Upper Vessel Transporter for Nuclear Reactor Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nuclear reactor designs face challenges in easy refueling, inspection, and maintenance due to the complexity of accessing the reactor vessel without disrupting the primary containment and coolant systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a lower reactor vessel with fuel rods and control rods, an upper reactor vessel with a steam generator and pressurizer, and a transporter that allows vertical and horizontal translation of the upper vessel relative to the lower vessel, enabling separation for refueling and inspection by using lifts and rollers to lift and move the upper vessel away from the lower vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the reactor vessel is designed as a single integrated structure, then structural strength and containment integrity are improved, but refueling and maintenance accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor vessel is divided into two separable sections: a lower reactor vessel containing fuel rods and control rods, and an upper reactor vessel containing steam generators and pressurizers. These sections can be disconnected and moved independently, allowing the upper vessel to be removed for refueling operations while the lower vessel remains in place, thus maintaining containment integrity while improving refueling accessibility
2Ease of repair
If the primary containment is made separable for refueling, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A transporter system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the separable reactor vessel sections. The transporter includes rollers that engage with the upper reactor vessel and can move it vertically and horizontally, facilitating easy assembly and disconnection while managing the complexity through a dedicated handling system rather than requiring complex manual operations
3Ease of operation
If the upper reactor vessel is moved horizontally away from alignment, then refueling access is improved, but positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static aligned configuration to a dynamic separable configuration. During refueling operations, the upper reactor vessel is moved horizontally out of alignment with the lower vessel using the transporter, providing clear access to the fuel rod area. The flange connections are designed to accommodate this dynamic positioning while maintaining precise re-alignment capability when reconnecting
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
Facilitates safe and efficient refueling, inspection, and maintenance by allowing access to the reactor vessel without compromising the primary containment, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The transporter is configured to translate the upper reactor vessel vertically toward and away from the lower reactor vessel and also to translate the upper reactor vessel horizontally toward or away from alignment with the lower reactor vessel
Implementation Method 2
operation of the lifting mechanism changes the vertical position of the upper reactor vessel with respect to the horizontal tracks
Data Source
AI summary
A system for refueling a nuclear reactor is provided. The system includes a lower reactor vessel with a plurality of fuel rods and a plurality of control rods disposed therein, the lower reactor vessel further comprising an upper flange. An upper reactor vessel is provided which encloses a steam generator and a pressurizer, the upper reactor vessel further comprising a lower flange that matingly engages the upper flange of the lower reactor vessel. A transporter surrounds an outer surface of the upper reactor vessel, wherein the transporter is configured to translate the upper reactor vessel vertically toward and away from the lower reactor vessel and also to translate the upper reactor vessel horizontally toward or away from alignment with the lower reactor vessel.