Apparatus for transporting nuclear fuel assembly within nuclear power plant and transport method using same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for transporting a nuclear fuel assembly, the apparatus, which transports a nuclear fuel assembly within a nuclear power plant, comprising: a hoist box; a driving unit for moving the hoist box horizontally and vertically; a grip unit arranged on the bottom of the hoist box and connected thereto to allow gripping the nuclear fuel assembly; a lattice-like support unit positioned above the nuclear fuel assembly and corresponding to the placement of the nuclear fuel therein; and a centering unit disposed in at least one among the hoist box, grip unit, and support unit, and used to adjust the alignment of the nuclear fuel assembly and grip unit.

Description

A transport device for nuclear fuel assemblies in a nuclear power plant and a transport method using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport device for nuclear fuel assemblies in a nuclear power plant and a transport method using the same.

[0002] For the reloading and transport of existing nuclear fuel, a refueling machine (Refueling Machine) was used, consisting of a movable bridge and a trolley. The bridge within the refueling machine operates on rails installed within the reactor, and the trolley is equipped with a multi-stage, rigid hoist box used for reloading and transporting nuclear fuel assemblies.

[0003] However, the existing transport device has limitations in the maximum length design of the multi-stage hoist box, problems such as the contact between the reactor top head and the trolley when the bridge operating floor position is lowered, problems with movement due to increased weight as the length and volume of the hoist box increase, and difficulties in precision adjustment due to the complex configuration of the transport device have occurred.

[0004] In addition, during the transport process, the driver had to visually check whether the transport device was operating through a camera from a distance, which increased the driver's fatigue and reduced the precision during the transport process.

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a transport device for a nuclear fuel assembly in a nuclear power plant and a transport method using the same.

[0006] The present invention relates to a nuclear fuel assembly transport device in a nuclear power plant, comprising: a hoist box; a driving unit for moving the hoist box planarly and vertically; a gripping unit disposed at a lower portion of the hoist box and connected to the hoist box to grip the nuclear fuel assembly; a grid-shaped support unit disposed at an upper portion of the nuclear fuel assembly and corresponding to the arrangement of nuclear fuel units in the nuclear fuel assembly; and a centering unit disposed at at least one of the hoist box, the gripping unit, and the support unit and used to adjust an alignment position of the nuclear fuel assembly and the gripping unit.

[0007] The centering part may include an electromagnet coupled to the support unit; and a plurality of magnet parts coupled to the lower portion of the hoist box and corresponding to the electromagnet.

[0008] The centering portion may include a plurality of rotatable roller guides installed in the support unit; and a rail unit that enables movement of the roller guides within the support unit.

[0009] The centering unit includes a reflector coupled to the support unit and capable of reflecting an optical signal; and a plurality of sensors coupled to the gripping unit and capable of transmitting an optical signal and receiving an optical signal reflected from the reflector; wherein the optical signal may include at least one of a laser and an ultrasonic wave.

[0010] The centering part is at least partially placed inside the hoist box, and air or water is supplied to the gripping part.

[0011] It may include a conveying pipe for supplying; and a nozzle coupled to the gripping part and spraying air and water supplied from the conveying pipe to the outside to change the position of the gripping part.

[0012] The present invention relates to a method for transporting a nuclear fuel assembly in a nuclear power plant, comprising: a step of placing a hoist box adjacent to the nuclear fuel assembly, wherein a grid-shaped support unit corresponding to the arrangement of nuclear fuel units in the nuclear fuel assembly is positioned at the upper end of the nuclear fuel assembly, and the hoist box including a gripping portion capable of gripping the nuclear fuel assembly; a step of adjusting the position of the gripping portion corresponding to the nuclear fuel assembly using a centering portion coupled to at least one of the hoist box, the gripping portion, and the support unit; a step of connecting the gripping portion and the nuclear fuel assembly after the position of the gripping portion is adjusted; and a step of moving the nuclear fuel assembly upward.

[0013] The adjacent step of the hoist box is performed by moving the hoist box in a plane and vertically, and the plane and vertical movements can be performed based on the preset position value of the nuclear fuel assembly.

[0014] The position adjustment of the grip part by the centering part is achieved by attachment of a plurality of magnet parts corresponding to the electromagnet coupled to the support unit and the electromagnet coupled to the lower part of the hoist box, and the position adjustment of the grip part can be achieved by the attachment.

