公开(公告)号：US09378852B2

公开(公告)日：2016-06-28

申请号：US13746116

申请日：2013-01-21

Applicant: BWXT mPower, Inc.

Inventor： Lewis A Walton ,  George S Pabis ,  Andrew W Doan ,  James G Hatmaker

IPC: G21C3/352 ,  G21C3/356

CPC classification number: G21C3/352 ,  G21C1/32 ,  G21C3/3563 ,  Y02E30/40

Abstract: A spacer grid includes intersecting straps defining cells with springs and dimples arranged to hold fuel rods passing through the cells. The direction of the springs switches at a switch point in the spacer grid that is not at the center of the spacer grid. The intersecting straps may include a first set of mutually parallel straps including a first transition strap and a second set of mutually parallel straps including a second transition strap, with the second set intersecting the first set. The springs of the first set of mutually parallel straps face away from the first transition strap, and the springs of the second set of mutually parallel straps face away from the second transition strap. The outer straps in some embodiments include dimples but not springs.

Abstract translation: 间隔网格包括限定具有弹簧的细胞的相交带，并且布置成保持通过细胞的燃料棒的凹坑。 弹簧的方向在不在间隔栅格中心的隔离栅格中的开关点处切换。 相交带可以包括第一组相互平行的带，包括第一过渡带和包括第二过渡带的第二组相互平行的带，第二组与第一组相交。 第一组相互平行的带的弹簧面向远离第一过渡带，并且第二组相互平行的带的弹簧面向远离第二过渡带。 在一些实施例中，外带包括凹坑，但不包括弹簧。

公开(公告)号：US09014325B2

公开(公告)日：2015-04-21

申请号：US13822525

申请日：2012-05-11

Applicant: Erhard Friedrich ,  Dieter Umlauft ,  Dirk Blavius ,  Klaus Kurzer

Inventor： Erhard Friedrich ,  Dieter Umlauft ,  Dirk Blavius ,  Klaus Kurzer

IPC: G21C3/34 ,  G21C3/322 ,  G21C3/33 ,  G21C3/352 ,  G21C3/32

CPC classification number: G21C3/322 ,  G21C3/3206 ,  G21C3/3315 ,  G21C3/34 ,  G21C3/352 ,  Y02E30/38

Abstract: A nuclear fuel assembly tie plate is provided. The nuclear fuel assembly tie plate is formed by intersecting strips delimiting between them tubular guide cells each for allowing a fuel rod to extend through the tie plate. The strips delimit between them tubular flow cells separate from the guide cells, each flow cell for allowing coolant flow through the tie plate. Guide cells and flow cells are arranged at nodes of a lattice defined by a repeating pattern comprising four corner nodes in a square lattice arrangement and a central node at the center of the four corner nodes, with one guide cell at each corner nodes, separated by a pair of parallel spaced strips intersecting a pair of parallel spaced strips, the two pairs of strips delimiting a four-walled central flow cell at the center node.

Abstract translation: 提供了核燃料组件连接板。 核燃料组件连接板由它们之间的相交条形成，每个管状引导单元用于允许燃料棒延伸通过连接板。 条带之间限定了与引导单元分离的管状流动池，每个流动池用于允许冷却剂流过连接板。 引导单元和流动单元被布置在由包括正方形格子布置中的四个角节点和四个角节点中心的中心节点的重复图案定义的格子的节点处，每个角节点处具有一个引导单元，由每个角节点分开， 一对平行隔开的条带，与一对平行隔开的条带相交，两对条在中心节点处划定四壁中央流通池。

公开(公告)号：US20140086377A1

公开(公告)日：2014-03-27

申请号：US13822525

申请日：2012-05-11

Applicant: Erhard Friedrich ,  Dieter Umlauft ,  Dirk Blavius ,  Klaus Kurzer

Inventor： Erhard Friedrich ,  Dieter Umlauft ,  Dirk Blavius ,  Klaus Kurzer

IPC: G21C3/322 ,  G21C3/33

CPC classification number: G21C3/322 ,  G21C3/3206 ,  G21C3/3315 ,  G21C3/34 ,  G21C3/352 ,  Y02E30/38

Abstract: A nuclear fuel assembly tie plate is provided. The nuclear fuel assembly tie plate is formed by intersecting strips delimiting between them tubular guide cells each for allowing a fuel rod to extend through the tie plate. The strips delimit between them tubular flow cells separate from the guide cells, each flow cell for allowing coolant flow through the tie plate. Guide cells and flow cells are arranged at nodes of a lattice defined by a repeating pattern comprising four corner nodes in a square lattice arrangement and a central node at the center of the four corner nodes, with one guide cell at each corner nodes, separated by a pair of parallel spaced strips intersecting a pair of parallel spaced strips, the two pairs of strips delimiting a four-walled central flow cell at the center node.

