Exchangeable fusion reactor system with isobaric communication structure

Abstract

In a nuclear fusion reactor, since the core structure is integrated, it is necessary to stop the entire reactor during maintenance or replacement, resulting in the problem of a decrease in the operating rate. Also, since it is necessary to maintain a vacuum state inside the reactor, a large-scale sealing structure and a pressure control mechanism are required for attaching and detaching modules, which has been a factor in the complication of the device and an increase in cost. 【Solution means】The nuclear fusion reactor system of the present invention includes a plurality of core modules, and each core module has an isobaric communication structure in which the inside is filled with a fluid and communicates with an external fluid. Thereby, the generation of a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the core module is suppressed. Furthermore, while maintaining the state in which a part of the plurality of core modules is in operation, other core modules are configured to be replaceable. ​

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation system using a fusion reaction, and particularly to a structure that enables the replacement of a core module and its operation technology. It relates to a structure that enables the replacement of a core module and its operation technology.

Background Art

[0002] Fusion reactors generally use a vacuum vessel and a strong magnetic field to hold high-temperature plasma, and the inside of the reactor is exposed to a high-temperature, high-radiation, and high-energy neutron environment. Therefore, the in-vessel structural materials deteriorate over time, and regular maintenance and replacement are required. However, in conventional fusion reactors, since the core structure is integrally configured, the entire reactor needs to be stopped during maintenance and replacement, resulting in a problem of reduced operation rate. In addition, since the inside of the reactor is maintained in a high-vacuum state, a high-level sealing structure and a vacuum maintenance mechanism are required for attaching and detaching the structure, which is a factor contributing to the complication of the device and the increase in cost. Moreover, in the long-term operation of a fusion reactor, material deterioration due to neutron irradiation is inevitable, and there is a limit to the design for extending the life of the core structure. Therefore, the establishment of a technology that enables easy replacement of the core structure is required.

[0003]

[0004]

[0005]

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a structure and an operation method that enable the replacement of a core module while allowing the operation of a fusion reactor to continue. It is an object of the present invention to provide a structure and an operation method that enable the replacement of a core module while allowing the operation of a fusion reactor to continue. Furthermore, it suppresses the generation of pressure differences during replacement, and improves the seal structure and vacuum maintenance mechanism. The aim is to reduce dependence on [something]. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The fusion reactor system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of core modules, and each core module The barrel has an isobaric communication structure in which the interior is filled with fluid and communicates with the external fluid. It has.

[0007] With the above configuration, the generation of a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the core module is suppressed, and the module It does not require extensive pressure control or vacuum maintenance when attaching or detaching the spool.

[0008] Furthermore, in the present invention, the state in which a portion of the multiple core modules are operated is It is configured to allow for the replacement of other modules while maintaining the existing one.

[0009] This makes it possible to perform maintenance work without shutting down the entire reactor.

[0010] Furthermore, it is equipped with means for detecting the deterioration state of each core module, and according to the deterioration state The configuration may also be used to determine the replacement timing.

[0011] Furthermore, at the connection point of the core module, the force caused by fluid pressure is used to connect It may be equipped with an auxiliary mechanism to stabilize the continuous state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. (1) Core modules can be replaced without shutting down the reactor, improving the operating rate. do. (2) The isobaric communication structure suppresses pressure differences during module replacement and simplifies the structure. Improvement in degradation and safety is achieved. (3) By means of a design premised on degradation, optimization of the maintenance plan and management of the equipment life become possible. become. (4) By means of connection assistance using pressure, improvement in connection reliability is achieved. (5) By sequentially replacing individual core modules, the periodic shutdown period of the entire reactor can be shortened or made substantially unnecessary.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 Overall configuration diagram of the fusion reactor system according to the present invention [Figure 2] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing the structure of the core module [Figure 3] Figure 3 Diagram showing the state transition during module replacement [Figure 4] Figure 4 Diagram showing the configuration of the connection part

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that the following embodiments are examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. is not.

