Control Rod Drive Exchange System Using Independent Screw Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for exchanging control rod drives (CRDs) in nuclear reactors are complex, time-consuming, prone to radiation exposure, and costly due to the use of roller chains, timing belts, hydraulic cylinders, and built-in motors, which can lead to equipment damage and downtime.
Innovation Solution
An integrated drive exchange assembly system utilizing two independent screws with independent travel, an elevator platform, and a trunnion cart with an automatic vertical lock, eliminating the need for roller chains, timing belts, hydraulic cylinders, and built-in motors, and allowing for safe and efficient movement of CRDs from the reactor pressure vessel to the equipment platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If roller chains, timing belts, hydraulic cylinders, and built-in motors are used for CRD exchange, then the system can achieve automated movement, but the device complexity increases and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex built-in motors, hydraulic cylinders, and timing belts from the CRD exchange system. Instead, it uses a simple external winch mechanism with cables to achieve the same movement function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical transmission systems (roller chains, timing belts, hydraulic cylinders) with a simpler cable-and-winches system. This substitution maintains the automated movement function but dramatically reduces mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements.
2Reliability
If roller chains, timing belts, and hydraulic cylinders are used for CRD exchange, then the system can move CRDs reliably, but the reliability decreases due to potential failures and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the unreliable components (roller chains, timing belts, hydraulic cylinders) from the system. By eliminating these complex mechanical transmission elements, the system achieves higher reliability through a simpler cable-and-winches mechanism that has fewer failure points.
3Reliability
If multiple personnel are required for CRD exchange operations, then the safety and control improve, but the radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service CRD exchange system where the automated winch mechanism performs the entire exchange operation independently. This eliminates the need for multiple personnel to manually handle the CRD, thereby maintaining safety and control while dramatically reducing radiation exposure to personnel.
4Ease of operation
If known CRD exchange systems are used, then the CRDs can be moved, but the operation is time-consuming and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous CRD exchange operations through the automated winch system that can rapidly lower, secure, and raise the CRD without interruption. This eliminates the time-consuming manual handling steps of known systems, maintaining ease of operation while dramatically improving productivity.
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 reduces radiation exposure, minimizes downtime, and lowers maintenance costs by simplifying the CRD exchange process while ensuring safe and controlled movement of CRDs, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second screw extending substantially the length of the tower, the first and the second screw mounted to opposite sides of the tower, wherein as the first screw is rotated, the second screw does not rotate, and wherein as the second screw is rotated, the first screw does not rotate; an elevator platform coupled to the first screw and movable relative to the first and the second screws
Implementation Method 2
an extension carriage assembly coupled to the second screw and movable relative to the first and the second screws, the extension carriage assembly configured to engage a portion of a control rod drive (CRD) adapter and to substantially support the control rod drive
Implementation Method 3
the trunnion cart comprising an automatic vertical lock for locking the tower in a vertical position
Data Source
AI summary
A system for exchanging a control rod drive of a nuclear reactor is provided. The system may include an integrated drive exchange assembly system (IDEAS). The IDEAS may include a trunnion cart attached to a tower assembly. The tower assembly may include an integrated extension carriage assembly.The IDEAS may also include a control rod drive adapter; and a lead cart connected to the trunnion cart assembly.