Nuclear Fuel Module Structure with Integrated Cooling Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nuclear fuel cladding materials, such as Zr alloy, are prone to damage in loss-of-coolant accidents, leading to hydrogen production and safety concerns, and existing ceramic-coated fuels require improved cladding to prevent leakage.
Innovation Solution
A nuclear fuel module with a columnar structure containing hollow closed holes for fuel and cooling through-holes that penetrate the structure, made from materials like Zr alloy, stainless steel, or silicon carbide, ensuring high structural strength and efficient heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional fuel tank system with separate fuel tank, fuel pump, and fuel filter is used, then the fuel supply function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and the available space in the vehicle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel tank, fuel pump, and fuel filter into a single integrated fuel module. The fuel pump is mounted directly on the fuel tank, and the fuel filter is integrated into the pump assembly, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel module serves multiple functions within a single compact unit: fuel storage (tank), fuel delivery (pump), and fuel filtration (filter). This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed in the fuel system.
2Ease of manufacture
If a integrated fuel module design is used, then the device complexity is reduced and space is saved, but the fuel filter needs to be disassembled from the fuel pump during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel module is designed with separable components - the fuel filter can be detached from the fuel pump assembly while the pump remains mounted on the tank. This segmentation allows for easy filter replacement during maintenance while maintaining the integrated design benefits for manufacturing and space savings.
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 fuel module enhances reactor safety by preventing leakage and damage during accidents, with improved heat transfer and structural integrity, suitable for various reactor types.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel pump, mounted on the fuel tank, for drawing the fuel from the fuel tank and supplying the fuel to the fuel injector
Implementation Method 2
a fuel filter, arranged to filter the fuel as the fuel passes from the fuel tank to the fuel pump
Implementation Method 3
a fuel level sensor, arranged to detect a fuel level in the fuel tank, wherein the fuel level sensor comprises a sensor element extending through a central region of the float in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the float
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Disclosed in the present invention are a fuel module and an application thereof. The fuel module comprises a column structure, a plurality of hollow closed holes and a plurality of cooling through holes that are dispersedly provided in the column structure, and fuel provided in the column structure; the hollow closed holes are located in the column structure; each of the hollow closed holes is filled with fuel; the cooling through holes are isolated from the hollow closed holes, run through two opposite sides of the column structure, and are used for allowing a cooling medium to pass through. In the fuel module of the present invention, a column structure is used as a supporting body, and hollow closed holes are filled with fuel and cooperate with cooling through holes to form an integrated structure. Compared with the cladding-pellet-assembly structure of an existing fuel assembly, the overall structure has high strength, and the fuel module can withstand high pressure, is safe and reliable, and improves the safety of a nuclear reactor.