Mixed In-Core Maps for Nuclear Reactor Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nuclear reactor power distribution mapping is challenging due to non-uniform power distribution and sensor depletion, leading to high uncertainty in measurement accuracy, especially with collectron type detectors experiencing increased uncertainty over time due to wear.
Innovation Solution
A method using mixed maps that combines data from mobile RIC system measurements and fixed collectron system acquisitions to establish a comprehensive power distribution map, converting and normalizing activity measurements to reduce uncertainty and enhance measurement density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fixed collectron type detectors are used in the reactor core, then measurement density increases, but measurement precision deteriorates due to high uncertainty over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data from two different instrumentation systems (mobile RIC system and fixed collectron system) into a unified power distribution map. The mobile RIC system provides periodic high-precision reference measurements, while the fixed collectron system provides continuous monitoring. By merging these complementary data sources through correlation-based methods, the system achieves both high measurement density and maintained precision over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile RIC system serves as a feedback mechanism to periodically recalibrate and update the uncertainty parameters of the fixed collectron system. By using RIC measurements as reference data to update the power distribution model and correlation parameters, the system compensates for drift and uncertainty accumulation in the fixed detectors, thereby maintaining measurement precision throughout the fuel cycle.
2Device complexity
If reference instrumentation locations are occupied by fixed rods, then device complexity reduces, but measurement precision deteriorates due to loss of reference measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fixed collectron detectors as intermediary measurement devices that indirectly monitor power distribution in locations where mobile RIC detectors cannot physically access. These fixed detectors serve as mediators by providing continuous data that is correlated with RIC reference measurements, thereby maintaining measurement precision without requiring physical RIC detector presence at all locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile RIC system is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves both as a primary measurement system when detectors are deployed and as a reference calibration system for the fixed collectron detectors. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain precision across different operational phases (mobile deployment vs. fixed monitoring) without requiring separate dedicated systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject of the present invention is a method of producing what are called mixed in-core maps. The objective of the invention is essentially to compensate for a loss of density of a reference instrumentation, called RIC instrumentation or RIC system, when a significant number of locations initially used by the sensors of the RIC system are occupied by fixed detectors of the “collectron” (self-powered neutron detector) type. One obvious physical advantage lies in the increase in measurement density, and therefore in the degree of confidence associated with the exploitation results derived from the processing of these measurements. One application of the method according to the invention is in a method of calibrating collectron-type detectors placed in the core of a nuclear reactor.