US20100266088A1 - Nuclear fission reactor, flow control assembly, methods therefor and a flow control assembly system - Google Patents

Abstract

A nuclear fission reactor, flow control assembly, methods therefor and a flow control assembly system. The flow control assembly is coupled to a nuclear fission module capable of producing a traveling burn wave at a location relative to the nuclear fission module. The flow control assembly controls flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. The flow control assembly comprises a flow regulator subassembly configured to be operated according to an operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module. In addition, the flow regulator subassembly is reconfigurable according to a predetermined input to the flow regulator subassembly. Moreover, the flow control assembly comprises a carriage subassembly coupled to the flow regulator subassembly for adjusting the flow regulator subassembly to vary fluid flow into the nuclear fission module.

Description

BACKGROUND
• This application generally relates to processes involving induced nuclear reactions and structures which implement such processes including orifices or fluid control means at inlet, outlet or coolant channels and more particularly relates to a nuclear fission reactor, flow control assembly, methods therefor and a flow control assembly system.
• It is known that, in an operating nuclear fission reactor, neutrons of a known energy are absorbed by nuclides having a high atomic mass. The resulting compound nucleus separates into fission products that include two lower atomic mass fission fragments and also decay products. Nuclides known to undergo such fission by neutrons of all energies include uranium-233, uranium-235 and plutonium-239, which are fissile nuclides. For example, thermal neutrons having a kinetic energy of 0.0253 eV (electron volts) can be used to fission U-235 nuclei. Fission of thorium-232 and uranium-238, which are fertile nuclides, will not undergo induced fission, except with fast neutrons that have a kinetic energy of at least 1 MeV (million electron volts). The total kinetic energy released from each fission event is about 200 MeV. This kinetic energy is eventually transformed into heat.
• In nuclear reactors, the afore-mentioned fissile and/or fertile material is typically housed in a plurality of closely packed together fuel assemblies, which define a nuclear reactor core. It has been observed that heat build-up may cause such closely packed together fuel assemblies and other reactor components to undergo differential thermal expansion leading to misalignment of the reactor core components. Heat build-up may also contribute to fuel rod creep that can increase risk of fuel rod swelling and fuel rod cladding rupture during reactor operation. This may increase the risk that fuel pellets might crack and/or fuel rods might bow. Fuel pellet cracking may precede pellet-cladding failure mechanisms, such as pellet-clad mechanical interaction, and lead to fission gas release. Fission gas release can produce higher than normal radiation levels in the reactor core. Fuel rod bow may lead to obstruction of coolant flow channels.
• Attempts have been made to provide adequate coolant flow to nuclear reactor fuel assemblies. U.S. Pat. No. 4,505,877, issued Mar. 19, 1985 in the name of Jacky Rion and titled “Device for Regulating the Flow of a Fluid”, discloses a device comprising a series of gratings perpendicular to the fluid flow and that change direction of the fluid flow. According to the Rion patent, this device is intended for use in the regulation of the direction of a cooling fluid circulating in the base of a liquid metal-cooled nuclear reactor assembly. The device is directed toward bringing about a given pressure drop for a given nominal flow rate and a given down-stream pressure, without producing cavitation.
• Another attempt to provide adequate coolant flow to nuclear reactor fuel assemblies is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,066,453, issued Nov. 19, 1991 in the names of Neil G. Heppenstall et al. and titled “Nuclear Fuel Assembly Coolant Control.” This patent discloses an apparatus for controlling the flow of coolant through a nuclear fuel assembly, the apparatus comprising a variable flow restrictor locatable in the fuel assembly, means responsive to neutron radiation at a location in the fuel assembly in a manner to cause neutron induced growth of the responsive means, and a connecting means for connecting the neutron radiation responsive means to the variable flow restrictor for controlling the flow of coolant through the fuel assembly. The variable flow restrictor comprises a plurality of longitudinally aligned ducts, and a plugging means having an array of plugging members locatable in some of the ducts, the plugging members being of different lengths so that longitudinal displacement of the plugging means by the connecting means progressively opens or closes some of the ducts.
• Yet another attempt to provide adequate coolant flow to nuclear reactor fuel assemblies is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,185 issued Mar. 30, 1993 in the name of John P. Church and titled “Nuclear Reactor Flow Control Method and Apparatus.” This patent appears to disclose a coolant flow distribution that results in improved flow during accident conditions without degrading flow during nominal conditions. According to this patent, a universal sleeve housing surrounds a fuel element. The universal sleeve housing has a plurality of holes to allow passage of coolant. A variation is imposed in the number and size of holes in the sleeve housings from one sleeve to another to increase amount of coolant flowing to the fuel in the center of the core and decrease, relatively, flow to the peripheral fuel. Also, according to this patent, varying the number of holes and size of holes can meet a particular power shape across the core.
SUMMARY
• According to an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a nuclear fission reactor, comprising a nuclear fission module configured to have at least a portion of a traveling burn wave at a location relative to the nuclear fission module; and a flow control assembly configured to be coupled to the nuclear fission module and configured to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the traveling burn wave at the location relative to the nuclear fission module.
• According to an another aspect of the disclosure there is provided a nuclear fission reactor, comprising a heat-generating nuclear fission fuel assembly configured to have at least a portion of a traveling burn wave at a location relative to the nuclear fission fuel assembly; and a flow control assembly configured to be coupled to the nuclear fission fuel assembly and capable of modulating flow of a fluid stream in response to the traveling burn wave at the location relative to the nuclear fission fuel assembly.
• According to yet another aspect of the disclosure there is provided, for use in a traveling wave nuclear fission reactor, a flow control assembly, comprising a flow regulator subassembly.
• According to another aspect of the disclosure there is provided, for use in a nuclear fission reactor, a flow control assembly, comprising a flow regulator subassembly, the flow regulator subassembly including a first sleeve having a first hole; a second sleeve configured to be inserted into the first sleeve, the second sleeve having a second hole alignable with the first hole, the first sleeve being configured to rotate for bringing the first hole into alignment with the second hole; and a carriage subassembly configured to be coupled to the flow regulator subassembly.
• According to still another aspect of the disclosure there is provided, for use in a traveling wave nuclear fission reactor, a flow control assembly configured to be connected to a fuel assembly, comprising an adjustable flow regulator subassembly configured to be disposed in a fluid stream.
• According to a further aspect of the disclosure there is provided, for use in a nuclear fission reactor, a flow control assembly configured to be connected to a fuel assembly, comprising an adjustable flow regulator subassembly configured to be disposed in a fluid stream, the adjustable flow regulator subassembly including a first sleeve having a first hole; and a second sleeve configured to be inserted into the first sleeve, the second sleeve having a second hole, the first hole being progressively alignable with the second hole, whereby a variable amount of the fluid stream flows through the first hole and the second hole as the first hole progressively aligns with the second hole, the first sleeve being configured to axially translate relative to the second sleeve for aligning the second hole with the first hole.
• According to an additional aspect of the disclosure there is provided, for use in a nuclear fission reactor, a flow control assembly configured to be connected to a fuel assembly, comprising an adjustable flow regulator subassembly; and a carriage subassembly coupled to the adjustable flow regulator subassembly for adjusting the adjustable flow regulator subassembly.
• According to another aspect of the disclosure there is provided, for use in a nuclear fission reactor, a flow control assembly couplable to a selected one of a plurality of nuclear fission fuel assemblies arranged for disposal in the nuclear fission reactor, comprising an adjustable flow regulator subassembly for modifying flow of a fluid stream flowing through the selected one of the plurality of nuclear fission fuel assemblies, the adjustable flow regulator subassembly including an outer sleeve having a plurality of first holes; an inner sleeve inserted into the outer sleeve, the inner sleeve having a plurality of second holes, the first holes being progressively alignable with the second holes for defining a variable flow area, whereby a variable amount of the fluid stream flows through the first holes and the second holes as the first holes and the second holes progressively align to define the variable flow area; and a carriage subassembly coupled to the adjustable flow regulator subassembly for adjusting the adjustable flow regulator subassembly.
• According to a further aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of operating a nuclear fission reactor, comprising producing at least a portion of a traveling burn wave at a location relative to a nuclear fission module; and operating a flow control assembly coupled to the nuclear fission module to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module.
• According to another aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of assembling a flow control assembly for use in a traveling wave nuclear fission reactor, comprising receiving a flow regulator subassembly.
• According to another aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of assembling a flow control assembly for use in a traveling wave nuclear fission reactor, comprising receiving a carriage subassembly.
• According to another aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of assembling a flow control assembly for use in a nuclear fission reactor, comprising receiving a first sleeve having a first hole; inserting a second sleeve into the first sleeve, the second sleeve having a second hole alignable with the first hole, the first sleeve being configured to rotate for axially translating the first hole into alignment with the second hole; and coupling a carriage assembly to the flow regulator subassembly.
• According to an additional aspect of the disclosure there is provided, for use in a traveling wave nuclear fission reactor, a flow control assembly system, comprising a flow regulator subassembly.
• According to another aspect of the disclosure there is provided, for use in a nuclear fission reactor, a flow control assembly system, comprising a flow regulator subassembly, the flow regulator subassembly including a first sleeve having a first hole; a second sleeve configured to be inserted into the first sleeve, the second sleeve having a second hole alignable with the first hole, the first sleeve being configured to rotate for axially translating the first hole into alignment with the second hole; and a carriage subassembly configured to be coupled to the flow regulator subassembly.
• According to yet another aspect of the disclosure there is provided, for use in a nuclear fission reactor, a flow control assembly system configured to be connected to a nuclear fission fuel assembly, comprising an adjustable flow regulator subassembly configured to be disposed in a fluid stream.
• According to another aspect of the disclosure there is provided, for use in a nuclear fission reactor, a flow control assembly system couplable to a selected one of a plurality of nuclear fission fuel assemblies disposed in the nuclear fission reactor, comprising an adjustable flow regulator subassembly for controlling flow of a fluid stream flowing through the selected one of the plurality of nuclear fission fuel assemblies, the adjustable flow regulator subassembly including an outer sleeve having a plurality of first holes; an inner sleeve inserted into the outer sleeve, the inner sleeve having a plurality of second holes, the first holes being progressively alignable with the second holes for defining a variable flow area, whereby a variable amount of the fluid stream flows through the first holes and the second holes as the first holes and the second holes progressively align to define the variable flow area; and a carriage subassembly coupled to the adjustable flow regulator subassembly for adjusting the adjustable flow regulator subassembly.
