Integrated Reactor Hoisting Structure for Faster Core Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging and refueling systems for compact pressurized water reactors, including integrated reactors, face challenges such as sequential cover opening leading to a long critical path, restricted movement due to complex top penetrations and compact layouts, difficulty in observing and accessing deep cores, and limited modular layout flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An integrated reactor system with a two-stage top opening structure and an integrated hoisting structure that allows for simultaneous disassembly and refueling, utilizing an out-of-reactor guide device and reactor core hoisting tool for overall core hoisting and refueling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential cover opening followed by in-reactor refueling is adopted, then the refueling process can be completed, but the critical path for refueling becomes relatively long
Solution Approach 1:
The refueling process is segmented into two independent parallel tracks: (1) sequential cover opening and reactor disassembly, and (2) core hoisting and out-of-reactor refueling. This segmentation allows different stages to be performed simultaneously by different teams, eliminating the sequential dependency that previously extended the critical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated hoisting structure is pre-assembled with the upper pressure vessel and upper containment before the refueling operation begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the refueling process starts, the hoisting mechanism is already in place and ready for immediate core extraction, eliminating setup time during the critical refueling window.
2Ease of operation
If traditional refueling technology is used for integrated reactors, then refueling can be performed, but the movement and expansion space of the charging/discharging machine sleeve is greatly restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The core and control rod driving mechanisms are extracted from the confined reactor interior and placed in an external refueling pool. This extraction removes the spatial constraints of the compact integrated reactor design, providing ample room for refueling operations without the restrictions of the original reactor geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
An integrated hoisting structure serves as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the reactor and the refueling pool. This hoisting system facilitates the transfer of heavy components between locations while managing the complexity of movement through a dedicated, purpose-built apparatus rather than attempting to maneuver equipment through the constrained reactor interior.
3Ease of operation
If the cover is opened for refueling in integrated reactors, then fuel replacement can be performed, but the space inside the reactor becomes compact and narrow, restricting in-reactor observation and capture
Solution Approach 1:
The core is extracted from the compact reactor interior to the external refueling pool, where operators gain access to a much larger working space. This extraction transforms the confined in-reactor environment into an open external environment, enabling effective observation and manual handling of fuel assemblies without the spatial restrictions of the reactor cavity.
4Productivity
If existing refueling technology is used for integrated reactors, then refueling can be completed, but more disassembly, storage locations and process space are required, limiting modular layout advantages
Solution Approach 1:
The upper pressure vessel, upper containment, control rod driving mechanisms, and hoisting structure are merged into a single integrated hoisting structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate disassembly steps and minimizes the number of components that require individual storage locations, thereby preserving the space-efficient modular layout advantages of integrated reactors.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated hoisting structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the removal mechanism for the upper reactor components and the lifting apparatus for the core itself. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated hoisting equipment, reducing overall system complexity and space requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated reactor (100), and an integrated reactor charging and refueling system (1000) and a method. The integrated reactor (100) comprises: a reactor cavity (10); a containment (1), which is arranged in the reactor cavity (10), wherein the containment (10) comprises an upper containment (11) and a lower containment (12), and the upper containment (11) and the lower containment (12) are detachably and fixedly connected; and a pressure vessel (2), which is arranged in the containment (1), wherein the pressure vessel (2) comprises an upper pressure vessel (21) and a lower pressure vessel (22), the upper pressure vessel (21) and the lower pressure vessel (22) are detachably and fixedly connected, and the upper pressure vessel (21) and the upper containment (11) are fixedly connected to form an integrated hoisting structure (20).