protrusions are inserted into the open spaces between the protrusions and are attached to the protrusions. The method for operating a small nuclear reactor apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the reactor is mounted so as to enter the recessed portion and be placed on an upper portion of the protruding portion.

6. The opening and closing unit includes: an internal removal operation in which the main unit is removed by retreating into the internal space of the main unit; an approach direction changing operation in which the approach direction is changed to a set angle in the internal space in response to the internal removal operation; The method for operating a small nuclear reactor apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the small nuclear reactor apparatus is separated from the main unit based on an external removal operation in which the small nuclear reactor apparatus is removed from the main unit via the open space in response to the approach direction change operation.

7. The small nuclear reactor comprises:

6. The method for operating a small nuclear reactor system according to claim 5, wherein planned preventive maintenance is performed based on the main unit and the opening / closing unit, and the planned preventive maintenance includes nuclear refueling of the small nuclear reactor.

8. The small nuclear reactor comprises:

6. The method for operating a small nuclear reactor apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a surplus space for installing an internal cooling water flow path is secured based on the main unit and the opening and closing unit.

9. A small nuclear reactor device, a main unit including a reactor core therein; an opening / closing unit that can be attached to and detached from the main unit for opening and closing the inside of the main unit; The opening / closing unit is provided so as to be attachable and detachable in the main unit by being placed downward, The opening and closing unit is a small reactor device into which a number of ICI (In-core instrument) modules for measuring the state of the small reactor are inserted.

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