Induced nuclear reactions: processes – systems – and elements – Fuel component structure – Plural fuel segments or elements
Patent
1984-05-11
1986-12-23
Walsh, Donald P.
Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements
Fuel component structure
Plural fuel segments or elements
376267, 376420, 376445, G21C 332
Patent
active
046311661
ABSTRACT:
A nuclear fuel assembly for high utilization of the nuclear fuel is disclosed. Alternate fuel rod assemblies are axially shifted relative to each other to create zones of high hydrogen-to-uranium ratios at the ends of the core for high utilization of the fuel at the core ends. Each fuel rod assembly comprises separate upper and lower fuel rods. The axial shift provides intermeshing of the separation between axially aligned fuel rods at the core center. Seed blankets are located at the ends of the core and lower enriched sections are located at the core center during beginning of core life. After a specified amount of fuel depletion from reactor operation, the upper and lower rods are interchanged and an opposite axial shift is employed. The high utilization fuel assembly provides for burnup gradient utilization, axial blanket utilization, plutonium production and burnup, axial power flattening, and less use of enriched uranium.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3425908 (1969-02-01), Rouge
patent: 4326922 (1982-04-01), Ferrari
patent: 4483818 (1984-11-01), Yamashita
Walsh Donald P.
Westinghouse Electric Corp.
LandOfFree
High utilization fuel assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with High utilization fuel assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and High utilization fuel assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-171022