Patent ID: 7822166
Filing Date: 2010-10-26
Classification: G21C,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A fuel assembly, comprising: a fuel element case for a boiling water reactor; a spacer for laterally holding a bundle of fuel rods, said fuel element case surrounding said spacer, said spacer including two inner edge webs and two outer edge webs, said two inner edge webs being adjacent an interspace for a control element; an inner gap formed between said two inner web edges and said fuel element case, said inner gap extending substantially along said two inner web edges; an outer gap formed between said two outer web edges and said fuel element case, said outer gap extending substantially along said outer web edges; spring elements extending away from said two inner edge webs and into said inner gap, said spring elements supported against said fuel element case, said spring elements holding said spacer held in an off-center position such that said outer gap is narrower than said inner gap; and studs projecting from said outer edge webs and into said outer gap, said studs ensuring that said outer gap maintains a minimum dimension.