Method of configuring sidewalls of an outer channel of a fuel assembly
US11244768B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 2020 |
| Grant date | Feb 8, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The method includes assessing operational characteristics of the fuel assembly, the assessing including determining if the fuel assembly is to be placed in a controlled location in the reactor core, a controlled location being positioned adjacent to a control blade that is to be utilized, and configuring the sidewalls of the outer channel by making at least a first select sidewall of the outer channel a reinforced sidewall, the remaining sidewalls of the outer channel, other than the at least a first select sidewall, being non-reinforced sidewalls. The entirety of the reinforced sidewall as a whole is at least one of thicker and made from a material that is more resistant to radiation-induced deformation as compared to an entirety of the non-reinforced sidewalls.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.