[0015] The position adjustment of the grip part by the centering part is performed through the guide of the hoist box via a plurality of rotatable roller guides installed in the support unit, and the position adjustment of the grip part can be performed by the guide.

[0016] The position adjustment of the gripping part by the centering part is performed by measuring the distance to the reflector through a reflector capable of reflecting an optical signal coupled to the support unit and a plurality of sensors coupled to the gripping part, transmitting an optical signal and receiving an optical signal reflected from the reflector, and the position adjustment of the gripping part can be performed by the distance measurement.

[0017] The position adjustment of the grip part by the centering part is accomplished by spraying air and water supplied from a conveying pipe, at least part of which is disposed inside the hoist box, to the outside through a nozzle coupled to the grip part, and the position adjustment of the grip part can be accomplished by the repulsive force generated by the spray.

[0018] The method further includes a step of returning the hoist box to a position adjacent to the nuclear fuel assembly when an error occurs in the position adjustment of the gripping portion through the centering portion, and the error in the position adjustment may include at least one of the straightness and horizontality of the hoist box and the difference in gap with the nuclear fuel assembly.

[0019] According to the present invention, a transport device for a nuclear fuel assembly in a nuclear power plant and a transport method using the same are provided.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a nuclear fuel assembly transport device in a nuclear power plant according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 is a plan view of a nuclear fuel assembly transport device in a nuclear power plant according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a nuclear fuel assembly transport device in a nuclear power plant according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 is a plan view of a nuclear fuel assembly transport device in a nuclear power plant according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a nuclear fuel assembly transport device in a nuclear power plant according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 is a plan view of a nuclear fuel assembly transport device in a nuclear power plant according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a nuclear fuel assembly transport device in a nuclear power plant according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 is a flow chart showing a method of transporting a nuclear fuel assembly in a nuclear power plant using a transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figures 9a and 9b illustrate the position adjustment of the gripping part by the operation of the centering part according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figures 10a and 10b illustrate the position adjustment of the gripping part by the operation of the centering part according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figures 11a and 11b illustrate the position adjustment of the gripping part by the operation of the centering part according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figures 12a and 12b illustrate position adjustment of a gripping portion by operation of a centering portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings below.

[0033] The attached drawings are merely examples intended to more specifically illustrate the technical concepts of the present invention, and therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the attached drawings. Furthermore, the attached drawings may exaggerate the size and spacing of components to illustrate the relationships between components.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, a transport device for a nuclear fuel assembly in a nuclear power plant according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a nuclear fuel assembly transport device in a nuclear power plant according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of a nuclear fuel assembly transport device in a nuclear power plant according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a nuclear fuel assembly transport device in a nuclear power plant according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a plan view of a nuclear fuel assembly transport device in a nuclear power plant according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a nuclear fuel assembly transport device in a nuclear power plant according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a plan view of a nuclear fuel assembly transport device in a nuclear power plant according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a nuclear fuel assembly transport device in a nuclear power plant according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The nuclear fuel assembly transfer device (10) in a nuclear power plant of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the “transfer device”) includes a hoist box (100), a driving unit (200), a gripping unit (300), a support unit (400), and a centering unit (500a, 500b, 500c, 500d).

[0037] The hoist box (100) is supported by a driving unit (200) and is provided to enable planar movement and vertical movement according to the movement of the driving unit (200). Although not shown, the hoist box (100) may be connected to the driving unit (200) by a separate wire, and the movement of the hoist box (100) may be restricted by the operation of the wire.

[0038] In the present invention, the hoist box (100) is illustrated as an integral body without a separate column-shaped section, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the hoist box (100) may be a separate body or may be a body in which different parts are combined.

[0039] The driving unit (200) moves the hoist box (100) planarly and vertically, and transports the hoist box (100) by the operation of a separately installed driving motor (not shown).

[0040] The holding portion (300) is placed at the bottom of the hoist box (100) and is connected to the hoist box (100) to hold the nuclear fuel assembly (A).

[0041] The phasing member (300) may be formed in the form of a gripper for fixing and combining with an individual nuclear fuel unit (U) in a nuclear fuel assembly (A), but is not limited thereto.

