Robotic Arm Fuel Handling for Close-Coupled PWRs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refuelling methods for close-coupled Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) are either impossible or significantly more complex due to the arrangement of the reactor pressure vessel and steam generators, which limits the degree of closeness in the plant design.

Innovation Solution

A robotic arm system is introduced for handling fuel in nuclear reactors, featuring a movement mechanism along the x-axis, a pivotally mounted grab head that can rotate vertically to align with the z-axis, and a telescopic portion with a grip mechanism for gripping fuel assemblies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional refuelling methods are used in close-coupled PWRs, then the reactor design achieves compact layout, but the refuelling process becomes impossible or significantly more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplant footprintVSAvoidrefuelling process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical refuelling equipment (overhead cranes, turnover rigs) with a robotic arm system that uses controlled mechanical movement and automated gripping mechanisms to handle fuel assemblies, enabling refuelling in compact close-coupled PWR configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic arm incorporates dynamic movement capabilities with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing it to adapt its position and orientation to access fuel assemblies in the compact reactor core configuration, replacing static conventional refuelling equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If overhead cranes and turnover rigs are used for fuel handling, then fuel assemblies can be removed and replaced, but the system requires significant space and adds operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel handling capabilityVSAvoidequipment configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of overhead cranes, turnover rigs, and fuel gripping mechanisms into a single integrated robotic arm system, eliminating the need for separate equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining fuel handling capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic arm is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple refuelling operations including fuel assembly extraction, positioning, and insertion, replacing the specialized functions of multiple separate conventional equipment pieces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250079028A1Refuelling of a nuclear reactor

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 ROLLS-ROYCE SMR LTD

AI summary

A robotic arm for handling fuel in a nuclear reactor is provided, the robotic arm comprising a movement mechanism for moving the robotic arm along an x-axis. The movement mechanism can be coupled to an arm portion whose centre line is parallel with the x-axis, a grab head portion which is pivotally mounted to the arm portion. The grab head can be rotated vertically to be parallel to a z-axis, and have a telescopic portion that allows the grab head to extend along the z-axis and a grip mechanism at its distal end for gripping fuel assemblies of the nuclear reactor.