• A feature of the present disclosure is the provision of a flow control assembly capable of controlling flow of a fluid in response to location of a burn wave.
• Another feature of the present disclosure is the provision of a flow control assembly comprising a flow regulator subassembly including an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, the outer sleeve having a first hole and the inner sleeve having a second hole alignable with the first hole, whereby an amount of a fluid stream flows through the first hole and the second hole as the second hole aligns with the first hole.
• An additional feature of the present disclosure is the provision of a carriage subassembly configured to be coupled to the flow regulator subassembly for carrying and configuring the flow regulator subassembly.
• In addition to the foregoing, various other method and/or device aspects are set forth and described in the teachings such as text (e.g., claims and/or detailed description) and/or drawings of the present disclosure.
• The foregoing is a summary and thus may contain simplifications, generalizations, inclusions, and/or omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
• While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter of the present disclosure, it is believed the disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In addition, the use of the same symbols in different drawings will typically indicate similar or identical items.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a nuclear fission reactor;
• FIG. 1A is a view in transverse cross section of a nuclear fuel assembly or nuclear fission module belonging to the nuclear fission reactor;
• FIG. 1B is a representation in perspective and partial vertical section of a nuclear fuel rod belonging to the nuclear fission module;
• FIG. 2 is a view in transverse cross section of a hexagonally shaped nuclear fission reactor core having a plurality of hexagonally shaped nuclear fission modules disposed therein;
• FIG. 3 is a view in transverse cross section of a cylindrically shaped reactor core having the plurality of hexagonally shaped nuclear fission modules disposed therein;
• FIG. 4 is a view in transverse cross section of a parallelpiped-shaped reactor core, the reactor core having the plurality of the hexagonally shaped nuclear fission modules disposed therein and including at least a portion of a traveling burn wave having a width “x” at a location relative to the nuclear fission modules;
• FIG. 5 is a view in transverse cross section of a plurality of adjacent hexagonally shaped nuclear fission modules, the nuclear fission modules having a plurality of longitudinally movable control rods disposed therein in addition to the fuel rods;
• FIG. 5A is a view in transverse cross section of the plurality of adjacent hexagonally shaped nuclear fission modules, the nuclear fission modules having a plurality of fertile breeding rods disposed therein in addition to the fuel rods;
• FIG. 5B is a view in transverse cross section of the plurality of adjacent hexagonally shaped nuclear fission modules, the nuclear fission modules having a plurality of neutron reflector rods disposed therein in addition to the fuel rods;
• FIG. 5C is a view in transverse cross section of the parallelpiped-shaped reactor core, the reactor core having breeding blanket fuel assemblies disposed around an interior periphery thereof;
• FIG. 6 is a view taken along section line6-6 ofFIG. 5;
• FIG. 7 is a view in partial vertical section of a plurality of the adjacent nuclear fission modules and a plurality of flow regulator subassemblies that belong to a flow control assembly and that are coupled to respective ones of the nuclear fission modules;
• FIG. 8 is an exploded view in perspective of the flow regulator subassembly;
• FIG. 8A is an exploded view in partial vertical section of the flow regulator subassembly;
• FIG. 8B is a view in partial section of the flow regulator subassembly in an open configuration for fully allowing fluid flow;
• FIG. 8C is a view in partial section of the flow regulator subassembly in a closed configuration for fully blocking fluid flow;
• FIG. 8D is a view taken alongsection line8D-8D ofFIG. 8B and shows, in horizontal section, an anti-rotation configuration belonging to a lower portion of the flow regulator subassembly;
• FIG. 8E is a view in vertical section, with parts removed for clarity, of the lower portion of the flow regulator subassembly and shows a freely rotatable nipple;
• FIG. 9 is a view in partial elevation of the flow regulator subassembly coupled to the nuclear fission module and in a fully open position for allowing fluid flow into the nuclear fission module;
• FIG. 10 is a view in partial elevation of the flow regulator subassembly coupled to the nuclear fission module and in a fully closed position for preventing fluid flow into the nuclear fission module;
• FIG. 11 is a view in vertical section of the plurality of adjacent nuclear fission modules and a plurality of flow regulator subassemblies coupled to one of the nuclear fission modules;
• FIG. 12 is a view in vertical section of the plurality of adjacent nuclear fission modules and a plurality of flow regulator subassemblies coupled to respective ones of the nuclear fission modules, the flow regulator subassemblies being shown in fully open, partially closed or open, and fully closed positions for allowing variable fluid flow therethrough;
• FIG. 13 is a view in perspective, with parts removed for clarity, of a carriage subassembly belonging to the flow control assembly;
• FIG. 14 is a view in vertical section of the plurality of adjacent nuclear fission modules and a plurality of sensors disposed in respective ones of the nuclear fission modules;
• FIG. 15 is view in partial elevation, with parts removed for clarity, of the plurality of flow regulator subassemblies, a selected one of the plurality of flow regulator subassemblies being engaged by one of a plurality of socket wrenches rotatably driven by a lead screw arrangement and axially driven by a gear arrangement;
• FIG. 16 is a view in perspective of the gear arrangement for driving selective ones of the plurality of socket wrenches;
• FIG. 17 is a view in partial elevation, with parts removed for clarity, of the plurality of flow regulator subassemblies being engaged by a selected one of the plurality of socket wrenches, the socket wrench being at least partially controlled by an hermetically sealed electric motor arrangement electrically coupled to a controller or a control unit;
• FIG. 18 is a view in partial elevation, with parts removed for clarity, of the plurality of flow regulator subassemblies being engaged by a selected one of the plurality of socket wrenches, the socket wrench being at least partially controlled by an hermetically sealed electric motor arrangement responsive to a radio transmitter-receiver arrangement belonging to a controller or control unit capable of transmitting a radio frequency signal;
• FIG. 19 is a view in partial elevation of the plurality of flow regulator subassemblies being engaged by a selected one of the plurality of socket wrenches, the socket wrench being at least partially controlled by a fiber optic transmitter-receiver arrangement belonging to a control unit capable of transmitting a signal by means of a light beam;
• FIGS. 20A-20S are flowcharts of illustrative methods of operating the nuclear fission reactor; and
• FIGS. 21A-21H are flow charts of illustrative methods of assembling the flow control assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein.
• In addition, the present application uses formal outline headings for clarity of presentation. However, it is to be understood that the outline headings are for presentation purposes, and that different types of subject matter may be discussed throughout the application (e.g., device(s)/structure(s) may be described under process(es)/operations heading(s) and/or process(es)/operations may be discussed under structure(s)/process(es) headings; and/or descriptions of single topics may span two or more topic headings). Hence, the use of the formal outline headings is not intended to be in any way limiting.
• Moreover, the herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures may be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components, and/or wirelessly interactable, and/or wirelessly interacting components, and/or logically interacting, and/or logically interactable components.
• In some instances, one or more components may be referred to herein as “configured to,” “configurable to,” “operable/operative to,” “adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that “configured to,” “configurable to,” “operable/operative to,” “adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. can generally encompass active-state components and/or inactive-state components and/or standby-state components, unless context requires otherwise.
• With respect to the present disclosure and as previously mentioned, in many cases, for every neutron that is absorbed in a fissile nuclide, more than one neutron is liberated until the fissile nuclei are depleted. This phenomenon is used in a commercial nuclear reactor to produce continuous heat that, in turn, is used to generate electricity.
• However, heat damage to reactor structural materials may occur due to “peak” temperature (i.e., hot channel peaking factor) which occurs due to uneven neutron flux distribution in the reactor core. As well known in the art, neutron flux is defined as the number of neutrons passing through a unit area per unit time. This peak temperature is, in turn, due to heterogeneous control rod/fuel rod distribution. The heat damage may occur if the peak temperature exceeds material limits. In addition, reactors operating in the fast neutron spectrum may be designed to have a fertile fuel “breeding blanket” material present at the core periphery. Such reactors will tend to breed fuel into the breeding blanket material through neutron absorption. This results in an increasing power output in the reactor periphery as the reactor approaches the end of a fuel cycle. Flow of coolant through the peripheral assemblies at the beginning of a reactor fuel cycle can maintain a safe operating temperature and account for the increase in power which will occur as burn-up increases during the fuel cycle.
• A “reactivity” (i.e., change in reactor power) is produced because of fuel “burnup”. Burn-up is typically defined as the amount of energy generated per unit mass of fuel and is usually expressed in units of megawatt-days per metric tonne of heavy metal (MWd/MTHM) or gigawatt-days per metric tonne of heavy metal (GWd/MTHM). More specifically, reactivity change is related to the relative ability of the reactor to produce more or less neutrons than the exact amount to sustain a critical chain reaction. Responsiveness of a reactor is typically characterized as the time derivative of a reactivity change causing the reactor to increase or decrease in power exponentially.
• In this regard, control rods made of neutron absorbing material are typically used to adjust and control the changing reactivity. Such control rods are reciprocated in and out of the reactor core to variably control neutron absorption and thus the neutron flux level and reactivity in the reactor core. The neutron flux level is depressed in the vicinity of the control rod and potentially higher in areas remote from the control rod. Thus, the neutron flux is not uniform across the reactor core. This results in higher fuel burnup in those areas of higher neutron flux. Also, it may be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art of nuclear power production, that neutron flux and power density variations are due to many factors. Proximity to a control rod may or may not be the primary factor. For example, the neutron flux typically drops significantly at core boundaries with no nearby control rod. These effects, in turn, may cause overheating or peak temperatures in those areas of higher neutron flux. Such peak temperatures may undesirably reduce the operational life of structures subjected to such peak temperatures by altering the mechanical properties of the structures. Also, reactor power density, which is proportional to the product of the neutron flux and the fissile fuel concentration, is limited by the ability of core structural materials to withstand such peak temperatures without damage.
• Therefore, referring toFIG. 1, by way of example only and not by way of limitation, there is shown a nuclear fission reactor, generally referred to as10, that addresses the concerns recited hereinabove. As described more fully hereinbelow,reactor10 may be a traveling wave nuclear fission reactor.Nuclear fission reactor10 generates electricity that is transmitted over a plurality of transmission lines (not shown) to users of the electricity.Reactor10 alternatively may be used to conduct tests, such as tests to determine effects of temperature on reactor materials.
