Miniaturized Calorimetric Sensor for Nuclear Heating Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calorimetric cells for measuring nuclear heating in nuclear reactors are bulky, heavy, and require complex movement to compensate for parasitic heating, limiting spatial resolution and increasing measurement time.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized calorimetric sensor with a reduced size and mass, featuring a measuring core with thin layers of material and electrical insulation, allowing for local measurements with improved spatial resolution and reduced response time, without the need for movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calorimetric cells are used to measure nuclear heating, then measurement accuracy is maintained through differential measurements with two test pieces, but the device becomes bulky and heavy with increased mass and dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the calorimetric measurement function into two independent single-specimen calorimetric cells instead of using one large differential cell with two test pieces. Each cell independently measures the nuclear heating of a single test piece, eliminating the need for complex differential measurements while reducing the mass and dimensions of each individual cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single large differential measurement approach to multiple smaller independent measurement points distributed in space. By placing several miniaturized calorimetric cells at different positions, the system achieves comprehensive measurement coverage that previously required a single large cell, thereby reducing the mass of each individual device.
2Measurement precision
If traditional calorimetric cells with two test pieces are used, then parasitic heating effects are compensated through differential measurements, but the device complexity increases requiring movement and synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the measurement system into multiple independent single-specimen calorimetric cells, each capable of autonomous measurement. This eliminates the need for complex differential measurement protocols, movement mechanisms, and synchronization systems required by traditional two-test-piece differential cells, while still enabling parasitic heating compensation through the independent measurement capability of each cell.
Solution Approach 2:
Each single-specimen calorimetric cell is designed to be self-sufficient and autonomous in its measurement function. The cells independently measure nuclear heating without requiring coordination with other cells or complex external control systems, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy through parasitic heating compensation.
3Area of stationary object
If traditional calorimetric cells are used, then sufficient measurement coverage is achieved, but the response time is increased due to larger mass and dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention distributes multiple miniaturized calorimetric cells across different spatial positions to achieve comprehensive measurement coverage. Each cell has small mass and dimensions enabling fast response time, while the collective arrangement of multiple cells provides the extensive measurement coverage that would otherwise require a single large cell with slow response.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent calorimetric cells, each with reduced mass and dimensions that enable faster thermal response. The segmentation allows each cell to independently and rapidly measure nuclear heating at its location, thereby reducing the overall measurement response time while maintaining comprehensive spatial coverage through the distributed arrangement.
4Quantity of substance
If traditional calorimetric cells with larger dimensions are used, then adequate sample capacity is provided, but spatial resolution of measurements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the measurement function across multiple miniaturized calorimetric cells, each containing a small sample with precise dimensional control. This segmentation enables high spatial resolution by providing detailed local measurements at multiple positions, while the collective sample capacity of all cells combined provides adequate total quantity for comprehensive nuclear heating assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single large-sample measurement to multiple small-sample measurements distributed in space. This dimensional redistribution maintains adequate total sample capacity while achieving superior spatial resolution, as each miniaturized cell provides precise local measurement data that collectively maps the nuclear heating distribution with high spatial detail.
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 miniaturized calorimetric sensor achieves more precise and localized measurements of nuclear heating, reduces parasitic heating, and shortens measurement times, enabling better integration into nuclear reactors and coupling with other sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a thin conductive layer forming an electrical heating resistor arranged on the first layer of electrical insulation
Implementation Method 2
A calorimetric method essentially consists of determining the nuclear heating of a small element of matter, which can also be called a sample or nucleus, whose mass is known, by measuring the variation in temperature(s) or a difference in temperature(s)
Implementation Method 3
a first thin layer of electrical insulation arranged on the first sample; a second thin layer of electrical insulation arranged on the electrical heating resistor
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6A
AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring core (16) for measuring nuclear heating, the core extending along a longitudinal direction (X) and having a principal plane (XY), and comprising at least: - a first layer of material, forming a first sample (161); - a first thin layer of electrical insulation (163) on the first sample; - a thin conductive layer forming an electrical heating resistance (164) on the first layer of electrical insulation; - a second thin layer of electrical insulation (165) on the electrical heating resistance.The invention also relates to a calorimetric sensor (1) comprising: - an outer casing (11); - a gas (12) contained in the casing; - a measuring core (16) disposed in the casing; - connecting means (13) for maintaining the core in the casing and transferring heat between said core and said casing; - temperature measuring means (14, 15) capable of measuring the temperature at a hot spot, and the temperature at a cold spot.