Joint Nuclear Fuel Configuration for Burnup Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration of nuclear fuel elements/assemblies in reactor cores is independent across different reactor types, leading to low fuel burnup and lack of unified coordinate optimization, which limits the efficient use and recycling of spent fuel.
Innovation Solution
A method for joint configuration of nuclear power plant fuel elements/assemblies involves adding new fuel elements to operating units, obtaining spent fuel with varying burnup levels, and strategically arranging these spent fuels in new starting units to enhance burnup and efficiency, while ensuring safe storage and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If independent configuration design is used for each reactor core, then the design and operation of each unit is simple and autonomous, but fuel burnup is low and fuel utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fuel configuration design of multiple reactor cores into a unified system. Operating units and new starting units are coordinated to share spent fuel resources, where spent fuel from operating units is transferred to new starting units after cooling. This combining approach enables higher overall fuel burnup while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized coordination protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-cooling spent fuel in operating units before transfer to new starting units. The spent fuel is stored and cooled for a predetermined period (e.g., 1-5 years) to reduce radioactivity and heat generation, making it suitable for reuse. This preliminary preparation enables efficient fuel utilization without compromising safety during the transfer and reloading processes.
2Loss of substance
If spent fuel is immediately disposed of after use, then the fuel cycle is simple and quick, but uranium resources are wasted and fuel efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by transferring spent fuel from operating units to new starting units after a cooling period. Instead of immediate disposal, the fuel is recovered and reused in new starting units where it can continue to generate energy. This process reduces uranium resource consumption by extracting additional energy from fuel that would otherwise be discarded, while maintaining a manageable fuel cycle through standardized transfer and cooling procedures.
3Reliability
If new fuel assemblies with high enrichment are used in the first reactor core, then the reactivity is sufficient for startup, but the cost of fuel manufacturing and spent fuel disposal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the enrichment levels of fuel assemblies based on their position and function in the reactor core. New starting units use a mix of fresh high-enrichment fuel and cooled spent fuel from operating units, optimizing the overall reactivity while reducing the total amount of high-enrichment fuel required. This parameter optimization reduces fuel manufacturing costs and spent fuel disposal costs while maintaining sufficient startup reactivity.
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 approach improves fuel burnup, discharge burnup, and overall fuel efficiency, allowing for coordinated optimization across units and reducing uranium resource consumption and costs, making it suitable for various reactor types.
Implementation Method 1
Uranium or plutonium are generally utilized as nuclear fuel in the nuclear reactor, wherein, the fission chain reaction is conducted in a controlled manner and then fission energy is produced continuously
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for joint configuration of nuclear power plant fuel includes the following steps: (S1) for at least one operating unit, based on an equilibrium cycle or transition cycle reactor core design, at least one new fuel element is added to at least one operating unit; (S2) after running a combustion cycle, and on basis of the new fuel elements in step (S1), more first spent fuel elements are obtained from the at least one operating unit than are obtained from the equilibrium cycle or transition cycle reactor core design, and said first spent fuel elements are kept in reserve; (S3) for at least one new starting unit, a scheduled number of new fuel elements, as well as the first spent fuel elements obtained for reserve in step (S2), are set in the first reactor cores of at least one new starting unit.