Annular Reactor Core Layering for Adjustable Thermal Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nuclear reactor designs face challenges in easily changing reactor core thermal output during the design phase, particularly in structures where heat is extracted from the reactor core.
Innovation Solution
The nuclear reactor incorporates an annular fuel layer with a heat conductive layer stacked around its periphery, allowing for the alternation of fuel and heat conductive layers to adjust thermal output by altering their number.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the reactor core uses a fixed annular structure with cooling gas flow, then the basic heat extraction function is achieved, but the thermal output cannot be easily changed during design phase
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor core is divided into multiple fuel layers separated by heat conductive layers, creating modular units that can be independently adjusted. Each fuel layer-heat conductive layer combination acts as a discrete thermal module, allowing the overall thermal output to be modified by changing the number or configuration of these segmented layers without redesigning the entire core structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactor core structure transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic one where the number of fuel layers and heat conductive layers can be varied. This dynamic design allows the thermal output to be adjusted by adding or removing layers, enabling flexibility in power generation capacity while maintaining the same basic structural framework.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fuel assemblies are bundled together in annular shape, then the reactor core structure is formed, but the thermal output adjustment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of treating the annular reactor core as a single bundled structure, it is segmented into discrete fuel layers with intervening heat conductive layers. This segmentation allows individual layers to be manufactured separately and then assembled in the desired number to achieve the target thermal output, simplifying the manufacturing process for design modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal output is controlled by changing the numerical parameter of fuel layers and heat conductive layers rather than modifying the fundamental structure or materials. By adjusting the count of these layers, the reactor can be tuned to different power levels without changing the basic design parameters such as fuel composition or cooling mechanism.
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
This design enables flexible adjustment of reactor core thermal output by increasing or decreasing the number of fuel and heat conductive layers, enhancing power generation efficiency and reducing temperature differences within the reactor core.
Implementation Method 1
a heat conductive layer (3A) stacked on the fuel layer (1A) and extending around a periphery of the fuel layer (1A)
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to change reactor core thermal output. A nuclear reactor includes an annular fuel layer and a heat conductive layer stacked on the fuel layer and extending around a periphery of the fuel layer.