Heat Pipe Reactor Core Monolithic Block Thermal Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional heat pipe nuclear reactor cores face stress issues due to differential thermal expansion, as the heat pipes expand thermally during startup and may be bonded to heat exchangers, leading to mechanical stress.

Innovation Solution

A heat pipe reactor core composed of monolithic blocks with heat pipes spanning across the reactor core and heat exchangers, allowing for axial expansion and minimizing stress through a single wall separation between the heat pipe and energy converter working fluids, and using transition lenses to manage thermal expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If heat pipes are bonded to heat exchangers to ensure structural connection, then structural integrity is improved, but stress from differential thermal expansion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidthermal expansion stress

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The heat pipe assembly is segmented into discrete heat pipe modules that are bundled together rather than monolithically bonded to the heat exchanger. This segmentation allows each module to expand independently, reducing stress while maintaining structural integrity through the bundle configuration with neutron reflectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heat pipe modules are designed to be mechanically connected at the module level rather than fixed at the reactor core level, allowing dynamic adjustment and free expansion during thermal cycles. This dynamic connection enables the heat pipes to expand and contract without generating excessive stress in the bonded configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If heat pipes are mechanically connected at the reactor core level to ensure structural stability, then structural stability is improved, but thermal expansion freedom is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidthermal expansion freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented at the heat pipe module level rather than being monolithic at the reactor core level. This modular segmentation allows each module to maintain structural stability while independently accommodating thermal expansion, resolving the contradiction between stability and expansion freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heat pipe modules serve as intermediary units between the reactor core and heat exchanger, providing mechanical connection at the module level rather than directly at the core level. This intermediary configuration allows the modules to buffer thermal expansion while maintaining overall structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stress or pressure

If heat pipes are allowed to expand freely during startup to reduce stress, then thermal expansion stress is reduced, but structural connection integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal expansion stressVSAvoidstructural connection integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented modular configuration allows heat pipes to expand freely within the bundle while maintaining connection integrity through the coordinated bundle structure with neutron reflectors. The segmentation enables stress reduction without compromising overall connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical connection parameters are designed to accommodate thermal expansion through modular flexibility, allowing free expansion during startup while maintaining structural connection integrity through the coordinated bundle configuration rather than rigid bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration reduces stress from thermal expansion and provides predictable reactivity feedback, ensuring the heat pipes can expand freely within the heat exchangers, enhancing the structural integrity and operational stability of the reactor core.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of heat pipes extending from the reactor core and out through the one or more heat exchangers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat pipe: Heat Pipe

Implementation Method 2

The heat pipe expands thermally during start up

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

The heat pipe expands thermally during start up

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS11158432B1Heat pipe reactor core and heat exchangers formation and deployment

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 TRIAD NATIONAL SECURITY LLC

AI summary

A heat pipe reactor may include a reactor core and one or more heat exchangers positioned on one or both sides of the reactor core. The heat pipe reactor may also include a plurality of heat pipes extending from the reactor core and out through the one or more heat exchangers. The reactor core may be composed of a plurality of monolithic blocks.