Work

Analysis of the continuous operational characteristics of the control rod eddy current retarder

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The control rod eddy current retarder (CRECR) serves as the primary damping device during the control rod dropping process in the high temperature gas-cooled reactor, converting the gravitational potential energy into eddy current losses inside the conductor disk of CRECR. In order to analyze the torque performance of CRECR during continuous operation, a multi-node coupling method for electromagnetic and thermal simulation was proposed, and an electromagnetic-thermal coupling simulation model was established. Subsequently, the model was experimentally verified and the influence of speed, operating time and compensation claddings were analyzed. The torque deviation remains consistently below 7 % within 300 s. Additionally, continuous operation at speeds exceeding 300 rpm resulted in non-ignorable changes in component temperature and torque, necessitating careful consideration in engineering tests. Furthermore, a torque rebound phenomenon was observed during continuous operation, indicating that using compensation claddings can effectively mitigate the impact of thermal fade and improve the torque stability.

Source: Annals of Nuclear Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.anucene.2025.111888

Authors: Hongyu Wu, He Yan, Yujie Dong, Xingzhong Diao

Institution: Tsinghua University

Language: English

Topic: Nuclear reactor physics and engineering

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,820

Funder: National Major Science and Technology Projects of China