Patent Number: 051494957
Section: abstract

Water rod configurations, such as for a boiling water nuclear reactor, are provided. An efficiency parameter is defined which relate to how well-used the sacrificed fuel rod positions are. Four particular water rod configurations are described, which produce high efficiency, such as having a water rod efficiency greater than about 0.6, preferably greater than about 0.7. Desired moderation is achieved by providing for sacrifice of more than four and less than nine lattice positions. The first "peanut" configuration has a cross-section with two round-cornered triangular regions, integrally connected by a constricted portion. The second configuration has a substantially rectangular cross-section. The third "clover" configuration has a four-lobed shape. The fourth "figure 8" configuration has two substantially circular cross-sectional portions. A method for analysis and design, using a new efficiency parameter, is provided. An apparatus and method for maintaining the water rod and associated fuel rods in the desired spaced configuration is effected by devices for engagement. The engagement devices use resilient deflection to produce engagement of the water rods with spacer apparatus.