[0042] Although not shown, the holding portion (300) may further include a plurality of fixed blades. The plurality of fixed blades are tiltable by a power source (not shown), and the tilting of the fixed blades enables fixing (holding) individual nuclear fuel units (U) within the nuclear fuel assembly (A).

[0043] The support units (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) are arranged on the top of the nuclear fuel assembly (A) and may be formed in a grid shape corresponding to the arrangement of the nuclear fuel units (U) within the nuclear fuel assembly.

[0044] In the present invention, the support unit (400) is illustrated as having a grid of polygons arranged in a certain shape corresponding to the standard size of the nuclear fuel unit (U), but is not limited thereto.

[0045] The centering unit (500a, 500b, 500c, 500d) is arranged on at least one of the hoist box (100), the grip unit (300), and the support unit (400) and is used to adjust the alignment position of the nuclear fuel assembly (A) and the grip unit (300).

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the centering portion (500a) in the transport device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an electromagnet (510a) and a plurality of magnetic parts (520a).

[0047] An electromagnet (510a) is coupled to a support unit (400). The electromagnet (510a) has magnetism due to an electric signal, and in the present invention, the electromagnet (510a) is illustrated as being coupled to each corner of a grid-shaped support unit (400), but is not limited thereto.

[0048] A plurality of magnet parts (520a) are installed in correspondence with the electromagnet (510a) at the bottom of the hoist box (100), and in the present invention, the plurality of magnet parts (520a) may be the same as the electromagnet attached to the electromagnet (510a) or may be a general magnet.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a centering unit (500b) in a transport device (10) of a nuclear fuel assembly (A) in a nuclear power plant according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a roller guide (510b) and a rail unit (520b).

[0050] A plurality of roller guides (510b) are installed on the support unit (400) and are configured to rotate. In the present invention, the roller guides (510b) are illustrated as being installed on a rail unit (520b) that enables movement of the roller guides (510b) within the support unit (400), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0051] The rail unit (520b) enables movement of the roller guide (510b) within the support unit (400). Referring to FIG. 4, a rail capable of moving left and right and a rail capable of moving up and down are illustrated as being installed, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a centering portion (500c) in a transport device (10) of a nuclear fuel assembly (A) in a nuclear power plant according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes a reflector (510c) and a plurality of sensors (520c).

[0053] The reflector (510c) is coupled to the support unit (400) and is capable of reflecting an optical signal, wherein the optical signal includes at least one of a laser and an ultrasonic wave.

[0054] A plurality of sensors (520c) are coupled to the gripper (300), transmit optical signals toward the reflector (510c), and receive optical signals reflected from the reflector (510c).

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a reflector (510c) is formed on the outer surface of the support unit (400), and a sensor (520c) is illustrated as transmitting an optical signal toward the reflector (510c) and receiving a reflected signal, but this is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, an additional sensor capable of transmitting and receiving a separate optical signal may be further installed on the reflector (510c).

[0056] Referring to FIG. 7, a centering portion (500d) in a transfer device (10) of a nuclear fuel assembly (A) in a nuclear power plant according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a transfer pipe (510c) and a nozzle (520c).

[0057] The transfer pipe (510d) is arranged at least partially inside the hoist box (100) and supplies air or water to the gripping unit (300). In the present invention, the transfer pipe (510d) is illustrated as being arranged inside the hoist box (100), but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the transfer pipe (510d) is coupled to the outside of the hoist box (100), but may be installed inside the transfer device (10) as a separate supply device.

[0058] In the present invention, the water supplied to the transfer pipe (510d) may be general water usable in a nuclear power plant, but is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, cooling water may be supplied.

[0059] The nozzle (520d) is connected to the gripper (300) and sprays air and water supplied from the transfer pipe (510d) to the outside to change the position of the gripper (300).

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 12b, a method for transporting a nuclear fuel assembly in a nuclear power plant according to an embodiment of the present invention and a step for adjusting the position of a centering part for transport will be described.

[0061] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a transport method using a nuclear fuel assembly transport device in a nuclear power plant according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] First, a hoist box including a gripping section capable of gripping a nuclear fuel assembly is placed adjacent to the nuclear fuel assembly. (S100)

[0063] The adjacent step of the hoist box is performed by moving the hoist box in plane and vertically, wherein the planar and vertical movements are performed based on the preset position values ​​of the nuclear fuel assembly.

