Analysis on Flow Behavior in the Plenum of RPV of PWR

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Huang ◽  
Lu-lu Hao ◽  
Hong Chen ◽  
Jun-feng Xue ◽  
Li-li Tong
Keyword(s):  
Flow Direction ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Flow Distribution ◽  
Cylinder Wall ◽  
Operation Condition ◽  
Pressurized Water ◽  
Inlet Conditions ◽  
Flow Flux

The flow distribution at core inlet plays a vital part on hydraulic design of pressurized water reactor. Nonuniform coolant flow distribution at core inlet is caused by many factors, among which the behavior of flow in the lower plenum is the most direct cause. Therefore, a further research on the flow behavior of coolant in the lower plenum is very important and necessary. However, the flow behavior is dominated by the variation of the flow environment related to the complex structure and the condition of upstream uniformity. Using CFD methods, the flow field in the pressure vessel under the uniform flux operation condition of three-loops is simulated in this paper. The standard k–ε turbulence model and upwind solver scheme are selected. Pressure and velocity along with the flow direction are investigated. The variation trend of flow characteristics is discussed by analysis on streamlines at different locations ranging from inlet pipe to lower core plate, which provides evidence for the formation of swirling eddies in the lower plenum and uneven flow flux at lower core plate. In order to understand the formation process of eddies of different sizes in the lower plenum, the velocity fields in the downcomer and lower plenum under the conditions of different inlet velocity are analyzed. Furthermore, the effects of key structures on the formation of swirl are also presented. The results show that the value of velocity flowing into the lower plenum is an important factor on the range of vertical reflux effect, also slowing down because of the resistance of the vortex suppression plate. And the value of angular momentum of swirls in the lower plenum is mainly determined by the inlet angle of converging streams flowing from the downcomer, which is caused by dispersed flow along the cylinder wall flowing from two cold legs, related with the inlet conditions.

Flow Characteristics of a Rotating Disk in Surfactant Solutions

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoshi Ogata ◽  
Keizo Watanabe
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Flow Direction ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Rotating Disk ◽  
Circular Pipe ◽  
Number Range ◽  
Surfactant Solutions ◽  
Momentum Integral

Abstract Recently, considerable interest has developed in surfactant additives for use in district heating and cooling systems to lower the pumping energy requirement. Many studies in the case of surfactant solutions have been done for the flow behavior in a circular pipe. However, few studies have been conducted on flow near a rotating disk in surfactant solutions. In this paper, the flow characteristics near an enclosed rotating disk in surfactant solutions were studied by applying flow visualization techniques and analyzed by applying the momentum integral equations which are related to the three boundary layer problem. The test surfactant solution was Ethoquad 0/12 with sodium salicylate at a concentration of 200ppm and a temperature of 18°C. The flow patterns were obtained at Re = 2.5×105 and 3.5×105 so that the Reynolds number range corresponds with the transition region to turbulent flow in the boundary layer on the rotating disk for Newtonian fluids. Consequently, it has been clarified that the amplitude of the circular vortex on the rotating disk was reduced and the flow direction near the disk was turned outward to the circumferential direction comparing with that of tap water. In additional, the limiting maximum drag reduction asymptote for a moment coefficient of a rotating disk was obtained by applying the momentum integral equation for drag-reducing solutions based on previous papers on circular pipe flow.

A Sensitivity Study of Gas Turbine Exhaust Diffuser-Collector Performance at Various Inlet Swirl Angles and Strut Stagger Angles

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal P. Siorek ◽  
Stephen Guillot ◽  
Song Xue ◽  
Wing F. Ng
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Flow Direction ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Exhaust System ◽  
Sensitivity Study ◽  
Inlet Swirl ◽  
Inlet Conditions ◽  
Gas Turbine Exhaust ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Turbine Exhaust

This paper describes studies completed using a quarter-scaled rig to assess the impact of turbine exit swirl angle and strut stagger on a turbine exhaust system consisting of an integral diffuser-collector. Advanced testing methods were applied to ascertain exhaust performance for a range of inlet conditions aerodynamically matched to flow exiting an industrial gas turbine. Flow visualization techniques along with complementary Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) predictions were used to study flow behavior along the diffuser endwalls. Complimentary CFD analysis was also completed with the aim to ascertain the performance prediction capability of modern day analytical tools for design phase and off-design analysis. The K-Epsilon model adequately captured the relevant flow features within both the diffuser and collector, and the model accurately predicted the recovery at design conditions. At off-design conditions, the recovery predictions were found to be pessimistic. The integral diffuser-collector exhaust accommodated a significant amount of inlet swirl without a degradation in performance, so long as the inlet flow direction did not significantly deviate from the strut stagger angle. Strut incidence at the hub was directly correlated with reduction in overall performance, whereas the diffuser-collector performance was not significantly impacted by strut incidence at the shroud.