[0015] (1) Overall configuration As shown in Figure 1, the fusion reactor system of the present embodiment includes a plurality of core modules 1 0. Each core module 10 is arranged independently and can be individually operated rotated or stopped as necessary.

[0016] (2) Equal-pressure communication structure The interior of each core module 10 is filled with a coolant or a working fluid and communicates with the external fluid. Therefore, the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the core module 10 is substantially suppressed. is substantially suppressed.

[0017] Furthermore, each core module is pressure-connected via an external fluid, and is also connected. Sometimes, the system may be configured to directly communicate with the connecting pipe via a connecting section.

[0018] This eliminates the need for high-strength pressure vessel structures and advanced vacuum sealing mechanisms that were previously required. Simplification becomes possible.

[0019] Furthermore, the isobaric communication structure reduces mechanical stress caused by the pressure difference acting on the connection point. Because the force is reduced, deformation and misalignment of the connection part are suppressed, and the motor can be controlled by remote control devices, etc. This can improve the precision and safety of attaching and detaching the rake.

[0020] (3) Module replacement In this embodiment, a state is maintained in which some of the multiple core modules 10 are operational. At the same time, it is possible to disconnect and replace other modules.

[0021] Even during replacement, the isobaric communication structure is maintained, preventing sudden pressure changes and fluid jetting. This can prevent leakage. Each core module 10 is part of a circulation system that includes fluid supply and discharge pathways. It may also be configured as a connected system.

[0022] (4) Deterioration management The core module 10 is equipped with a temperature sensor, a neutron detector, or a material degradation indicator. A sensor that provides benefits may be provided. Also, this system is located in the core module 1 The system may also include a degradation determination means 40 that monitors the degradation status of 0 and determines when it is time to replace the device.

[0023] Based on the above information, the replacement control means 50 determines the replacement timing for each module, and calculates To enable visual exchange.

[0024] (5) Connection structure The connection parts of the core module 10 include fluid communication passages, electrical connection parts, and mechanical connections. It may include parts, and these may be configured as a single unit.

[0025] Furthermore, the connection state is stabilized by utilizing the force caused by fluid pressure during connection. An auxiliary mechanism may be provided. Note that the arrows shown in Figure 4 schematically indicate the direction of fluid flow and the direction of pressure action. That is the case.

[0026] (6) Variant The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but also includes module arrangement, fluid type, etc. The types, exchange methods, etc., can be changed as appropriate. The concept of using fluids for pressure equalization is widely applicable to technologies under various pressure environments. be. [Examples]

[0027] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0028] The fusion reactor system in this embodiment comprises multiple core modules 10, and each reactor The core modules 10 are arranged independently. Each core module 10 is responsible for the nuclear fusion reaction. It has a structure that includes a coolant channel and an energy recovery section.

[0029] Each core module 10 is, for example, about 0.5m to 5m in diameter and about 1m to 10m in length. The size can be set to a certain degree and is designed appropriately according to the required output scale.

[0030] The interior of each core module 10 is cooled by a coolant such as liquid metal, molten salt, or water. The coolant is filled and configured to circulate in communication with an external cooling system. With this configuration, the internal pressure of the core module 10 is substantially equal to the external fluid pressure. It is maintained in that state.

[0031] The coolant pressure can be, for example, in the range of 1 MPa to 50 MPa, and is preferable. The pressure may be in the range of 5 MPa to 20 MPa. Also, the operation of the core module 10 The temperature can be set to a range of, for example, 300°C to 1000°C.

[0032] For example, when lithium or lithium-lead alloy is used as a coolant, 40 By using a temperature range of approximately 0°C to 800°C, neutron absorption and tritium generation can be achieved. It may also be a configuration that serves both purposes.

[0033] The core module 10 is connected to the main piping and power system via a connection. The connecting section is provided with a fluid communication passage, an electrical connection section, and a mechanical connection section, and these are equal It is configured to allow connection and disconnection while maintaining pressure.