• Referring toFIGS. 1,1A,1B and2,reactor10 comprises a nuclear fission reactor core, generally referred to as20, that includes a plurality of nuclear fission fuel assemblies or, as also referred to herein,nuclear fission modules30. Nuclearfission reactor core20 is sealingly housed within areactor core enclosure35. By way of example only and not by way of limitation, eachnuclear fission module30 may form a hexagonally-shaped structure in transverse cross-section, as shown, so that morenuclear fission modules30 may be closely packed together withinreactor core20, as compared to most other shapes fornuclear fission module30, such as cylindrical or spherical shapes. Eachnuclear fission module30 comprises a plurality offuel rods40 for generating heat due to the aforementioned nuclear fission chain reaction process.Fuel rods40 may be surrounded by afuel rod canister43, if desired, for adding structural rigidity tonuclear fission modules30 and for segregatingnuclear fission modules30 one from another. Segregatingnuclear fission modules30 one from another avoids transverse coolant cross flow between adjacentnuclear fission modules30. Avoiding transverse coolant cross flow prevents transverse vibration ofnuclear fission modules30. Such transverse vibration might otherwise increase risk of damage tofuel rods40. In addition, segregatingnuclear fission modules30 one from another allows control of coolant flow on an individual module-by-module basis, as described more fully hereinbelow. Controlling coolant flow to individual, preselectednuclear fission modules30 efficiently manages coolant flow withinreactor core20, such as directing coolant flow substantially according to the nonuniform temperature distribution inreactor core20.Canister43 may include an annular shoulder portion46 (seeFIG. 7) for resting bundled togetherfuel rods40 thereon. The coolant may have an average nominal volumetric flow rate of approximately 5.5 m³/sec (i.e., approximately 194 cubic ft³/sec) and an average nominal velocity of approximately 2.3 msec (i.e., approximately 7.55 ft/sec) in the case of an exemplary sodium cooled reactor during normal operation.Fuel rods40 are adjacent one to another and define a coolant flow channel47 (seeFIG. 7) therebetween for allowing flow of coolant along the exterior offuel rods40.Fuel rods40 are bundled together so as to form the previously mentioned hexagonalnuclear fission modules30. Althoughfuel rods40 are adjacent to each other,fuel rods40 are nonetheless maintained in a spaced-apart relationship by a wire wrapper50 (seeFIG. 7) that extends spirally along the length of eachfuel rod40, according to techniques known by persons of skill in the art of nuclear power reactor design.
• With particular reference toFIG. 1B, eachfuel rod40 has a plurality ofnuclear fuel pellets60 stacked end-to-end therein, whichnuclear fuel pellets60 are sealingly surrounded by a fuelrod cladding material70.Nuclear fuel pellets60 comprise the afore-mentioned fissile nuclide, such as uranium-235, uranium-233 or plutonium-239. Alternatively,nuclear fuel pellets60 may comprise a fertile nuclide, such as thorium-232 and/or uranium-238 which will be transmuted during the fission process into the fissile nuclides mentioned immediately hereinabove. A further alternative is thatnuclear fuel pellets60 may comprise a predetermined mixture of fissile and fertile nuclides. More specifically, by way of example only and not by way of limitation,nuclear fuel pellets60 may be made from an oxide selected from the group consisting essentially of uranium monoxide (UO), uranium dioxide (UO₂), thorium dioxide (ThO₂) (also referred to as thorium oxide), uranium trioxide (UO₃), uranium oxide-plutonium oxide (UO—PuO), triuranium octoxide (U₃O₈) and mixtures thereof. Alternatively,nuclear fuel pellets60 may substantially comprise uranium either alloyed or unalloyed with other metals, such as, but not limited to, zirconium or thorium metal. As yet another alternative,nuclear fuel pellets60 may substantially comprise a carbide of uranium (UC_x) or a carbide of thorium (ThC_x). For example,nuclear fuel pellets60 may be made from a carbide selected from the group consisting essentially of uranium monocarbide (UC), uranium dicarbide (UC₂), uranium sesquicarbide (U₂C₃), thorium dicarbide (ThC₂), thorium carbide (ThC) and mixtures thereof. As another non-limiting example,nuclear fuel pellets60 may be made from a nitride selected from the group consisting essentially of uranium nitride (U₃N₂), uranium nitride-zirconium nitride (U₃N₂Zr₃N₄), uranium-plutonium nitride ((U—Pu)N), thorium nitride (ThN), uranium-zirconium alloy (UZr) and mixtures thereof. Fuelrod cladding material70, which sealingly surrounds the stack ofnuclear fuel pellets60, may be a suitable zirconium alloy, such as ZIRCOLOY™ (trademark of the Westinghouse Electric Corporation), which has known resistance to corrosion and cracking.Cladding70 may be made from other materials, as well, such as ferritic martensitic steels.
• As best seen inFIG. 1,reactor core20 is disposed within areactor pressure vessel80 for preventing leakage of radioactive particles, gasses or liquids fromreactor core20 to the surrounding biosphere.Pressure vessel80 may be steel, concrete or other material of suitable size and thickness to reduce risk of such radiation leakage and to support required pressure loads. In addition, there may be a containment vessel (not shown) sealingly surrounding parts ofreactor10 for added assurance that leakage of radioactive particles, gasses or liquids fromreactor core20 to the surrounding biosphere is prevented.
• Referring again toFIG. 1, a primaryloop coolant pipe90 is coupled toreactor core20 for allowing a suitable coolant to flow throughreactor core20 in order to coolreactor core20. Primaryloop coolant pipe90 may be made from any suitable material, such as stainless steel. It may be appreciated that, if desired, primarycoolant loop pipe90 may be made not only from ferrous alloys, but also from non-ferrous alloys, zirconium-based alloys or other structural materials or composites. The coolant carried by primaryloop coolant pipe90 may be a noble gas or mixture of noble gases. Alternatively, the coolant may be other fluids such as “light” water (H₂O) or gaseous or supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂). As another example, the coolant may be a liquid metal. Such a liquid metal may be a lead (Pb) alloy, such as lead-bismuth (Pb—Bi). Further, the coolant may be an organic-based coolant, such as a polyphenyl or a fluorocarbon. In the exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, the coolant may suitably be a liquid sodium (Na) metal or sodium metal mixture, such as sodium-potassium (Na—K). As an example and depending on the particular reactor core design and operating history, normal operating temperature of a sodium-cooled reactor core may be relatively high. For instance, in the case of a 500 to 1,500 MWe sodium-cooled reactor with mixed uranium-plutonium oxide fuel, the reactor core outlet temperature during normal operation may range from approximately 510° Celsius (i.e., 950° Fahrenheit) to approximately 550° Celsius (i.e., 1,020° Fahrenheit). On the other hand, during a LOCA (Loss Of Coolant Accident) or LOFTA (Loss of Flow Transient Accident) peak fuel cladding temperatures may reach about 600° Celsius (i.e. 1,110° Fahrenheit) or more, depending on reactor core design and operating history. Moreover, decay heat build-up during post-LOCA or post-LOFTA scenarios and also during suspension of reactor operations may produce unacceptable heat accumulation. In some cases, therefore, it is appropriate to control coolant flow toreactor core20 during both normal operation and post accident scenarios.
• Moreover, the temperature profile inreactor core20 varies as a function of location. In this regard, the temperature distribution inreactor core20 may closely follow the power density spatial distribution inreactor core20. It is known that the power density near the center ofreactor core20 is generally higher than near the periphery ofreactor core20, in the absence of a suitable neutron reflector or neutron breeding “blanket” surrounding the periphery ofreactor core20. Thus, it is to be expected that coolant flow parameters fornuclear fission modules30 near the periphery ofreactor core20 would be less than coolant flow parameters fornuclear fission modules30 near the center ofreactor core20, especially at the beginning of core life. Hence, in this case, it would be unnecessary to provide the same or uniform coolant mass flow rate to eachnuclear fission module30. As described in detail hereinbelow, a technique is provided to vary coolant flow to individualnuclear fission modules30 depending on location ofnuclear fission modules30 inreactor core20 and desired reactor operating results.
• Still referring toFIG. 1, the heat-bearing coolant generated byreactor core20 flows along acoolant flow path95 to anintermediate heat exchanger100, for reasons described presently. The coolant flowing alongcoolant flow path95 flows throughintermediate heat exchanger100 and into aplenum volume105 associated withintermediate heat exchanger100. After flowing intoplenum volume105, the coolant continues throughprimary loop pipe90, as shown by a plurality ofarrows107. It may be appreciated that the coolant leavingplenum volume105 has been cooled due to the heat transfer occurring inintermediate heat exchanger100. Afirst pump110 is coupled toprimary loop pipe90, and is in fluid communication with the reactor coolant carried byprimary loop pipe90, for pumping the reactor coolant throughprimary loop pipe90, throughreactor core20, alongcoolant flow path95, intointermediate heat exchanger100, and intoplenum volume105.
• Referring again toFIG. 1, asecondary loop pipe120 is provided for removing heat fromintermediate heat exchanger100.Secondary loop pipe120 comprises a secondary “hot”leg pipe segment130 and a secondary “cold”leg pipe segment140. Secondary coldleg pipe segment140 is integrally formed with secondary hotleg pipe segment130 so as to form a closed loop that definessecondary loop pipe120, as shown.Secondary loop pipe120, which is defined by hotleg pipe segment130 and coldleg pipe segment140, contains a fluid, which suitably may be liquid sodium or a liquid sodium mixture. Secondary hotleg pipe segment130 extends fromintermediate heat exchanger100 to a steam generator and superheater combination143 (hereinafter referred to as “steam generator143”), for reasons described momentarily. After passing throughsteam generator143, the coolant flowing throughsecondary loop pipe120 and exitingsteam generator143 is at a lower temperature than before enteringsteam generator143 due to the heat transfer occurring withinsteam generator143. After passing throughsteam generator143, the coolant is pumped, such as by means of asecond pump145, along “cold”leg pipe segment140, which terminates inintermediate heat exchanger100. The manner in which steamgenerator143 generates steam is generally described immediately hereinbelow.
• Referring yet again toFIG. 1, disposed insteam generator143 is a body ofwater150 maintained at a predetermined temperature and pressure. The fluid flowing through secondary hotleg pipe segment130 will surrender its heat to body ofwater150, which is at a lower temperature than the fluid flowing through secondary hotleg pipe segment130. As the fluid flowing through secondary hotleg pipe segment130 surrenders its heat to body ofwater150, a portion of body ofwater150 will vaporize to steam160 according to the temperature and pressure withinsteam generator143.Steam160 will then travel through asteam line170 which has one end thereof in vapor communication withsteam160 and another end thereof in liquid communication with body ofwater150. Arotatable turbine180 is coupled tosteam line170, such thatturbine180 rotates assteam160 passes therethrough. Anelectrical generator190, which is connected toturbine180, such as by arotatable turbine shaft195, generates electricity asturbine180 rotates. In addition, acondenser200 is coupled tosteam line170 and receives the steam passing throughturbine180.Condenser200 condenses the steam to liquid water and passes any waste heat to a heat sink, such as acooling tower210, which is associated withreactor10. The liquid water condensed bycondenser200 is pumped alongsteam line170 fromcondenser200 tosteam generator143 by means of athird pump220 interposed betweencondenser200 andsteam generator143.
• Turning now toFIGS. 2,3 and4, there are shown in transverse cross section, exemplary configurations forreactor core20. In this regard,nuclear fission modules30 may be arranged to define a hexagonally-shaped configuration, generally referred to as230, forreactor core20. Alternatively,nuclear fission modules30 may be arranged to define a cylindrically-shaped configuration, generally referred to as240, forreactor core20. As another alternative,nuclear fission modules30 may be arranged to define a parallelpiped-shaped configuration, generally referred to as250, forreactor core20. In this regard,reactor core250 has afirst end252 and asecond end254 for reasons provided hereinbelow.
• Referring toFIG. 5, regardless of the configuration chosen forreactor core20, a plurality of spaced-apart, longitudinally extending and longitudinallymovable control rods260 are symmetrically disposed within a control rod guide tube or cladding (not shown), extending the length of a predetermined number ofnuclear fission modules30.Control rods260, which are shown disposed in a predetermined number of the hexagonally-shapednuclear fission modules30, control the neutron fission reaction occurring innuclear fission modules30.Control rods260 comprise a suitable neutron absorber material having an acceptably high neutron absorption cross-section. In this regard, the absorber material may be a metal or metalloid selected from the group consisting essentially of lithium, silver, indium, cadmium, boron, cobalt, hafnium, dysprosium, gadolinium, samarium, erbium, europium and mixtures thereof. Alternatively, the absorber material may be a compound or alloy selected from the group consisting essentially of silver-indium-cadmium, boron carbide, zirconium diboride, titanium diboride, hafnium diboride, gadolinium titanate, dysprosium titanate and mixtures thereof.Control rods260 will controllably supply negative reactivity toreactor core20. Thus,control rods260 provide a reactivity management capability toreactor core20. In other words,control rods260 are capable of controlling or are configured to control the neutron flux profile acrossreactor core20 and thus influence the temperature profile acrossreactor core20.
