Fuel assembly for a pressurized-water reactor

US6744842B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Framatome ANP · DE

Inventors

• Norbert Schmidt · Eppstein, DE
• Peter Rau · Leutenbach, DE
• Erika Herzog · Lonnerstadt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 19, 2002
• Grant date: Jun 1, 2004
• Expiry date: Sep 19, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E30/30
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A fuel assembly for a pressurized-water reactor includes fuel rods held in cells of spacers, control rod guide tubes, and a headpiece and a foot piece, by which it is fixed to upper and lower core grids, respectively. A spacer having a first part, which lies on a radially outer side with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the fuel assembly, and a second part, which lies on a radially inner side and is completely surrounded by the first part are included to reduce the size of gaps between fuel assemblies. The second part is formed of Zircaloy. The first part is made of a metallic material, and when compared to the Zircaloy of the second part, has a lower growth in the radial direction, caused by neutron radiation and a higher coefficient of thermal expansion.