Abstract translation: 提供了核燃料组件连接板。 核燃料组件连接板由它们之间的相交条形成，每个管状引导单元用于允许燃料棒延伸通过连接板。 条带之间限定了与引导单元分离的管状流动池，每个流动池用于允许冷却剂流过连接板。 引导单元和流动单元被布置在由包括正方形格子布置中的四个角节点和四个角节点中心的中心节点的重复图案定义的格子的节点处，每个角节点处具有一个引导单元，由每个角节点分开， 一对平行隔开的条带，与一对平行隔开的条带相交，两对条在中心节点处划定四壁中央流通池。

公开(公告)号：US20140072091A1

公开(公告)日：2014-03-13

申请号：US13822567

申请日：2012-05-14

Applicant: Michael Liebler ,  Werner Meier

Inventor： Michael Liebler ,  Werner Meier

IPC: G21C3/352 ,  G21C3/356

CPC classification number: G21C3/352 ,  G21C3/322 ,  G21C3/356 ,  G21C3/3563 ,  Y02E30/38

Abstract: The strip is of the type comprising a wall portion for delimiting a cell for receiving a fuel rod and allowing flow of a coolant upwardly through the spacer grid, a spring provided on the wall portion for biasing a fuel rod extending through the cell away from the wall portion, the spring being cut out in the strip and delimited by a slot and a motion limiter formed in the strip on the wall portion to limit motion of a fuel rod received in the cell towards the wall portion against action of the spring. According to one aspect of the invention, the motion limiter is located on an edge of the slot opposite the spring and defines a risen portion on the edge.

Abstract translation: 该条带是包括用于限定用于容纳燃料棒的电池单元的壁部分的类型，并允许冷却剂向上流动通过间隔栅格，弹簧设置在壁部分上，用于偏置延伸穿过电池的燃料棒远离 弹簧被切出并且由狭槽和运动限制器限定，该狭缝形成在壁部分上的条带中，以限制容纳在电池单元中的燃料棒抵抗弹簧的动作朝向壁部的运动。 根据本发明的一个方面，运动限制器位于与弹簧相对的槽的边缘上，并且限定了边缘上的上升部分。

公开(公告)号：US08599994B2

公开(公告)日：2013-12-03

申请号：US11741391

申请日：2007-04-27

Applicant: Russell Patrick Higgins

Inventor： Russell Patrick Higgins

IPC: G21C3/34

CPC classification number: G21C3/352 ,  G21C3/322 ,  G21Y2002/201 ,  G21Y2002/303 ,  G21Y2002/305 ,  G21Y2004/302 ,  G21Y2004/304 ,  Y02E30/38

Abstract: In various embodiments, a spacer grid for a nuclear reactor fuel bundle is provided. The grid includes a plurality of interstitial dividers that form an array of cells. Each cell is structured to retain a respective one of a plurality of fuel rods to thereby form an array of equally spaced fuel rods. The grid additionally includes a perimeter band that peripherally surrounds the dividers and is connected to opposing ends of each divider. The perimeter band includes a plurality of spring tabs formed along and extending from an edge of the perimeter band. The spring tabs extend from the edge at an angle away from the dividers such that a distal end of each spring tab will contact an interior surface of a respective one of a plurality of walls of a channel in which the arrayed fuel rods can be inserted to form the fuel bundle.