[0064] The hoist box is moved planarly and vertically to a preset position by the preset position setting value, and then the position of the gripping part is adjusted for alignment with the nuclear fuel unit in the nuclear fuel assembly through the centering part. (S200)

[0065] If an error occurs in adjusting the position of the hoist section through the centering section, the hoist box is returned to the stage adjacent to the nuclear fuel assembly. (S300)

[0066] Here, the error in position adjustment includes at least one of the straightness and horizontality of the hoist box and the difference in gap with the nuclear fuel assembly.

[0067] After the position of the grip part is adjusted through the centering part without any position adjustment error, the grip part and the nuclear fuel assembly are connected. (S400)

[0068] Although not shown, additional fasteners may be included to ensure stable fastening between the fuselage and the fuel assembly, and the fasteners may be passively operated by power supply from a separate power source.

[0069] After the connection with the breaker, the nuclear fuel assembly is moved upward. (S500)

[0070] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate position adjustment of a gripping part by operation of a centering part according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate position adjustment of a gripping part by operation of a centering part according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate position adjustment of a gripping part by operation of a centering part according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate position adjustment of a gripping part by operation of a centering part according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] The position adjustment of the gripping part by the operation of the centering part according to the first embodiment of the present invention is achieved by attachment of a plurality of magnetic parts corresponding to the electromagnet coupled to the support unit and the electromagnet coupled to the lower part of the hoist box.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, when the hoist box moves vertically toward the nuclear fuel assembly, a plurality of magnetic parts coupled to the lower portion of the hoist box and an electromagnet coupled to the support unit attach to each other.

[0073] As a result, the position of the grip part is adjusted through the attachment of the electromagnet and magnetic parts, and the connection with the nuclear fuel assembly is smoothly achieved according to the position adjustment.

[0074] The position adjustment of the gripping portion by the operation of the centering portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention is achieved through the guidance of the hoist box via a plurality of rotatable roller guides installed in the support unit.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 10a and 10b, when the hoist box moves vertically toward the nuclear fuel assembly, the hoist box is guided by a plurality of rotatable roller guides installed in the support unit.

[0076] As a result, the position of the cradle is adjusted through the guide of the hoist box, and the connection with the nuclear fuel assembly is smoothly achieved according to the position adjustment.

[0077] The position adjustment of the gripping portion by the operation of the centering portion according to the third embodiment of the present invention is performed by measuring the distance to the reflector through a plurality of sensors that are coupled to the gripping portion and a reflector capable of reflecting an optical signal coupled to the support unit, and that transmit an optical signal and receive an optical signal reflected from the reflector.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 11a and 11b, when the hoist box moves vertically toward the nuclear fuel assembly, distance measurement is performed through a reflector capable of reflecting an optical signal and a plurality of sensors that transmit an optical signal and receive an optical signal reflected from the reflector.

[0079] As a result, the position of the phasing part is adjusted through distance measurement using a sensor, and the connection with the nuclear fuel assembly is smoothly achieved according to the position adjustment.

[0080] The position adjustment of the gripping part by the operation of the centering part according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is achieved by spraying air and water supplied from a transfer pipe, at least part of which is disposed inside the hoist box, to the outside through a nozzle coupled to the gripping part.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 12a and 12b, when the hoist box moves vertically toward the nuclear fuel assembly, air and water supplied from the transfer pipe are sprayed to the outside through the nozzle coupled to the holding portion.

[0082] As a result, the position of the cradle is adjusted by the repulsive force generated by the injection through the nozzle, and the connection with the nuclear fuel assembly is smoothly achieved according to the position adjustment.

[0083] The present invention enables precise control of a transport device for transporting a nuclear fuel unit within a nuclear fuel assembly, and reduces operator fatigue that occurs when the existing transport process requires visual confirmation of operation.

[0084] The embodiments of the present invention described above and illustrated in the drawings should not be construed as limiting the technical concept of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is limited only by the matters set forth in the claims, and those skilled in the art will be able to make various improvements and modifications to the technical concept of the present invention. Accordingly, such improvements and modifications, as long as they are obvious to those skilled in the art, will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. In the transport device for nuclear fuel assemblies in nuclear power plants, hoist box; A driving unit that moves the above hoist box planarly and up and down; A gripping portion positioned at the bottom of the hoist box and connected to the hoist box to grip the nuclear fuel assembly; A grid-shaped support unit arranged on the top of the nuclear fuel assembly and corresponding to the arrangement of nuclear fuel units within the nuclear fuel assembly; and A nuclear fuel assembly transfer device including a centering member arranged on at least one of the hoist box, the gripper, and the support unit and used to adjust the alignment position of the nuclear fuel assembly and the gripper.

