초록 ▼

The present invention relates to a fuel assembly for a light-water nuclear reactor with a substantially square cross section which comprises fuel rods (4) extending between a bottom tie plate (16) and a top tie plate (17). A coolant is adapted, during operation, to flow upwards through the fuel asse

The present invention relates to a fuel assembly for a light-water nuclear reactor with a substantially square cross section which comprises fuel rods (4) extending between a bottom tie plate (16) and a top tie plate (17). A coolant is adapted, during operation, to flow upwards through the fuel assembly. According to one aspect of the invention, the fuel assembly comprises a plurality of fuel units (3) stacked on top of each other, wherein each fuel unit (3) comprises a plurality of fuel rods (4) extending between a top tie plate (17) and a bottom tie plate (16). The fuel units are arranged attached to a support structure (4a, 14, 14a, 14b) extending through the whole fuel assembly such that axial gaps are formed between the fuel units (3). One of the tie plates is freely movable relative to the support structure.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A fuel assembly for a light-water nuclear reactor with a substantially square cross section, comprising a plurality of fuel units stacked one above the other, each fuel unit comprising a plurality of fuel rods extending between a top tie plate and a bottom tie plate and

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A fuel assembly for a light-water nuclear reactor with a substantially square cross section, comprising a plurality of fuel units stacked one above the other, each fuel unit comprising a plurality of fuel rods extending between a top tie plate and a bottom tie plate and each fuel unit being attached to a support structure extending through the whole fuel assembly so that axial gaps are formed between facing top and bottom tie plates of adjacent fuel units, one of said facing top and bottom tie plates being permanently or detachably mounted to the support structure, and that other of said facing top and bottom tie plates being freely movable in relation to said support structure.