US 12,259,508 B2
Wireless power level and power distribution monitoring and control system for subcritical spent fuel assembly array using removable SiC neutron detector thimble tube
Michael D. Heibel, Broomfield, CO (US)
Assigned to Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, Cranberry Township, PA (US)
Filed by Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, Cranberry Township, PA (US)
Filed on May 6, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/656,481.
Application 18/656,481 is a division of application No. 17/813,156, filed on Jul. 18, 2022, granted, now 11,977,193.
Prior Publication US 2024/0295664 A1, Sep. 5, 2024
Int. Cl. G21C 17/06 (2006.01); G01T 3/00 (2006.01); G01T 3/08 (2006.01); G21C 19/40 (2006.01)
CPC G01T 3/006 (2013.01) [G01T 3/08 (2013.01); G21C 17/06 (2013.01); G21C 19/40 (2013.01)] 10 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A power monitor system comprising:
a power sensor system for monitoring a subcritical neutron generator, the power sensor system comprising:
a self-powered sensor insert for measuring neutron flux levels in a spent fuel assembly of the subcritical neutron generator, the self-powered sensor insert comprising:
an insert thimble comprising:
a housing configured to be insertable into a guide thimble of a spent fuel assembly;
a power generator for producing a first electrical power based on delta-radiation, wherein the power generator is positioned within the housing, wherein the first power generator comprises a material having a high neutron capture cross section; and
a first electrical interface configured to output the first electrical power; and
a detector assembly, the detector assembly comprising:
a detector tube configured to be surrounded by the first power generator;
at least one radiation detector comprising a Silicon Carbide based Schottky diode, wherein the at least one radiation detector is enclosed in the detector tube, wherein the at least one radiation detector is configured to provide a first signal in response to an incident neutron flux;
a transmission circuit comprising a transmitter for outputting a wireless signal based on the first signal; and
a second electrical interface, wherein the second electrical interface is configured to receive the first electrical power and provide a power source for the transmission circuit; and
a control system comprising:
an antenna for receiving the wireless signal;
a signal interface, wherein an input of the signal interface is electrically connected to the antenna, wherein the signal interface is configured to output a third signal based on the wireless signal; and
a controller comprising a processor configured to:
receive the third signal; and
based on the third signal, control a neutron flux outputted by an electronic neutron generator of the subcritical neutron generator.