Recent Application of Advanced Temperature Sensors in Special Scenarios of Nuclear Energy Research

In nuclear energy research, the precise measurement of coolant temperature under extreme conditions of high temperature, high pressure, and intense radiation is a critical parameter for evaluating nuclear safety design and ensuring reactor efficiency. This section introduces methods for precise temperature measurement in such demanding environments, covering both the essential hardware and the sophisticated software components of modern temperature sensing systems. Specific coolants discussed include advanced options like liquid metals and supercritical carbon dioxide, each posing unique measurement challenges due to their distinct thermophysical and chemical properties. The advanced measurement techniques employed to address these challenges involve specially designed radiation-hardened armored thermocouples, immune fiber-optic temperature sensors, and robust thermistor-based detection systems. The following analysis compares and evaluates the measurement accuracy, long-term stability, and specific installation requirements of these sensor types under intense radiation conditions, noting the distinct advantages and practical considerations of each type—such as the ruggedness of thermocouples versus the electromagnetic immunity of fiber optics. Finally, typical integrated measurement solutions are provided for key operational parameters; these include strategies for measuring the central temperature of reactor fuel elements and for monitoring the coolant temperature at the core inlet and outlet with high reliability. Collectively, these advanced application cases and technological comparisons offer valuable insights and practical references for temperature measurement in nuclear energy research, directly supporting the ongoing safety design and thermal-hydraulic optimization of current and next-generation nuclear systems.