• Referring toFIGS. 5A and 5B, alternative embodiments ofnuclear fission module30 are shown. It may be appreciated thatnuclear fission module30 need not be neutronically active. In other words,nuclear fission module30 need not contain any fissile material. In this case,nuclear fission module30 may be a purely reflective assembly or a purely fertile assembly or a combination of both. In this regard,nuclear fission module30 may be a breeder nuclear fission module comprising nuclear breeding material or a reflective nuclear fission module comprising reflective material. Alternatively, in one embodiment,nuclear fission module30 may containfuel rods40 in combination with nuclear breeding rods or reflector rods. For example, inFIG. 5A, a plurality of fertilenuclear breading rods270 are disposed innuclear fission module30 in combination withfuel rods40.Control rods260 may also be present. The fertile nuclear breeding material innuclear breeding rods270 may be thorium-232 and/or uranium-238, as mentioned hereinabove. In this manner,nuclear fission module30 defines a fertile nuclear breeding assembly. InFIG. 5B, a plurality ofneutron reflector rods274 are disposed innuclear fission module30 in combination withfuel rods40.Control rods260 may also be present. The reflector material may be a material selected from the group consisting essentially of beryllium (Be), tungsten (W), vanadium (V), depleted uranium (U), thorium (Th), lead alloys and mixtures thereof. Also,reflector rods274 may be selected from a wide variety of steel alloys. In this manner,nuclear fission module30 defines a neutron reflector assembly. Moreover, it may be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art of nuclear in-core fuel management thatnuclear fission module30 may include any suitable combination ofnuclear fuel rods40,control rods260,breeding rods270 andreflector rods274.
• FIG. 5C shows another embodiment of the previously mentionedreactor core250. InFIG. 5C, a breeding blanket comprising a plurality of breedingnuclear fission modules276 containing fertile material are disposed around an interior periphery ofparallelpiped reactor core250. The breeding blanket breeds fissile material therein.
• Returning toFIG. 4, regardless of the configuration selected for nuclearfission reactor core20, the nuclearfission reactor core20 may be configured as a traveling wave nuclear fission reactor core, such asexemplary reactor core250. In this regard, a comparatively small and removablenuclear fission igniter280, that includes a moderate isotopic enrichment of nuclear fissionable material, such as, without limitation, U-233, U-235 or Pu-239, is suitably located inreactor core250. By way of example only and not by way of limitation,igniter280 may be located nearfirst end252 that is oppositesecond end254 ofreactor core250. Neutrons are released byigniter280. The neutrons that are released byigniter280 are captured by fissile and/or fertile material withinnuclear fission modules30 to initiate the fission chain reaction.Igniter280 may be removed once the fission chain reaction becomes self-sustaining, if desired.
• Referring again toFIG. 4,igniter280 initiates a three-dimensional, traveling deflagration wave or “burn wave”290 having a width “x”. Whenigniter280 releases its neutrons to cause “ignition”,burn wave290 travels outwardly fromigniter280 nearfirst end252 and towardsecond end254 ofreactor core250, so as to form the propagatingburn wave290. In other words, eachnuclear fission module30 is capable of accepting at least a portion of travelingburn wave290 asburn wave290 propagates throughreactor core250. Speed of the travelingburn wave290 may be constant or non-constant. Thus, the speed at which burnwave290 propagates can be controlled. For example, longitudinal movement of the previously mentioned control rods260 (seeFIG. 5) in a predetermined or programmed manner can drive down or lower neutronic reactivity offuel rods40 that are disposed innuclear fission modules30. In this manner, neutronic reactivity offuel rods40 that are presently being burned at the location ofburn wave290 is driven down or lowered relative to neutronic reactivity of “unburned”fuel rods40 ahead ofburn wave290. This result gives the burn wave propagation direction indicated by anarrow295.
• The basic principles of such a traveling wave nuclear fission reactor is disclosed in more detail in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/605,943 filed Nov. 28, 2006 in the names of Roderick A. Hyde, et al. and titled “Automated Nuclear Power Reactor For Long-Term Operation”, which application is assigned to the assignee of the present application, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
• Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, there are shown upright adjacent hexagonally-shapednuclear fission modules30. Only three adjacentnuclear fission modules30 are shown, it being understood that a greater number ofnuclear fission modules30 are present inreactor core20. In addition, eachnuclear fission module30 comprises the plurality of the previously mentionedfuel rods40. Eachnuclear fission module30 is mounted on a horizontally extending reactor corelower support plate360. Reactor corelower support plate360 extends across allnuclear fission modules30. Reactor corelower support plate360 has acounter bore370 therethrough for reasons provided hereinbelow. Counter bore370 has anopen end380 for allowing flow of coolant thereinto. Horizontally extending across a top portion or exit portion of eachnuclear fission module30 and removably connected thereto is a reactor coreupper support plate400 that caps eachnuclear fission module30. Reactor coreupper support plate400 also defines a plurality offlow slots410 for allowing flow of coolant therethrough.
• As previously mentioned, it is important to control the temperature ofreactor core20 and thenuclear fission modules30 therein, regardless of the configuration selected forreactor core20. Proper temperature control is important for several reasons. For example, heat damage may occur to reactor core structural materials if the peak temperature exceeds material limits. Such peak temperatures may undesirably reduce the operational life of structures subjected to such peak temperatures by altering the mechanical properties of the structures, particularly those properties relating to thermal creep. Also, reactor power density is limited by the ability of core structural materials to withstand such high temperatures without damage. In addition,reactor10 alternatively may be used to conduct tests, such as tests to determine affects of temperature on reactor materials. Controlling reactor core temperature is important for successfully conducting such tests. In addition,nuclear fission modules30 residing at or near the center ofreactor core20 may generate more heat thannuclear fission modules30 residing at or near the periphery ofreactor core20 in the absence of a neutron reflector or neutron breeding blanket surrounding the periphery ofreactor core20. Therefore, it would be inefficient to supply a uniform coolant mass flow rate acrossreactor core20 because hotternuclear fission modules30 near the center ofreactor core20 would involve a higher coolant mass flow rate thannuclear fission modules30 near the periphery ofreactor core20. The disclosure herein provides a technique to address these concerns.
• With reference toFIGS. 1,6 and7,first pump110 andprimary loop pipe90 deliver reactor coolant tonuclear fission modules30 along a coolant flow path or fluid stream indicated byflow arrows420. The primary coolant then continues alongcoolant flow path420 and throughopen end380 that is formed inlower support plate360. As described in more detail hereinbelow, the reactor coolant can be used to remove heat from or cool selected ones ofnuclear fission modules30 at the location of travelingburn wave290. Thenuclear fission module30 may be selected, at least in part, on the basis of whether or not burnwave290 is located, detected, or otherwise resides within or in the vicinity of thenuclear fission module30, as described in more detail hereinbelow.
• Referring again toFIGS. 1,6 and7, in order to achieve the desired result of cooling the selected one ofnuclear fission modules30, an adjustableflow regulator subassembly430 is coupled tonuclear fission module30.Flow regulator subassembly430 controls flow of the coolant in response to the location of burn wave290 (seeFIG. 4) relative tonuclear fission modules30 and also in response to certain operating parameters associated withnuclear fission module30. In other words, flowregulator subassembly430 is capable of supplying or is configured to supply a relatively lesser amount of coolant tonuclear fission module30 when a lesser amount of burn wave290 (i.e., lesser intensity of burn wave290) is present withinnuclear fission module30. On the other hand,flow regulator subassembly430 is capable of supplying or is configured to supply a relatively greater amount of coolant tonuclear fission module30 when a greater amount of burn wave290 (i.e., greater intensity of burn wave290) is present withinnuclear fission module30. Presence and intensity ofburn wave290 may be identified by heat generation rate, neutron flux level, power level or other suitable operating characteristic associated withnuclear fission module30.
• Referring toFIGS. 7,8,8A,8B,8C, and8D, adjustableflow regulator subassembly430 extends through counter bore370 for regulating flow offluid stream420 intonuclear fission module30. It will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that, in order to regulate flow offluid stream420,flow regulator subassembly430 provides a controllable flow resistance.Flow regulator subassembly430 comprises a generally cylindrical first orouter sleeve450 having a plurality offirst ligaments460, which define respective ones of a plurality of axially spaced-apart first holes or firstcontrollable flow apertures470 radially distributed aroundouter sleeve450.Outer sleeve450 further comprises afirst nipple480 which may have an hexagonally-shaped transverse cross section for reasons provided hereinbelow.First nipple480 defines a threadedinternal cavity500 for reasons provided hereinbelow.
• Referring again toFIGS. 7,8,8A,8B,8C and8D,flow regulator subassembly430 further comprises a generally cylindrical second orinner sleeve530 that is threadably received intoouter sleeve450, as disclosed in more detail hereinbelow. In one embodiment,inner sleeve530 may be integrally formed withnuclear fission module30 during fabrication offission module30, such thatinner sleeve530 is a permanent portion ofnuclear fission module30. In another embodiment,inner sleeve530 may be removably connected tonuclear fission module30, such thatinner sleeve530 is readily separable fromnuclear fission module30 and hence not a permanent portion ofnuclear fission module30. In either embodiment,inner sleeve530 comprises a plurality ofsecond ligaments540, which define respective ones of a plurality of axially spaced-apart second holes or secondcontrollable flow apertures550 radially distributed aroundinner sleeve530.Inner sleeve530 further comprises an externally threadedsecond nipple560 sized to be threadably received into threadedinternal cavity500 ofbottom portion490 that belongs toouter sleeve450. Atop portion570 ofinner sleeve530 includes acap580, which may or may not be permanently formed withnuclear fission module30, as previously mentioned. Aninternal bore590 extends throughtop portion570, including throughcap580, for passage of the coolant therethrough. Coupled to cap580 andfuel rods40 may be a frusto-connical funnel portion600 having aninner surface605 in communication withinternal bore590 and the interior ofcanister43 for allowing passage of the coolant frominternal bore590 and intocanister43 wherefuel rods40 reside. As previously mentioned,nuclear fission modules30 are capable of having or are configured to have a temperature dependent reactivity change. Thus, flowcontrol regulator subassembly430 is at least partially configured to control temperature withinnuclear fission module30 by controlling coolant flow intonuclear fission module30 in order to effect such a temperature dependent reactivity change.
• Referring now toFIGS. 8A and 8D,bottom portion490 ofouter sleeve450 includes an anti-rotation configuration, generally referred to as606, to prevent relative rotation ofouter sleeve450 with respect toinner sleeve530. In this regard,outer sleeve450 defines a plurality of grooves, such asgrooves607aand607b, for matingly receiving respective ones of a plurality oftabs608aand608bintegrally formed withinner sleeve530. Thus, asouter sleeve450 is rotated,inner sleeve530 is prevented from rotating with respect toouter sleeve450 due to the engagement oftabs608aand608bingrooves607aand607b, respectively.