[0034] During operation, some of the multiple core modules 10 perform a nuclear fusion reaction, while the others... Joules are placed in a standby or stopped state. For example, the total number of modules It would also be acceptable to configure it to operate at around 50% to 90% capacity.

[0035] If it becomes necessary to replace the core module 10, the module will be disconnected from the main power supply. The unit is disconnected, and the replacement work is carried out while the other modules continue to operate. Furthermore, since each module has an isobaric communication structure, a sudden pressure difference does not occur when the modules are disconnected. do not have.

[0036] The replacement work is carried out, for example, using a remote control device or an automated transport device, during the replacement. The interval can be configured to be completed within a range of, for example, 5 minutes to 5 hours.

[0037] In this embodiment, each core module 10 is equipped with a neutron irradiation dose sensor and a temperature sensor. A sensor is installed, and the degradation state of the module is estimated based on these measurements.

[0038] For example, if the neutron irradiation dose reaches approximately 10^22 to 10^25 n / m^2, or if the material is inferior... If the chemical index exceeds a predetermined threshold, the core module will be determined to be subject to replacement. That's fine.

[0039] The control device identifies the module to be replaced based on the deterioration status and issues a replacement instruction. Output.

[0040] Furthermore, at the connection point, the force caused by fluid pressure is used to ensure tightness of the connection surface. An auxiliary mechanism may be provided to enhance the sealing and positioning of the connection. Accuracy improves.

[0041] With the above configuration, the fusion reactor system of this embodiment can operate without shutting down the entire reactor. This enables the replacement of core modules and ensures stable continuous operation. [Industrial applicability]

[0042] The fusion reactor system according to the present invention is applicable to power generation applications, and is particularly suitable for long-term use. It is useful in power supply facilities that require continuous operation.

[0043] Furthermore, since the present invention is configured on the premise of replacing the core module, a fusion reactor This can improve the maintainability and operating rate of not only large-scale commercial power generation, but also small It is also suitable for use as a distributed power source.

[0044] Furthermore, this invention is not limited to nuclear fusion reactors, but also applies to situations where equipment replacement is necessary in high-temperature, high-radiation environments. Essential energy devices, particle accelerators, nuclear power supplies for space, or deep-sea / underground energy systems It can also be applied to equipment used in pressure environments at border crossings.

[0045] Therefore, the present invention is useful in a wide range of industrial fields, primarily in the energy sector. It is usable. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 10 Core Modules 11 Internal fluid 12 External fluid 13 Communication section 20 Cooling system (fluid supply system) 30. Connecting piping (fluid passage) 40 Deterioration judgment means 50 Exchange control means

Claims

1. A fusion reactor system comprising multiple core modules that perform fusion reactions, Each of the aforementioned core modules is: The interior is filled with a coolant or working fluid, and by communicating with an external fluid, pressure is created. It has an isobaric communication structure that suppresses the generation of force differences, At least some of the above-mentioned multiple core modules are in fluid communication While maintaining the connected and operating state, other core modules are connected to the isobaric linkage. It is configured to be detachable while maintaining the same structure. A nuclear fusion reactor system characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned fusion reactor system is The neutron irradiation dose, temperature history, or material degradation index in the core module is small. Even if there are none, a degradation determination method that estimates the degradation state of the core module based on one of them. Steps and, Replacement control means for determining the replacement timing of the core module according to the deterioration state. and, The fusion reactor system according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the above.

3. The aforementioned core module is A connection interface comprising a fluid communication passage and at least one of a power or signal transmission path, The connection interface is configured to allow connection and disconnection while maintaining the isobaric communication structure. A fusion reactor system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. A fusion reactor system comprising multiple core modules that perform fusion reactions, The connection part of the aforementioned core module is It is equipped with an auxiliary mechanism that utilizes the force generated by fluid pressure to assist in positioning or tight contact during connection. The nuclear fusion reactor system according to feature 1.

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