Abstract translation: 在各种实施例中，提供了用于核反应堆燃料束的间隔栅格。 网格包括形成单元阵列的多个间隔分割器。 每个单元被构造成保持多个燃料棒中的相应一个，从而形成等间距燃料棒的阵列。 电网还包括外围围绕分隔器并且连接到每个分隔器的相对端的周边带。 周边带包括沿着周边带的边缘并沿其延伸的多个弹簧片。 弹簧突片从边缘以一定角度远离分隔器延伸，使得每个弹簧片的远端将接触通道的多个壁中的相应一个的内表面，其中阵列燃料棒可插入其中 形成燃料束。

公开(公告)号：US20130251088A1

公开(公告)日：2013-09-26

申请号：US13429217

申请日：2012-03-23

Applicant: Kathryn M. Martin ,  David Grey Smith ,  Thomas J. Rambach

Inventor： Kathryn M. Martin ,  David Grey Smith ,  Thomas J. Rambach

IPC: G21C3/34 ,  B23P11/00 ,  B21D31/00

CPC classification number: G21C3/322 ,  G21C3/352 ,  G21C3/356 ,  Y02E30/38 ,  Y10T29/49826

Abstract: Fuel spacers include at least one specialized bathtub on an outer perimeter band. Specialized bathtubs include an elastic resistive extension and a corresponding deflection limiter on a same outer face of the perimeter band. The elastic resistive extension provides flexible resistance to the channel, and the deflection limiter provides rigid movement limitation beyond a particular threshold between channel and spacer. The positioning, spring constant, length, number, and other properties of the specialized bathtub can be chosen based on the desired fuel assembly properties and expected transverse loads in fuel shipping and operation against which specialized bathtubs resiliently protect. The specialized bathtubs can be formed from a simplified stamp operation out of the perimeter band. Bathtubs can be placed on any position(s) on the perimeter band of example embodiment spacers used in nuclear fuel assemblies.

Abstract translation: 燃料间隔件包括在外周带上的至少一个专门的浴缸。 专用浴缸在周边带的相同外表面上包括弹性阻力延伸部和相应的偏转限制器。 弹性电阻延伸提供对通道的柔性阻力，并且偏转限制器提供超出通道和间隔物之间​​特定阈值的刚性运动限制。 专门浴缸的定位，弹簧常数，长度，数量和其他特性可以基于专门的浴缸弹性保护的燃料运输和操作中所需的燃料组装性能和预期横向载荷来选择。 专门的浴缸可以从周边带的简化印章操作形成。 浴缸可以放置在核燃料组件中使用的示例性实施例间隔物的周边带上的任何位置上。

公开(公告)号：US08483349B2

公开(公告)日：2013-07-09

申请号：US12181891

申请日：2008-07-29

Applicant: Jae-Yong Kim ,  Hyung-Kyu Kim ,  Kyung-Ho Yoon ,  Young-Ho Lee ,  Kang-Hee Lee

Inventor： Jae-Yong Kim ,  Hyung-Kyu Kim ,  Kyung-Ho Yoon ,  Young-Ho Lee ,  Kang-Hee Lee

IPC: G21C3/34

CPC classification number: G21C3/02 ,  G21C3/322 ,  G21C3/352 ,  G21C3/356 ,  Y02E30/38

Abstract: A spacer grid for dual-cooling nuclear fuel rods arranged at a narrow interval. The spacer grid solves the problem in which, since the dual-cooling nuclear fuel rods are used to improve the cooling performance and stability of nuclear fuel and obtain high burnup and output, the outer diameter of each dual-cooling nuclear fuel rod is increased, and thus the gap between each dual-cooling nuclear fuel rod and the grid strap is decreased. The spacer grid includes first grid straps and second grid straps, which are crossed and arranged in transverse and longitudinal directions at regular intervals and have the shape of a flat strip, and support structures, which are fitted into the first and second grid straps around intersections of the first and second grid straps so as to support the dual-cooling nuclear fuel rods.

Abstract translation: 用于双冷却核燃料棒的隔离栅格，其间隔狭窄。 间隔栅格解决了由于双冷核燃料棒用于提高核燃料的冷却性能和稳定性并获得高燃耗和输出的问题，每个双重冷却核燃料棒的外径增加， 因此，每个双重冷却核燃料棒和网格带之间的间隙减小。 间隔网格包括第一网格带和第二网格带，它们以横向和纵向方向以规则的间隔交叉并布置，并且具有平坦的形状和支撑结构，其被安装在交叉点周​​围的第一和第二网格带中 的第一和第二格栅带，以支撑双重冷却核燃料棒。