• As best seen inFIG. 8E,first nipple480 is rotatable relative toouter sleeve450. In this regard,first nipple480 includes anannular flange608cthat is slidably received in anannular slot608dformed inouter sleeve450. In this manner,first nipple480 is freely slidably rotatable with respect toouter sleeve450.First nipple480 is freely slidably rotatable in either of the directions indicated bycurved arrows608eor608f. Moreover, asfirst nipple480 freely slidably rotates in one direction, such as in the direction ofarrow608e, threadedinternal cavity500 will threadably engage the external threads ofsecond nipple560. It may be appreciated that as the threads ofinternal cavity500 threadably engage the external threads ofsecond nipple560,first nipple480 will abutfirst sleeve450, such as atsurface608g. Asfirst nipple480 abutsfirst sleeve450,first sleeve450 will upwardly translate or ascend along a longitudinal axis thereof in a direction indicated by avertical arrow608h.First sleeve450 will upwardly translate or ascend only in the direction ofarrow608hdue to presence of anti-rotation configuration606. Asfirst sleeve450 upwardly translates or ascends a predetermined amount,first holes470 will be progressively closed, covered, shut-off and otherwise blocked bysecond ligaments540 ofinner sleeve530. Moreover, it may be appreciated that, asfirst sleeve450 upwardly translates or ascends the predetermined amount,second holes550 will be progressively closed, covered, shut off and otherwise blocked byfirst ligaments460 ofouter sleeve450. Progressively closing, covering, shutting off and otherwise blockingfirst holes470 andsecond holes550 in this manner variably reduces flow of the coolant throughfirst holes470 andsecond holes550. It may be appreciated that rotation offirst nipple480 in an opposite direction, such as in the direction ofcurved arrow608f, causesfirst holes470 andsecond holes550 to be progressively opened, uncovered, revealed and otherwise unblocked for variably increasing flow of coolant throughfirst holes470 andsecond holes550.
• Therefore, referring toFIGS. 7,8,8A,8B,8C,8D,8E,9 and10, flow control innuclear fission module30 is achieved, at least in part, by use of two distinct components, which areouter sleeve450 andinner sleeve530, as described presently. As previously mentioned,inner sleeve530 may be integrally formed withnuclear fission module30 whennuclear fission module30 is first fabricated. However, if desired, inner sleeve may be formed separately fromnuclear fission module30, but connectable thereto, rather than being integrally formed withnuclear fission module30 whennuclear fission module30 is first fabricated.Inner sleeve530 defines the plurality ofsecond holes550 to allow passage of the coolant intonuclear fission module30.Outer sleeve450 slides on top ofinner sleeve530 and has the corresponding plurality offirst holes470.Outer sleeve450 andinner sleeve530 are concentric and holes470/550 are always aligned to match along the radial or rotational axis. Coolant flow is controlled by the relative positions ofinner sleeve530 andouter sleeve450 in the axial or vertical direction. In this regard,FIG. 8B showsflow regulator subassembly430 in a fully open configuration to fully allow fluid flow intonuclear fission module30 andFIG. 8C showsflow regulator subassembly430 in a fully closed configuration to fully block fluid flow intonuclear fission module30. The engagement oftabs608aand608binto respective ones ofgrooves607aand607brestricts rotation ofouter sleeve450 relative toinner sleeve530, as previously mentioned. This feature allows axial sliding ofouter sleeve450 oninner sleeve530, but no relative rotation betweenouter sleeve450 andinner sleeve530. Fine adjustment of coolant flow is achieved by the progressive axial sliding ofouter sleeve450 relative toinner sleeve530. Thus, rotation offirst nipple480 indirection608eprogressively opensflow regulator subassembly430 and rotation offirst nipple480 indirection608fprogressively closesflow regulator subassembly430 for achieving fine adjustment ofholes470/550 and thus fine adjustment of coolant flow.
• As best seen inFIG. 11, there may be a plurality of smaller flow regulator subassemblies, such asflow regulator subassemblies609aand609b, assigned to a singlenuclear fission module30. Assignment of the plurality of smallerflow regulator subassemblies609aand609bto a singlenuclear fission module30 provides an alternative configuration for providing coolant flow tonuclear fission module30. In addition, assignment of the plurality of smallerflow regulator subassemblies609aand609bto an individual or singlenuclear fission module30 provides a possibility of substantially controlling temperature distribution within distinct portions of an individual or single nuclearfission fuel module30. This is possible because fluid flow through each of the smallerflow regulator subassemblies609aand609bcan be individually controlled.
• Referring toFIGS. 12,13,14,15, and16, there is shownflow regulator subassembly430 in operative condition to adjust or regulate coolant fluid flow intonuclear fission module30. Together, flowregulator subassembly430 and acarriage subassembly610 define a flow control assembly, generally referred to as615, as disclosed more fully hereinbelow. In other words, flowcontrol assembly615 comprisesflow regulator subassembly430 andcarriage subassembly610. In this regard,carriage subassembly610 is disposed underneathreactor core20, such as underneath corelower support plate360, and is capable of being coupled to or is configured to be coupled to flowregulator subassembly430 for adjustingflow regulator subassembly430. Adjustment offlow regulator subassembly430 variably controls coolant flow intonuclear fission module30, as mentioned hereinabove. Moreover,carriage subassembly610 is capable of carryingouter sleeve450 tonuclear fission module30, if desired.
• Referring toFIGS. 13,14,15, and16, the configuration ofcarriage subassembly610 will now be described.Carriage subassembly610 comprises anelongate bridge620 spanningreactor core20 for supporting a plurality of verticallymovable socket wrenches630 thereon. Each ofsocket wrenches630 has ashaft700 and is movably disposed in a socket well635 for reasons disclosed hereinbelow. Connected to opposing ends ofbridge620 are afirst bridge mover640aand asecond bridge mover640b, respectively.Bridge movers640aand640bmay be operable by means of a gear arrangement (not shown) driven by a motor (also not shown). Such a motor may be located externally toreactor core20 to avoid the corrosive effects and heat of the coolant, such as liquid sodium, circulating throughreactor core20. Each ofbridge movers640aand640bincludes at least onewheel650aand650b, respectively, for allowingbridge movers640aand640bto simultaneously move along respective ones of transversely spaced-apart andparallel tracks660aand660b.Bridge movers640aand640bare capable of moving or are configured to movebridge620 alongtracks660aand660bin either of the directions indicated byarrow663. Connected to each oftracks660aand660bmay be atrack support665aand665b, respectively, for supportingtracks660aand660bthereon.
• Referring toFIGS. 13,14,15,16,17,18, and19,socket wrenches630 are configured to be vertically reciprocated in socket well635 into engagement and out of engagement withfirst nipple480 ofouter sleeve450. In one embodiment ofcarriage assembly610, rows ofsocket wrenches630 are configured to be driven by a lead screw arrangement, generally referred to as670. Leadscrew arrangement670 has alead screw680 configured to threadably engageexternal threads690 surroundingshaft700 belonging to eachsocket wrench630.Lead screw680 may be driven by amechanical drive system705 comprising amechanical linkage707 coupled to leadscrew680. Whenmechanical linkage707 driveslead screw680, thelead screw680 will turn or rotateshaft700 due to the threaded engagement oflead screw680 and theexternal threads690 surroundingshaft700. Turning orrotating shaft700 will turn or rotate first nipple480 a like amount when an hexagonally shapedrecess700ain an upper portion ofshaft700 engages hexagonally shapedfirst nipple480, as shown.
• Referring toFIGS. 15 and 16, the manner in which eachshaft700 is selectively raised and lowered will now be described. In this regard, an externally threaded, elongatemechanical linkage extension708 engages afirst gear wheel709 for rotatingfirst gear wheel709 in either of the directions indicated bycurved arrows709aand709b. For example, asmechanical linkage extension708 translates in one of the directions indicated by a double-headedarrow709c,first gear wheel709 will rotate in a first direction, such as in the direction ofarrow709a. On the other hand, asmechanical linkage extension708 translates in an opposite direction indicated by double-headedarrow709c,first gear wheel709 will rotate in a second direction, such as in the direction ofarrow709b. Asfirst gear wheel709 rotates, such as in the direction ofarrow709a, an externally threaded centermostfirst rod709dwill also rotate a like amount because the external threads offirst rod709dthreadably engage internal threads (not shown) formed through the center offirst gear wheel709. Asecond gear wheel709ehas internal threads (not shown) formed through the center thereof for threadably engaging the external threads offirst rod709d. Thus, asfirst rod709dis rotated byfirst gear wheel709,second gear wheel709ewill translate alongfirst rod709ddue to the threaded engagement offirst rod709dwithsecond gear wheel709e.Second gear wheel709ewill translate alongfirst rod709duntil the location of a predetermined one ofshafts700 is reached. It may be appreciated that the pitch of the external threads or gear teeth ofsecond gear wheel709eis such as not to create an interference with the pitch of the externalthreads surrounding shafts700 so that translation ofsecond gear wheel709ealongfirst rod709emay proceed unimpeded. Athird gear wheel709fis also provided for reasons described presently. In this regard,third gear wheel709fis coupled to an elongatesecond rod709gand to an elongatethird rod709hdisposed on either side of and adjacent to centermostfirst rod709d.Third gear wheel709fis driven by the previously mentionedmechanical linkage extension708, which is movable from a first position of engagement withfirst gear wheel709 to a second position of engagement withthird gear wheel709f. Asthird gear wheel709frotates,second rod709gandthird rod709hwill rotate about the longitudinal axis offirst rod709dfor rotatingsecond gear wheel709eabout the longitudinal axis offirst rod709d. Assecond gear wheel709erotates, the external threads ofsecond gear wheel709ewill threadably engage the external threads ofshaft700 for vertically translatingshaft700. In this manner,socket wrench630 is translated either upwardly or downwardly. It should be appreciated thatmechanical linkage extension708 may be replaced by a fourth gear wheel (not shown) or by a pulley belt assembly (also not shown).
• Referring toFIGS. 17,18 and19, in another embodiment ofcarriage assembly610,socket wrenches630 are individually rotatable and axially translatable by means of respective ones of a plurality of hermetically sealed, reversible, firstelectric motors710 that are coupled toshafts700. Firstelectric motors710 are hermetically sealed and may be gas cooled to protect firstelectric motors710 from the corrosive effects and heat of the coolant, which may be liquid sodium or liquid sodium mixture. Firstelectric motors710 are configured to selectively, vertically moveshafts700.Motors710 are reversible in the sense that rotors ofmotors710 may be operated in a first direction or a second direction opposite the first direction for movingshafts700 either upwardly or downwardly, respectively. Operation of eithermechanical drive system705 ormotors710 is suitably controlled by means of a controller orcontrol unit720 coupled thereto. Eachmotor710 may be a custom designed direct current servomotor, such as may be available from ARC Systems, Incorporated located in Hauppauge, N.Y., USA.Controller720 may be a custom designed motor controller, such as may be available from Bodine Electric Company located in Chicago, Ill., USA. According to another embodiment,socket wrenches630 are individually movable by means of a radio transmitter-receiver arrangement that includes a plurality of hermetically sealed, gas cooled, reversible, secondelectric motors730 that are individually operable by receipt of a radio frequency signal transmitted by aradio transmitter740. Secondelectric motors730 are hermetically sealed and may be gas cooled to protect secondelectric motors730 from the corrosive effects and heat of the sodium coolant. A power supply for secondelectric motor730 may be a battery or other power supply device (not shown). Secondelectric motors730, that are configured to receive such a radio signal, andradio transmitter740 may be a custom designed motor and transmitter that may be available from Myostat Motion Control, Incorporated located in Ontario, Canada. According to another embodiment,socket wrenches630 are individually movable by means of a fiber optic transmitter-receiver arrangement, generally referred to as742, having a plurality offiber optic cables745 in order to operate the reversible motor arrangement by light transmission.
