Overlapping Twisted Fuel Rods for Compact Nuclear Bundle Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel bundle designs for nuclear fission energy, such as those developed by Lightbridge, do not allow for circumferential cross sections of twisted fuel rods to overlap, resulting in suboptimal power density, heat transfer, and structural support.
Innovation Solution
A novel fuel rod bundle arrangement where the circumferential cross sections of adjacent fuel rods are intentionally overlapped to achieve a more compact configuration, enhancing power density and heat transfer while minimizing shell side volume and providing additional structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If circumferential cross sections of fuel rods are arranged without overlap, then structural simplicity is maintained, but power density and heat transfer characteristics are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of fuel rods within the bundle, where rods are deliberately offset from symmetric radial positions to achieve circumferential cross-section overlap. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes power density and heat transfer by allowing closer rod spacing while maintaining structural integrity through the support plate geometry.
2Temperature
If circumferential cross sections of fuel rods are overlapped, then power density and heat transfer are improved, but manufacturing and assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is pre-formed with precisely positioned openings and recesses that define the exact locations where fuel rods will be inserted. This preliminary preparation of the support structure establishes the required rod positions and overlap geometry before assembly, ensuring consistent positioning precision without requiring high-precision field adjustments during fuel bundle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate acts as an intermediary component between the fuel rods and the fuel bundle structure. It provides a pre-fabricated positioning framework that guides rod insertion and maintains the designed circumferential overlap, transferring the precision requirement from the assembly process to the support plate manufacturing process where it can be more effectively controlled.
3Volume of stationary object
If circumferential cross sections of fuel rods are overlapped, then shell side volume is minimized, but rod alignment and spacing control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel bundle is segmented into discrete rod positions defined by individual openings in the support plate. Each opening serves as an independent positioning feature that guides a specific fuel rod to its designated location. This segmentation of the positioning function into discrete, pre-defined locations simplifies the alignment process despite the overlapping configuration, as each rod has a明确的 target position.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are twisted fuel rod bundles arranged in a pattern that allows for the twisted fuel rod circumferential cross sections to overlap which increases power density, minimizes volume, increase heat transfer characteristics and provides for more structural support.