公开(公告)号：US08243872B2

公开(公告)日：2012-08-14

申请号：US12146493

申请日：2008-06-26

Applicant: Kang-Hee Lee ,  Hyung-Kyu Kim ,  Kyung-Ho Yoon ,  Young-Ho Lee ,  Jae-Yong Kim ,  Tae-Hyun Chun ,  Wang-Kee In ,  Dong-Seok Oh ,  Chang-Hwan Shin

Inventor： Kang-Hee Lee ,  Hyung-Kyu Kim ,  Kyung-Ho Yoon ,  Young-Ho Lee ,  Jae-Yong Kim ,  Tae-Hyun Chun ,  Wang-Kee In ,  Dong-Seok Oh ,  Chang-Hwan Shin

IPC: G21C3/34

CPC classification number: G21C3/352 ,  G21C3/322 ,  G21C3/3563 ,  Y02E30/38

Abstract: A spacer grid can be applied to close-spaced nuclear fuel rods. The spacer grid is directed to solve the problem in which, as the outer diameter of each nuclear fuel rod increases due to the use of dual-cooled nuclear fuel rods for improving cooling performance and obtaining high combustion and high output power, the gap between the neighboring nuclear fuel rods is narrowed to thus make it impossible to use an existing spacer grid. The spacer grid is a combination of unit grid straps, each of which has supports for supporting each of the nuclear fuel rods set in a narrow array and has a sheet shape, which are combined with each other. The supports are located at positions shifted from the longitudinal central line of each unit grid strap toward sub-channels.

Abstract translation: 间隔栅格可以应用于紧密间隔的核燃料棒。 针对这种间隔格栅来解决这样一个问题，即由于使用双冷核燃料棒来提高冷却性能并获得高燃烧和高输出功率，因此每个核燃料棒的外径增加 相邻的核燃料棒变窄，因此不可能使用现有的间隔栅格。 间隔栅格是单元网格带的组合，每个网格带都具有支撑，用于支撑以窄阵列设置的每个核燃料棒，并且具有彼此组合的片状。 支撑件位于从每个单元格栅带的纵向中心线向子通道移位的位置。

公开(公告)号：US20110200160A1

公开(公告)日：2011-08-18

申请号：US12706166

申请日：2010-02-16

Applicant: Paul Marcus Evans ,  Richard P. Broders ,  Michael Anthony Marzean ,  Michael Winegardner ,  Adolfo Reparaz

Inventor： Paul Marcus Evans ,  Richard P. Broders ,  Michael Anthony Marzean ,  Michael Winegardner ,  Adolfo Reparaz

IPC: G21C3/356

CPC classification number: G21C3/352 ,  G21C3/356 ,  Y02E30/40

Abstract: A nuclear fuel assembly grid having a vertical, elongated, split spring on each wall of the cells that support fuel rods to provide eight, co-planar, point contacts of support for the fuel rod.

Abstract translation: 一种核燃料组件网格，其在电池的每个壁上具有垂直的，细长的裂缝弹簧，其支撑燃料棒以提供用于燃料棒的支撑件的八个共面的点接触。

公开(公告)号：US20110080988A1

公开(公告)日：2011-04-07

申请号：US12572491

申请日：2009-10-02

Applicant: Birol AKTAS

Inventor： Birol AKTAS

IPC: G21C3/34

CPC classification number: G21C3/322 ,  G21C3/34 ,  G21C3/344 ,  G21C3/352 ,  Y02E30/38

Abstract: Example embodiment fuel bundles use multiple types of spacers within the same fuel bundle. The type for each spacer location may be determined based on the axial position of the spacer, the characteristics of the spacer type, and the location and coolant characteristics for the particular example fuel bundle including the spacers. Historic performance data for the particular bundle location, predictive modeling, etc. may be used to determine what spacer types at which locations result in the best operating conditions and margins for example fuel bundles.

Abstract translation: 示例性实施例燃料束在同一燃料束内使用多种类型的间隔物。 每个间隔件位置的类型可以基于间隔件的轴向位置，间隔件类型的特性以及包括间隔件的特定示例燃料束的位置和冷却剂特性来确定。 可以使用特定束位置，预测建模等的历史性能数据来确定哪些位置导致例如燃料束的最佳操作条件和余量的间隔物类型。