• As best seen inFIG. 14,flow control assembly615, and thus flowregulator subassembly430, are capable of being operated according to or in response to an operating parameter associated withnuclear fission module30. In this regard, at least onesensor750 may be disposed innuclear fission module30 to sense status of the operating parameter. The operating parameter sensed bysensor750 may be current temperature innuclear fission module30. Alternatively, the operating parameter sensed bysensor750 may have been a previous temperature innuclear fission module30. In order to sense temperature,sensor750 may be a thermocouple device or temperature sensor that may be available from Thermocoax, Incorporated located in Alpharetta, Ga. U.S.A. As another alternative, the operating parameter sensed bysensor750 may be neutron flux innuclear fission module30. In order to sense neutron flux,sensor750 may be a “PN9EB20/25” neutron flux proportional counter detector or the like, such as may be available from Centronic House, Surrey, England. As another example, the operating parameter sensed bysensor750 may be a characteristic isotope innuclear fission module30. The characteristic isotope may be a fission product, an activated isotope, a transmuted product produced by breeding or other characteristic isotope. Another example is that the operating parameter sensed bysensor750 may be neutron fluence innuclear fission module30. As well known in the art, neutron fluence is defined as the neutron flux integrated over a certain time period and represents the number of neutrons per unit area that passed during that time. As yet another example, the operating parameter sensed bysensor750 may be fission module pressure, which may be a dynamic fluid pressure of approximately 10 bars (i.e., approximately 145 psi) for an exemplary sodium cooled reactor or approximately 138 bars (i.e., approximately 2000 psi) for an exemplary pressurized “light” water cooled reactor during normal operation. Alternatively, fission module pressure that is sensed bysensor750 may be a static fluid pressure or a fission product pressure. In order to sense either dynamic or static fission module pressure,sensor750 may be a custom designed pressure detector that may be available from Kaman Measuring Systems, Incorporated located in Colorado Springs, Colo. U.S.A. As another alternative,sensor750 may be a suitable flow meter such as a “BLANCETT 1100 TURBINE FLOW METER”, that may be available from Instrumart, Incorporated located in Williston, Vt. U.S.A. In addition, the operating parameter sensed bysensor750 may be determined by a suitable computer-based algorithm. A variety of algorithms can be implemented, including those such as the ideal gas law, PV=nRT, or known algorithms that produce signals indicative of pressure or temperature from direct or indirect measurement of other properties, such as flows, temperatures, electrical properties, or other. According to yet another example, the operating parameter may be operator initiated action. That is,flow regulator subassembly430 is capable of being modified in response to any suitable operating parameter determined by a human operator. Further,flow regulator subassembly430 is capable of being modified in response to an operating parameter determined by a suitable feedback control. Also, flowregulator subassembly430 is capable of being modified in response to an operating parameter determined by an automated control system. Moreover,flow regulator subassembly430 is capable of being modified in response to a change in decay heat. In this regard, decay heat decreases in the “tail” of burn wave290 (seeFIG. 4). Detection of the presence of the tail ofburn wave290 is used to decrease coolant flow rate over time to account for this decrease in decay heat found in the tail ofburn wave290. This is particularly the case whennuclear fission module30 resides behindburn wave290. In this case, flowregulator subassembly430 accounts for changes in decay heat output ofnuclear fission module30 as the distance ofnuclear fission module30 fromburn wave290 changes. Sensing status of such operating parameters can facilitate suitable control and modification offlow control assembly615 operation and thus suitable control and modification of temperature inreactor core20.
• Referring toFIGS. 14,15,17,18 and19, it should be understood from the description hereinabove thatflow regulator subassembly430 is reconfigurable according to a predetermined input tocontrollers720 and740, so thatcontrollers720 and740 in combination withflow regulator subassembly430 suitably control fluid flow. That is, the predetermined input tocontrollers720 and740 is a signal produced by the previously mentionedsensor750. For example, the predetermined input tocontrollers720 and740 may be a signal produced by the previously mentioned thermocouple or temperature sensor. Alternatively, the predetermined input tocontrollers720 and740 may be a signal produced by the previously mentioned fluid flow meter. As another alternative, the predetermined input tocontrollers720 and740 may be a signal produced by the previously mentioned neutron flux detector. As another example, signals received bycontrollers720 and740 may have been processed by reactor control systems (not shown). For example, the signals produced by such a reactor control system may come from a meter or detector and get processed either by a computer or operator in a reactor control room and then go out tocarriage subassembly610, so as to movebridge620 andsocket wrenches630 to operateflow regulator subassembly430.
• Referring toFIGS. 4,10, and14, it may be understood by a person of skill in the art that, based on the teachings herein,flow control assembly615 can be capable of controlling or modulating flow of the coolant according to when travelingburn wave290 arrives at and/or departs fromnuclear fission module30. Also, flowcontrol assembly615 is capable of controlling or modulating flow of the coolant according to when travelingburn wave290 is proximate to or in the vicinity ofnuclear fission module30.Flow control assembly615 is also capable of controlling or modulating flow of the coolant according to the previously mentioned width “x” ofburn wave290. Arrival and departure ofburn wave290, asburn wave290 travels throughnuclear fission module30, is detected by sensing any of the previously mentioned operating parameters. For example, flowcontrol assembly615 is capable of controlling or modulating flow of the coolant according to heat generation rate sensed innuclear fission module30. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that, in some cases, an input signal alone may control modification offlow control assembly615 and the associated fluid flow innuclear fission module30.
• Referring toFIGS. 14 and 15, and as previously mentioned,flow control assembly615 is operated to provide variable fluid flow to a selected one ofnuclear fission modules30.Nuclear fission module30 is selected on the basis of the desired value for the operating parameter (e.g., temperature) innuclear fission module30 compared to the actual value of the operating parameter that is sensed innuclear fission module30. As described in more detail presently, fluid flow tonuclear fission module30 is adjusted to bring the actual value for the operating parameter into substantial agreement with the desired value for the operating parameter. To achieve this result,bridge620 that belongs tocarriage subassembly630 is caused to travel alongtracks660aand660bby simultaneously actuatingbridge movers640aand640b. Asbridge620 travels alongtracks660aand660b, thebridge620 will travel underneath corelower support plate360. Bridge620 eventually stops its travel at a predetermined location underneath corelower support plate360 based on the actual value of the operating parameter sensed bysensors750 innuclear fission module30 compared to the desired value of the operating parameter fornuclear fission module30, as described in more fully presently. Activation and extent of travel ofbridge movers640aand640bmay be controlled by a suitable controller, such as bycontrollers720 or740. In this regard,controllers720 or740 will stop the travel ofbridge620 based on location of the selected one of the plurality ofnuclear fission modules30. As mentioned hereinabove, thenuclear fission module30 to be adjusted can be selected on the basis of whether or not there is substantial agreement between the actual value of the operating parameter sensed bysensor750 and the value of the operating parameter desired fornuclear fission module30. Next, a selected one of the plurality ofhexagonal socket wrenches630 is caused to move vertically upwardly to matingly engage hexagonalfirst nipple480. After engagement ofsocket wrench630 withfirst nipple480,shaft700 is caused to rotate in order to rotatesocket wrench630.Shaft700 is caused to rotate either by means of the previously mentionedlead screw arrangement670, firstelectric motors710, or secondelectric motors730 that are coupled tocontrollers720 or740.
• Referring toFIGS. 7,8,8A,8B,8C,8D,8E,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18 and19, after engagement withfirst nipple480, rotation ofsocket wrench630 in a first direction causes first orouter sleeve450 to rotate in the same first direction. Asouter sleeve450 rotates,outer sleeve450 will axially slidably ascend along the exterior ofinner sleeve530 due to the threaded engagement offirst nipple480 belonging toouter sleeve450 andsecond nipple560 belonging toinner sleeve530. Asouter sleeve450 slides upwardly alonginner sleeve530,first ligaments460 ofouter sleeve450 will progressively close, cover, shut-off and otherwise blocksecond holes550 ofinner sleeve530 andsecond ligaments540 ofinner sleeve530 will simultaneously progressively close, cover, shut-off and otherwise blockfirst holes470 ofouter sleeve530. Progressively closing, covering, shutting-off and otherwise blockingfirst holes470 andsecond holes550 variably reduces flow of the coolant throughfirst holes470 andsecond holes550. In this case,second holes550 andfirst holes470 may have been previously aligned for allowing full flow of coolant therethrough. Alternatively,second holes550 andfirst holes470 may have been previously partially aligned for allowing partial flow of coolant therethrough.
• Referring again toFIGS. 7,8,8A,8B,8C,8D,8E,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18 and19, after engagement withfirst nipple480, rotation ofsocket wrench630 in a second direction opposite the first direction causes first orouter sleeve450 to rotate in the second direction. Asouter sleeve450 rotates,outer sleeve450 will axially slidably descend along the exterior ofinner sleeve530 due to the threaded engagement offirst nipple480 belonging toouter sleeve450 andsecond nipple560 belonging toinner sleeve530. Asouter sleeve450 slides downwardly alonginner sleeve530,first ligaments460 ofouter sleeve450 will progressively open, uncover, reveal and otherwise unblocksecond holes550 ofinner sleeve530 andsecond ligaments540 ofinner sleeve530 will simultaneously progressively open, uncover, reveal and otherwise unblockfirst holes470 ofouter sleeve530. Progressively opening, uncovering, revealing and otherwise unblockingfirst holes470 andsecond holes550 variably increases flow of the coolant throughfirst holes470 andsecond holes550. In this case,second holes550 andfirst holes470 may have been previously misaligned for restricting or disallowing flow of coolant therethrough. Alternatively,second holes550 andfirst holes470 may have been previously partially misaligned for partially restricting or partially disallowing flow of coolant therethrough.
• Thus, use offlow control assembly615, which includesflow regulator subassembly430 andcarriage subassembly610, achieves variable coolant flow on a module-by-module (i.e., fuel assembly-by-fuel assembly) basis. This allows coolant flow to be varied acrossreactor core20 according to the location ofburn wave290 or the non-uniform temperature distribution inreactor core20.
• Illustrative Methods
• Illustrative methods associated with exemplary embodiments of a nuclear fission reactor and flow control assembly will now be described.
• Referring toFIGS. 20A-20S, illustrative methods are provided for operating a nuclear fission reactor.
• Turning now toFIG. 20A, anillustrative method760 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock770. At ablock780, the method comprises producing at least a portion of a traveling burn wave at a location relative to a nuclear fission module. At ablock790, a flow control assembly is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. The method stops at ablock800.
• InFIG. 20B, anillustrative method810 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock820. At ablock830, at least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module. At ablock840, a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. At ablock850, a flow regulator subassembly is operated. The method stops at ablock860.
• InFIG. 20C, anotherillustrative method870 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock880. At ablock890, at least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module. At ablock900, a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. A flow regulator subassembly is operated at ablock910. At ablock920, the flow regulator subassembly is operated according to an operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module. The method stops at ablock930.
• InFIG. 20D, a furtherillustrative method940 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock950. At ablock960, at least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module. At ablock970, a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. A flow regulator subassembly is operated at ablock980. At ablock990, the flow regulator subassembly is modified in response to an operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module. The method stops at ablock1000.
• InFIG. 20E, anotherillustrative method1010 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock1020. At least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module at ablock1030. At ablock1040, a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. A flow regulator subassembly is operated at ablock1050. At ablock1060, the flow regulator subassembly is reconfigured according to a predetermined input to the flow regulator subassembly. The method stops at ablock1070.
• InFIG. 20F, still anotherillustrative method1080 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock1090. At least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module at ablock1100. At ablock1110, a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. At ablock1120, a flow regulator subassembly is operated. At ablock1130, a controllable flow resistance is achieved. The method stops at ablock1140.
