Schottky Diode In-Core Detector Layout for Localized Gamma Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-core radiation detection systems for nuclear reactors face challenges in obtaining highly localized and detailed measurements due to their complexity, size, and operational costs, with movable systems being cumbersome and fixed systems averaging power distribution, making it difficult to verify reactor performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A versatile in-core detector system utilizing a housing with axially stacked Schottky diodes and photoelectron source materials, where each gamma detector is radially offset and positioned close to each other to maximize measurement density, allowing for continuous, real-time, and localized power distribution measurements within the reactor core.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If movable in-core detector systems are used to obtain detailed measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detector system is segmented into multiple fixed detector units distributed at different axial and radial locations within the reactor core. Each detector provides localized measurements, and collectively they provide comprehensive coverage without requiring a single complex movable system. This segmentation allows detailed measurements to be obtained from multiple fixed positions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single movable detector to multiple fixed detectors distributed in three-dimensional space (axial, radial, and azimuthal dimensions). This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions enables detailed measurements to be obtained from fixed positions, eliminating the need for mechanical movement while maintaining measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If fixed in-core detector systems are used to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to averaging
Solution Approach 1:
Each fixed detector is positioned at a specific localized region within the reactor core, and each detector measures radiation characteristics specific to its local environment. This local measurement capability allows the system to obtain detailed spatial information without requiring a movable detector, as each fixed detector provides high-quality localized data for its specific position.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical or similar detector units are deployed at different locations within the reactor core. Each detector copies the measurement function of a single detector but positioned at different axial and radial locations. This multiplication of detector copies enables detailed spatial measurements to be obtained from fixed positions, eliminating the averaging problem while maintaining system simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If fixed in-core detector systems are used to reduce operational costs, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision is reduced due to location constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented across multiple fixed detector locations distributed throughout the reactor core. Instead of requiring a single detector to move to multiple positions, the system uses multiple detectors at fixed positions, each contributing to the overall spatial resolution. This segmentation provides high spatial resolution measurements while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves high spatial resolution by distributing detectors across multiple dimensions (axial, radial, and azimuthal positions) rather than relying on movement in a single dimension. This multi-dimensional fixed arrangement provides detailed spatial measurements while eliminating the operational complexity of moving detectors.
4Measurement precision
If movable in-core detector systems are used to obtain localized measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving a single detector to multiple positions (the traditional approach), the system inverts the approach by placing multiple detectors at fixed positions simultaneously. This inversion eliminates the need for mechanical movement and associated operational complexity while maintaining the ability to obtain localized measurements from multiple positions at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from temporal measurement (one detector moving through space over time) to spatial measurement (multiple detectors measuring simultaneously at different locations). This dimensional change from time-based to space-based measurement provides high localization accuracy while dramatically simplifying operation by eliminating mechanical movement.
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
The system provides accurate, detailed, and cost-effective real-time measurements of reactor core conditions, enhancing the verification of performance predictions and reactor safety by eliminating averaging and location constraints, while maintaining scalability and adaptability to various reactor designs.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectron source material configured to transfer electrons to the active region of the Schottky diode upon contact with gamma radiation emitted by the nuclear reactor
Implementation Method 2
each gamma detector of the plurality of gamma detectors includes a Schottky diode having an active semiconductor region and a Schottky contact over at least a portion of the active semiconductor region
Data Source
AI summary
An in-core detector configured to measure a power distribution in a nuclear reactor is disclosed herein. The in-core detector includes a housing configured to be placed within a predetermined location of the nuclear reactor and a plurality of a gamma detectors. Each gamma detector of the plurality of gamma detectors includes a Schottky diode including an active semiconductor region and a Schottky contact, an Ohmic contact, a photoelectron source material configured to transfer electrons to the active region upon contact with gamma radiation, and a first and second lead. The plurality of gamma detectors are positioned within the housing such that each gamma detector of the plurality of gamma detectors is radially offset relative to an adjacent gamma detector of the plurality of gamma detectors, such that the first and second leads of each gamma detector are offset relative to the first and second leads of the adjacent gamma detector.