BWR fuel assembly having hybrid fuel design

摘要

A BWR fuel assembly has a hybrid fuel design composed of both rod-type fuel and plate-type fuel. An outer hollow tubular flow channel of the assembly surrounds the rod-type fuel being provided in the form of a plurality of fuel rods so as to direct flow of coolant/moderator fluid therealong. The assembly also includes a hollow central water cross extending through the channel and composed of radially extending panels dividing the fuel rods into separate fuel rod mini-bundles. The plate-type fuel is attached on the exterior of the water cross panels. This hybrid fuel design substantially avoids PCI constraints and failures.