• InFIG. 20G, anillustrative method1150 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock1160. At least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module at ablock1170. At ablock1180, a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. At ablock1190, a flow regulator subassembly is operated. At ablock1200, a second sleeve is inserted into a first sleeve, the first sleeve having a first hole and the second sleeve having a second hole alignable with the first hole. The method stops at ablock1210.
• InFIG. 20H, anotherillustrative method1220 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock1230. At least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module at ablock1240. At a block1250 a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. At ablock1260, a flow regulator subassembly is operated. At a block1270 a carriage subassembly that is coupled to the flow regulator subassembly is operated. The method stops at ablock1280.
• InFIG. 20I, an additionalillustrative method1290 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock1300. At least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module at ablock1310. At ablock1320, a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. At ablock1330, a flow regulator subassembly is operated. At ablock1340, a temperature sensor is coupled to the nuclear fission module and the flow regulator subassembly. The method stops at ablock1350.
• InFIG. 20J, a furtherillustrative method1360 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock1370. At least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module at ablock1380. At ablock1390, a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. At ablock1400, flow of the fluid is controlled in response to the location relative to the location of the nuclear fission module by operating the flow control assembly according to when the burn wave arrives at the location relative to the location of the nuclear fission module. The method stops at ablock1410.
• InFIG. 20K, still anotherillustrative method1420 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock1430. At least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module at ablock1440. At ablock1450, a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. At ablock1460, flow of the fluid is controlled in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module by operating the flow control assembly according to when the burn wave departs from the location relative to the nuclear fission module. The method stops at ablock1470.
• InFIG. 20L, anotherillustrative method1480 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock1490. At least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module at ablock1500. At ablock1510, a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is modulated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. At ablock1520, flow of the fluid is controlled in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module by operating the flow control assembly according to when the burn wave is proximate to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. The method stops at ablock1530.
• InFIG. 20M, anillustrative method1540 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock1550. At least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module at ablock1560. At ablock1570, a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. At ablock1580, flow of the fluid is controlled according to a width of the burn wave. The method stops at ablock1590.
• InFIG. 20N, anillustrative method1600 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock1610. At least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module at ablock1620. At ablock1630, a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. At ablock1640, flow of the fluid is controlled by operating the flow control assembly according to a heat generation rate in the nuclear fission module. The method stops at ablock1650.
• InFIG. 20O, anillustrative method1660 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock1670. At least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module at ablock1680. At ablock1690, a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. At ablock1700, flow of a fluid is controlled by operating the flow control assembly according to a temperature in the nuclear fission module. The method stops at ablock1710.
• InFIG. 20P, anillustrative method1720 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock1730. At least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module at ablock1740. At ablock1750, a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. At ablock1760, flow of the fluid in controlled by operating the flow control assembly according to a neutron flux in the nuclear fission module. The method stops at ablock1770.
• InFIG. 20Q, anillustrative method1780 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock1790. At least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module at ablock1800. At ablock1810, a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. At ablock1820, at least a portion of the traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission fuel assembly. The method stops at ablock1830.
• InFIG. 20R, anillustrative method1840 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock1850. At least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module at ablock1860. At ablock1870, a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. At ablock1880, at least a portion of the traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a fertile nuclear breeding assembly. The method stops at ablock1890.
• InFIG. 20S, anillustrative method1900 of operating a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock1910. At least a portion of a traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a nuclear fission module at ablock1920. At ablock1930, a flow control assembly that is coupled to the nuclear fission module is operated to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module. At ablock1940, at least a portion of the traveling burn wave is produced at a location relative to a neutron reflector assembly. The method stops at ablock1950.
• Referring toFIGS. 21A-21H, illustrative methods are provided for assembling a flow control assembly for use in a nuclear fission reactor.
• Turning now toFIG. 21A, anillustrative method1960 of assembling a flow control assembly for use in a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock1970. At ablock1980, a flow regulator subassembly is received. The method stops at ablock1990.
• InFIG. 21B, anotherillustrative method2000 of assembling a flow control assembly for use in a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock2010. At ablock2020, a carriage subassembly is received. The method stops at ablock2030.
• InFIG. 21C, anotherillustrative method2040 of assembling a flow control assembly for use in a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock2050. A flow regulator subassembly is received at ablock2060. A first sleeve having a first hole is received at ablock2070. At ablock2080, a second sleeve is inserted into the first sleeve, the second sleeve having a second hole alignable with the first hole, and the first sleeve being configured to rotate for rotating the first hole into alignment with the second hole. At ablock2090, a carriage subassembly is coupled to the flow regulator subassembly. The method stops at ablock2100.
• InFIG. 21D, yet anotherillustrative method2110 of assembling a flow control assembly for use in a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock2120. A flow regulator subassembly is received at ablock2130. At ablock2140, a first sleeve is received having a first hole. At ablock2150, a second sleeve is inserted into the first sleeve, the second sleeve having a second hole alignable with the first hole. At ablock2160, a carriage subassembly is coupled to the flow regulator subassembly. At ablock2170, the carriage subassembly is coupled to the flow regulator subassembly so that the carriage subassembly carries the flow regulator subassembly to the fuel assembly. The method stops at ablock2180.
• InFIG. 21E, a furtherillustrative method2190 of assembling a flow control assembly for use in a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock2200. A flow regulator subassembly is received at ablock2210. At ablock2220, a first sleeve is received having a first hole. At ablock2230, a second sleeve is inserted into the first sleeve, the second sleeve having a second hole alignable with the first hole. At ablock2240, a carriage subassembly is coupled to the flow regulator subassembly. At ablock2250 the carriage subassembly is coupled to the flow regulator subassembly so that the carriage subassembly is driven by a lead screw arrangement. The method stops at ablock2260.
• InFIG. 21F, anillustrative method2270 of assembling a flow control assembly for use in a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock2280. A flow regulator subassembly is received at ablock2290. A first sleeve having a first hole is received at ablock2300. At ablock2310, a second sleeve is inserted into the first sleeve, the second sleeve having a second hole alignable with the first hole, and the first sleeve being configured to rotate for rotating the first hole into alignment with the second hole. At ablock2320, a carriage subassembly is coupled to the flow regulator subassembly. At ablock2330, the carriage subassembly is coupled so that the carriage subassembly is driven by a reversible motor arrangement. The method stops at ablock2340.
• InFIG. 21G, anillustrative method2350 of assembling a flow control assembly for use in a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock2360. A flow regulator subassembly is received at ablock2370. A first sleeve having a first hole is received at ablock2380. At ablock2390, a second sleeve is inserted into the first sleeve, the second sleeve having a second hole alignable with the first hole, and the first sleeve being configured to rotate for rotating the first hole into alignment with the second hole. At ablock2400, a carriage subassembly is coupled to the flow regulator subassembly. At ablock2410, the carriage subassembly is coupled so that the carriage subassembly is at least partially controlled by a radio transmitter-receiver arrangement operating the reversible motor arrangement. The method stops at ablock2415.
• InFIG. 21H, anillustrative method2420 of assembling a flow control assembly for use in a nuclear fission reactor starts at ablock2430. A flow regulator subassembly is received at ablock2440. A first sleeve having a first hole is received at ablock2450. At ablock2460, a second sleeve is inserted into the first sleeve, the second sleeve having a second hole alignable with the first hole, and the first sleeve being configured to rotate for rotating the first hole into alignment with the second hole. At ablock2470, a carriage subassembly is coupled to the flow regulator subassembly. At ablock2480, the carriage subassembly is coupled so that the carriage subassembly is at least partially controlled by a fiber optic transmitter-receiver arrangement operating the reversible motor arrangement. The method stops at ablock2490.
• One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein described components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the discussion accompanying them are used as examples for the sake of conceptual clarity and that various configuration modifications are contemplated. Consequently, as used herein, the specific exemplars set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their more general classes. In general, use of any specific exemplar is intended to be representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of specific components (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be taken as limiting.
• Moreover, those persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing specific exemplary processes and/or devices and/or technologies are representative of more general processes and/or devices and/or technologies taught elsewhere herein, such as in the claims filed herewith and/or elsewhere in the present application.
• While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
• With respect to the appended claims, those persons skilled in the art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.
• Therefore, what are provided are a nuclear fission reactor, flow control assembly, methods therefor and a flow control assembly system.
• While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, a horizontally disposed orifice plate may be substituted for the flow regulator subassembly, the orifice plate having a plurality of orifices therethrough. A plurality of individually actuatable shutters would be associated with respective ones of the orifices, the shutters being capable of progressively closing and opening the orifices for regulating or modulating flow of coolant to the nuclear fission module.
• In addition, it may be appreciated from the teachings herein that, unlike the devices disclosed in the prior art patents cited hereinabove, the flow control assembly and system of the present disclosure dynamically change the amount of the fluid flow, avoids reliance on different and precisely constituted neutron-induced growth properties of structural materials for controlling fluid flow, and can be dynamically varied during reactor operation, as needed.
• Moreover, the various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (33)