2. In paragraph 1, The above centering part, An electromagnet coupled to the above support unit; and A nuclear fuel assembly transfer device, which is coupled to the lower part of the hoist box and includes a plurality of magnetic parts corresponding to the electromagnet.

3. In paragraph 1, The above centering part, A plurality of rotatable roller guides installed on the above support unit; and A nuclear fuel assembly transport device including a rail unit that enables movement of the roller guide within the support unit.

4. In paragraph 1, The above centering part, A reflector coupled to the above support unit and capable of reflecting an optical signal; and A plurality of sensors coupled to the above-mentioned portion, transmitting an optical signal and receiving an optical signal reflected from the reflector; The above optical signal is a transport device for a nuclear fuel assembly including at least one of a laser and ultrasound.

5. In paragraph 1, The above centering part, A transport pipe for supplying air or water to the holding portion, at least part of which is arranged inside the hoist box; and A nuclear fuel assembly transfer device comprising a nozzle coupled to the above-mentioned breaker section and configured to change the position of the breaker section by injecting air and water supplied from the transfer pipe to the outside.

6. Regarding the method of transporting nuclear fuel assemblies in nuclear power plants, At the top of the nuclear fuel assembly, a grid-shaped support unit corresponding to the arrangement of nuclear fuel units within the nuclear fuel assembly is positioned. A step of placing a hoist box including a gripping portion capable of gripping the nuclear fuel assembly adjacent to the nuclear fuel assembly; A step of adjusting the position of the gripping unit in response to the nuclear fuel assembly by using a centering unit coupled to at least one of the hoist box, the gripping unit and the support unit; A step of connecting the above-mentioned phasing part and the nuclear fuel assembly after the position of the above-mentioned phasing part is adjusted; and A method for transporting a nuclear fuel assembly, comprising: a step of moving the nuclear fuel assembly upward.

7. In paragraph 6, The adjacent steps of the above hoist box are: It is performed by moving the above hoist box in plane and vertically, A method for transporting a nuclear fuel assembly, wherein the above-mentioned plane movement and vertical movement are performed based on a pre-position setting value of the nuclear fuel assembly.

8. In paragraph 6, The position adjustment of the grip part by the above centering part is It is formed by the attachment of a plurality of magnet parts corresponding to the electromagnet coupled to the above support unit and the electromagnet coupled to the lower part of the hoist box, A method for transporting a nuclear fuel assembly in which the position of the above-mentioned phasing part is adjusted by the above-mentioned attachment.

9. In paragraph 6, The position adjustment of the grip part by the above centering part is This is accomplished through the guidance of the hoist box via a plurality of rotatable roller guides installed on the above support unit. A method for transporting a nuclear fuel assembly in which the position of the above-mentioned phasing part is adjusted by the above-mentioned guide.

10. In paragraph 6, The position adjustment of the grip part by the above centering part is It is performed by measuring the distance to the reflector through a reflector capable of reflecting an optical signal coupled to the support unit and a plurality of sensors coupled to the grip section, transmitting an optical signal and receiving an optical signal reflected from the reflector. A method for transporting a nuclear fuel assembly in which the position of the above-mentioned phasing part is adjusted by the above-mentioned distance measurement.

11. In paragraph 7, The position adjustment of the grip part by the above centering part is It is accomplished by spraying air and water supplied from a transfer pipe, at least part of which is arranged inside the hoist box, to the outside through a nozzle coupled to the holding portion. A method for transporting a nuclear fuel assembly in which the position of the above-mentioned phasing part is adjusted by the repulsive force generated by the above-mentioned injection.

12. In paragraph 6, In case of an error in adjusting the position of the grip section through the centering section, Further comprising the step of returning the hoist box to the position adjacent to the nuclear fuel assembly; Errors in the above positioning adjustments are: A method for transporting a nuclear fuel assembly, comprising at least one of the straightness and horizontality of the hoist box and the gap difference with the nuclear fuel assembly.

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