SPND Signal Conversion for Legacy Reactor Software Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy Self-Powered Neutron Detectors (SPNDs) made of rhodium degrade rapidly, necessitating replacement, but new SPNDs with different geometry and neutron sensitivity pose challenges for compatibility with existing legacy software designed for rhodium SPNDs.
Innovation Solution
The system converts signals from replacement SPNDs into equivalent signals that would have been detected by legacy SPNDs, using a characterization curve to represent neutron flux along the reactor core, adjusting for depletion and sensitivity to generate input signals compatible with legacy software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If legacy rhodium SPNDs are replaced with new rhodium SPNDs, then the neutron flux measurement capability is maintained, but the detectors will likewise degrade rapidly and need frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the SPND from rhodium to a different material that exhibits slower degradation characteristics. This parameter change allows the detector to maintain neutron flux measurement capability while extending service life, resolving the contradiction between reliability and duration of action.
2Reliability
If replacement SPNDs with different geometry and neutron sensitivity are used, then the detector performance is improved, but compatibility with legacy software is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a software interface layer that acts as an intermediary between the replacement SPNDs with different characteristics and the legacy software. This intermediary translates the signals and parameters from the new detectors into the format expected by the legacy software, enabling compatibility while allowing the use of improved detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies software parameters to account for the different geometry and neutron sensitivity of the replacement SPNDs. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains compatibility with legacy software while incorporating the performance improvements of the new detectors.
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
Enables the use of replacement SPNDs with different materials and geometries to provide accurate neutron flux measurements, allowing legacy software to function seamlessly with new detectors, extending the life of existing software and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
Self-Powered Neutron Detectors (SPNDs) that are situated in instrumentation thimbles within fuel assemblies of core of a nuclear reactor in order to provide signals that are representative of neutron flux within the core of the nuclear reactor
Data Source
AI summary
A method whereby signals that are output by replacement SPNDs are converted into equivalent signals that would have been detected by legacy SPNDs for input to the legacy software. The replacement SPNDs have a different geometry than the legacy SPNDs and also have a different neutron sensitivity than the legacy SPNDs. The replacement SPNDs are subjected to a neutron flux in a core of a reactor and responsively output a set of signals. The set of signals and the geometry of the replacement SPNDs are employed to create a characterization of the neutron flux in the form of a curve that represents flux as a function of location along the core of the reactor. The legacy geometry of the legacy SPNDs is then employed to find the values on the curve that correspond with the positions where the legacy SPNDs had been located to create inputs for the legacy software.