FUEL ASSEMBLY Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: thermal physics; investigation of fuel element temperature conditions in nuclear reactors. SUBSTANCE: existing fuel assembly has shroud, top and bottom current leads with fuel-element simulators in-between electrically connected to top current lead via flexible electricity conducting links disposed in can. Main disadvantage of such fuel assembly is that its power is limited due to the fact that outer (inner) diameter of can is limited by simulation conditions. That is why cross-sectional area of flexible link is also limited and depends on locking conditions of the latter within can during its chaotic displacement. Novelty is that top current lead is provided with locating pins with flexible electricity conducting links wound thereon and simulators are provided with blind holes in their upper parts to ensure movable connection of simulators to top current lead during their thermal displacement. These measures provide for enlarging sectional area of flexible current conducting links and raising current through them and, hence, through simulators and fuel assemblies. EFFECT: enhanced power of fuel assembly at same simulation conditions. 1 cl