Alkali Metal Reactor Core Layout for Pump-Free Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microreactors face challenges in efficiently converting heat into electricity without the need for complex pumps and valves, particularly in remote and underwater applications where traditional systems are impractical.
Innovation Solution
An alkali metal reactor power supply system that integrates a reactor vessel with an alkali metal thermoelectric converter, utilizing capillary forces to circulate liquid alkali metal for heat-to-electricity conversion, eliminating the need for pumps and valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pumps and valves are used to circulate alkali metal in AMTEC systems, then reliable fluid control is achieved, but device complexity and reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes pumps and valves from the AMTEC system by extracting the fluid circulation function into the reactor core design itself. The liquid-absorption cores integrated with fuel rods provide passive circulation pathways, eliminating the need for separate mechanical pumping and valve components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the fluid circulation function with the nuclear fuel structure by integrating liquid-absorption cores directly into the fuel rod design. This combination allows the fuel rods to simultaneously serve as both nuclear fuel elements and fluid circulation channels, reducing overall system complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If alkali metal is circulated through external pumps, then heat transfer efficiency is maintained, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump system with a passive capillary action-based circulation system. The liquid-absorption cores utilize capillary forces to drive alkali metal circulation without mechanical components, significantly reducing system weight while maintaining heat transfer efficiency through direct contact between the coolant and fuel rods.
3Ease of operation
If complex valve systems are used to control fluid flow, then flow rate control is precise, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-regulating fluid circulation through the integrated liquid-absorption cores in the fuel rods. The system automatically controls alkali metal flow rates through passive capillary action and thermal gradients without requiring external valve control mechanisms, greatly simplifying operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves reliable, efficient, and compact power generation with high efficiency, suitable for remote and underwater applications, featuring a simplified structure and integrated design.
Implementation Method 1
the effects of capillary force of the first liquid-absorption cores and the second liquid-absorption cores are utilized to pump the liquid alkali metal to the surface of the fuel rod
Implementation Method 2
the heat generated by the nuclear fuel fission of the fuel rod is used for vaporization of the liquid alkali metal
Implementation Method 3
uses gaseous or liquid alkali metals (lithium, sodium, potassium, etc.) as working mediums, and uses the β"-Al 2 O 3 solid electrolyte (BASE) as a selective ion permeable membrane. Migration process of alkali metal ions in the BASE realizes the conversion of heat energy to electrical energy
Implementation Method 4
the alkali metal vapor on the low-pressure side condenses into a liquid state through a condenser
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An alkali metal reactor power supply, comprising: a reactor vessel (1), the bottom part of which is provided with a liquid alkali metal (2); a reactor core (4), which is arranged in the reactor vessel (1) and comprises a plurality of fuel rods (3) and a radial reflection layer (11) arranged at the periphery of the plurality of fuel rods (3), wherein the surface of each fuel rod (3) is provided with a first liquid absorption core (5), the bottom part of the reactor core (4) is provided with second liquid absorption cores (19) which are connected to the first liquid absorption cores (5), and the second liquid absorption cores (19) can be in contact with the liquid alkali metal (2); and alkali metal thermoelectric converters (7), which are arranged along the circumferential direction of the radial reflection layer (11), and divide the inside of the reactor vessel (1) into a high-pressure steam chamber (6) located above the alkali metal thermoelectric converters (7) and a low-pressure steam chamber (8) located below the alkali metal thermoelectric converters (7). By using the phase-change heat transfer of alkali metal, the circulating power of the liquid alkali metal (2) is provided by using the liquid absorption cores, the structure is simple, the arrangement is flexible, and the power generation efficiency is high.