Nuclear Coil Assembly Thermal Management via Segmented Yoke
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electromagnetic coil assemblies for control rod driving mechanisms in nuclear reactors face challenges with reliability and service life due to high operating temperatures and radiation resistance, requiring improved heat dissipation and insulation performance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a yoke structure with damascene holes for coil embedding, using first yokes with higher thermal conductivity to dissipate heat and second yokes with lower conductivity to minimize heat transfer from the sealing shell, along with a potting layer and thermally conductive insulating particles for enhanced heat management and structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electromagnetic coil assembly operates in the nuclear reactor environment, then it achieves the required function of controlling the fission rate, but the high temperature and radiation reduce the service life and reliability of the coil
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke is divided into first yoke and second yoke with different thermal conductivity characteristics. The first yoke has stronger thermal conductivity for heat dissipation, while the second yoke has weaker thermal conductivity for heat insulation, creating a segmented thermal management system that resolves the contradiction between reliability and temperature
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the yoke are assigned different thermal conductivity properties according to their functional requirements. The first yoke portion contacts the coil and provides heat dissipation, while the second yoke portion provides heat insulation, making each part have the quality needed for its specific location and function
2Temperature
If heat dissipation is enhanced to reduce coil temperature, then reliability improves, but heat transfer from the sealing shell may also increase
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke is designed with spatially varying thermal conductivity: the first yoke has stronger thermal conductivity to dissipate heat from the coil, while the second yoke has weaker thermal conductivity to block heat from the sealing shell. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between heat dissipation and heat isolation
3Temperature
If the coil framework uses high-temperature resistant materials, then temperature tolerance improves, but heat dissipation capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke assembly functions as a composite thermal management system combining materials with different thermal conductivity properties. The first yoke material provides heat dissipation while the second yoke material provides heat insulation, creating a composite structure that achieves both temperature tolerance and heat dissipation
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 significantly reduces coil temperature, enhances reliability, and extends the service life of the electromagnetic coil assembly by effective heat dissipation and reduced direct heat conduction, ensuring safer and more reliable reactor operation.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal conductivity of the at least one first yokes is stronger than a thermal conductivity of the at least one second yokes
Implementation Method 2
a thermal conductivity of the at least one first yokes is stronger than a thermal conductivity of the at least one second yokes
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic coil assembly for a control rod driving mechanism, comprising coils and a yoke for embedding the coils, wherein damascene holes are disposed on the yoke, the coils are installed in the damascene holes, the yoke comprises first yokes and second yokes, and the damascene holes are disposed on the first yokes; the first yokes are connected with the second yokes, and a through hole for cooperating with a sealing shell assembly is disposed on the second yokes; and a thermal conductivity of the first yokes is stronger than a thermal conductivity of the second yokes. The method is the processing method of the assembly. The coil assembly provided in technical solution or the coil assembly obtained by the method can remarkably reduce the temperature inside the coil, thereby improving the reliability of the CRDM electromagnetic coil assembly and prolonging the service life of the CRDM electromagnetic coil assembly.