Helical Fusion Reactor Blanket Access Through a Movable Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maintenance and replacement of blankets in helical fusion reactors are inefficient due to the need to remove and transport blanket modules through the vacuum vessel, which is time-consuming and complicates the commercial viability of fusion reactors.
Innovation Solution
A helical fusion reactor design featuring a vacuum vessel with a movable cover that can be opened and closed integrally, allowing for the upward movement of blanket modules through gaps in the helical coils, facilitating efficient removal and replacement of blanket modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If blanket modules are removed and transported through the vacuum vessel for maintenance, then the blanket can be maintained and replaced, but the maintenance operation becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The blanket is divided into multiple independent blanket modules that can be individually removed and replaced. Each module can be independently accessed through gaps in the helical coils, allowing maintenance operations to be performed on specific modules without removing the entire blanket structure, thereby reducing maintenance time and improving efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If blanket modules are transported through the vacuum vessel, then replacement is enabled, but the operational efficiency and commercial viability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The helical coils are designed with gaps that allow dynamic access to blanket modules. The coils can be opened to permit blanket module removal and installation without requiring complete disassembly or complex transport operations through the vacuum vessel, enabling faster replacement and improving operational efficiency and commercial viability.
Data Source
AI summary
A blanket 50 includes a plurality of module assemblies 50A disposed in a circumferential direction Dr around a vertical center line C1 of a helical coil 30. Each of the plurality of module assemblies 50A includes a plurality of blanket modules 51. Each blanket module 51 is movable upward from a gap A formed in the helical coil 30. A vacuum vessel 20 includes a movable cover 21 that covers an upper side of the helical coil 30 and the 10 plurality of module assemblies 50A and is openable and closable. The movable cover 21 is configured such that the whole movable cover 21 moves integrally when the movable cover 21 is opened and closed. Such a structure enables the blanket to be maintained and replaced more efficiently.