Nuclear Rod Assembly Mating Structure Neutron Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current configuration of nuclear reactor fuel bundles experiences a relative power increase at connection points between multi-segment rods, leading to enrichment limitations in adjacent fuel rods, which results in nuclear performance reductions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating neutron absorbing materials into the mating structures of multi-segment rods to mitigate or eliminate power spikes at connection points, allowing for reduced or eliminated enrichment adjustments in adjacent fuel rods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple segment rods are used in fuel bundles, then isotope production capability is improved, but power spikes occur at connection points between segments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisotope production capabilityVSAvoidpower spikes at connection points

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A neutron absorbing material is introduced as an intermediary component within the mating structure at the connection point between rod segments. This material acts as a mediator to absorb excess neutrons and reduce the power spike that occurs at the connection interface, thereby resolving the harmful effect while preserving the multi-segment rod configuration for isotope production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If enrichment is limited in adjacent fuel rods to compensate for power spikes, then power distribution stability is improved, but nuclear performance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution stabilityVSAvoidnuclear performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful power spike at the connection point into a beneficial solution by using the neutron absorbing material to actively manage and control the neutron flux. This transforms the previously harmful concentration of power into a controlled condition that allows adjacent fuel rods to maintain their original enrichment levels, thereby preserving nuclear performance while ensuring power distribution stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 reduces or eliminates power spikes at connection points, thereby maintaining or improving nuclear performance by preventing the need for enrichment adjustments in adjacent fuel rods.

Implementation Method 1

at least a portion of at least one mating structure includes one or more combinations of neutron absorbing materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutron absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9899107B2Rod assembly for nuclear reactors

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 NORDION (CANADA) INC

AI summary

One embodiment provides a multi-segment rod that includes a plurality of rod segments. The rod segments are removably mated to each other via mating structures in an axial direction. An irradiation target is disposed within at least one of the rod segments, and at least a portion of at least one mating structure includes one and/or more combinations of neutron absorbing materials.