1.-87. (canceled)

88. A method of operating a nuclear fission reactor, comprising:

at least a portion of a traveling burn wave at a location relative to a nuclear fission module; and

operating a flow control assembly coupled to the nuclear fission module to modulate flow of a fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module.

89. The method ofclaim 88, wherein operating the flow control assembly comprises operating a flow regulator subassembly.

90. The method ofclaim 89, wherein operating the flow regulator subassembly comprises operating the flow regulator subassembly according to an operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

91.-97. (canceled)

98. The method ofclaim 89, wherein operating the flow regulator subassembly comprises modifying the flow regulator subassembly in response to an operating parameter associated with the nuclear fission module.

99.-103. (canceled)

104. The method ofclaim 89, wherein operating the flow regulator subassembly comprises reconfiguring the flow regulator subassembly according to a predetermined input to the flow regulator subassembly.

105. (canceled)

106. (canceled)

107. (canceled)

108. (canceled)

109. The method ofclaim 89, wherein the flow regulator subassembly has a controllable flow aperture.

110. The method ofclaim 89, wherein operating the flow regulator subassembly comprises achieving a controllable flow resistance.

111. (canceled)

112. (canceled)

113. The method ofclaim 89, further comprising coupling a temperature sensor to the nuclear fission module and the flow regulator subassembly.

114. The method ofclaim 88, further comprising controlling flow of the fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module by operating the flow control assembly according to when the burn wave arrives at the location relative to the nuclear fission module.

115. The method ofclaim 88, further comprising controlling flow of the fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module by operating the flow control assembly according to when the burn wave departs from the location relative to the nuclear fission module.

116. The method ofclaim 88, further comprising controlling flow of the fluid in response to the location relative to the nuclear fission module by operating the flow control assembly according to when the burn wave is proximate to the location relative to the nuclear fission module.

117. The method ofclaim 88, further comprising controlling flow of the fluid according to a width of the burn wave.

118. The method ofclaim 88, further comprising controlling flow of the fluid by operating the flow control assembly according to a heat generation rate in the nuclear fission module.

119. The method ofclaim 88, further comprising controlling flow of the fluid by operating the flow control assembly according to a temperature in the nuclear fission module.

120. The method ofclaim 88, further comprising controlling flow of the fluid by operating the flow control assembly according to a neutron flux in the nuclear fission module.

121. The method ofclaim 88,

wherein the nuclear fission module has a temperature dependent reactivity change; and

wherein the flow control assembly controls the temperature dependent reactivity change within the nuclear fission module.

122. The method ofclaim 88, wherein producing at least a portion of a traveling burn wave at a location relative to the nuclear fission module comprises producing at least a portion of the traveling burn wave at a location relative to a nuclear fission fuel assembly.

123. The method ofclaim 88, wherein producing at least a portion of a traveling burn wave at a location relative to the nuclear fission module comprises producing at least a portion of the traveling burn wave at a location relative to a fertile nuclear breeding assembly.

124. The method ofclaim 88, wherein producing at least a portion of a traveling burn wave at a location relative to the nuclear fission module comprises producing at least a portion of the traveling burn wave at a location relative to a neutron reflector assembly.

125. A method of assembling a flow control assembly for use in a traveling wave nuclear fission reactor, comprising receiving a flow regulator subassembly.

126. A method of assembling a flow control assembly for use in a nuclear fission reactor, comprising receiving a carriage subassembly.

127. A method of assembling a flow control assembly for use in a nuclear fission reactor, comprising:

receiving a flow regulator subassembly, wherein receiving the flow regulator subassembly includes:

receiving a first sleeve having a first hole;

inserting a second sleeve into the first sleeve, the second sleeve having a second hole alignable with the first hole, the first sleeve being configured to rotate for axially translating the first hole into alignment with the second hole; and

coupling a carriage subassembly to the flow regulator subassembly.

128. The method ofclaim 127, wherein coupling the carriage subassembly to the flow regulator subassembly comprises coupling the carriage subassembly to the flow regulator subassembly so that the carriage subassembly is capable of adjusting the flow regulator subassembly.

129.-148. (canceled)

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