Optimization of heat transfer rate around cylindrical PCM containers in energy storage coupled with nuclear power plant

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    7 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    The aim of the present numerical study is to obtain detailed heat transfer rate and the associated pressure drop magnitude variations to be used for the optimization of a novel Prismatic-core Advanced High Temperature Reactor (PAHTR) and phase change material (PCM) based thermal energy storage (TES) coupled system. In this hybrid system, the reactor is continuously supplying heat to the TES block through a molten salt coolant flowing in the primary loop. Then, the required energy is extracted from the TES and supplied to the secondary system to safely follow the electricity grid variable load profile without affecting the reactor operation. As a result, two fluids will be co-circulating within the TES. From one side, is the molten salt (reactor coolant), while from the other side is Helium gas. Therefore, in order to assess the heat transfer efficiency within the TES on the secondary loop side, a CFD analysis using the STAR-CCM+ code is carried out. The case to be considered is an upward developing forced convection gas flow in a triangular subchannel configuration. It worth mentioning here that the existing correlations are for fully developed pipe flow, do not take the buoyancy (gravity) effects in account, and are not within the present flow conditions range. Finally, as an attempt to further optimize the TES design, the option of adding fins (circular and rectangular fins) to the cylindrical PCM containers is investigated and the resulting heat transfer rate enhancement is quantitatively evaluated.

    Original languageBritish English
    Pages2772-2780
    Number of pages9
    StatePublished - 2019
    Event18th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Reactor Thermal Hydraulics, NURETH 2019 - Portland, United States
    Duration: 18 Aug 201923 Aug 2019

    Conference

    Conference18th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Reactor Thermal Hydraulics, NURETH 2019
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityPortland
    Period18/08/1923/08/19

    Keywords

    • CFD analysis
    • Forced convection flow
    • Thermal energy storage

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