Experimental Investigation on Aerodynamic Unsteadiness in a Full Scale Gas Turbine Midframe Sector

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Golsen ◽  
Jahed Hossain ◽  
Anthony Bravato ◽  
John Harrington ◽  
Joshua Bernstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Complex Flow ◽  
Inlet Conditions ◽  
Complicated Geometry ◽  
Downstream Flow ◽  
Complicated Geometries ◽  
Flow Experiments

Aerodynamic unsteadiness generated upstream of the combustor basket via the complicated geometry of a modern gas turbine can lead to incomplete combustion, reduced efficiency, greater pressure drop, flashback, and reduced part life. The MidFrame section encompasses the main gas path from the compressor exit to the turbine inlet. Diffuser performance, support struts, transition pieces, and other flow obstructing geometries can lead to flow unsteadiness which can reduce performance. This study uses a combination of thermal anemometry, pressure microphone, and wall mounted accelerometer measurements to determine the primary unsteadiness frequencies and target their source. Diffuser performance is shown to have a significant impact on the downstream flow behavior. Inlet conditions are modified to provide a separated bottom wall and a fully attached compressor exit diffuser (CED) condition at an area average inlet Mach number of 0.26. Unsteadiness levels are seen to increase as a result of the separated inlet condition while the mean flow characteristics are slightly altered due to the varying exit trajectory of the main core from the CED, nevertheless the overall level of unsteadiness/turbulence is low for such a complex flow field (8 to 11 %). Results of this study can help diagnose and prevent the aforementioned issues for complicated geometries where simple flow experiments fall short.

A Sensitivity Study of Gas Turbine Exhaust Diffuser-Collector Performance at Various Inlet Swirl Angles and Strut Stagger Angles

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal P. Siorek ◽  
Stephen Guillot ◽  
Song Xue ◽  
Wing F. Ng
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Flow Direction ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Exhaust System ◽  
Sensitivity Study ◽  
Inlet Swirl ◽  
Inlet Conditions ◽  
Gas Turbine Exhaust ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Turbine Exhaust

This paper describes studies completed using a quarter-scaled rig to assess the impact of turbine exit swirl angle and strut stagger on a turbine exhaust system consisting of an integral diffuser-collector. Advanced testing methods were applied to ascertain exhaust performance for a range of inlet conditions aerodynamically matched to flow exiting an industrial gas turbine. Flow visualization techniques along with complementary computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions were used to study flow behavior along the diffuser end walls. Complimentary CFD analysis was also completed with the aim to ascertain the performance prediction capability of modern day analytical tools for design phase and off-design analysis. The K-Epsilon model adequately captured the relevant flow features within both the diffuser and collector, and the model accurately predicted the recovery at design conditions. At off-design conditions, the recovery predictions were found to be pessimistic. The integral diffuser-collector exhaust accommodated a significant amount of inlet swirl without degradation in performance, so long as the inlet flow direction did not significantly deviate from the strut stagger angle. Strut incidence at the hub was directly correlated with reduction in overall performance, whereas the diffuser-collector performance was not significantly impacted by strut incidence at the shroud.

Investigation Into the Impact of Span-Wise Flow Distribution on the Performance of a Mixed Flow Turbine

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel P. Lee ◽  
Simon M. Barrans ◽  
Martyn L. Jupp ◽  
Ambrose K. Nickson
Keyword(s):  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Engine Performance ◽  
Flow Distribution ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Mixed Flow ◽  
Flow Angle ◽  
Inlet Conditions ◽  
The Impact

Current trends in the automotive industry towards engine downsizing means turbocharging now plays a vital role in engine performance. A turbocharger increases charge air density using a turbine to extract waste energy from the exhaust gas to drive a compressor. Most turbocharger applications employ a radial inflow turbine. However, to ensure radial stacking of the blade fibers and avoid excessive blade stresses, the inlet blade angle must remain at zero degrees. Alternately, mixed flow turbines can offer non-zero blade angles while maintaining radial stacking of the blade fibers. The additional freedom to manipulate the blade leading edge and varying tip speed allow for varying leading edge incidence in the span-wise direction. Furthermore, the flow development in the volute does not necessarily lead to uniform inlet conditions. The current paper investigates the performance of a mixed flow rotor passage under a range of span-wise flow distributions including that produced by a turbine volute. Initial unsteady pulsating simulations were conducted and the volute exit flows extracted. These distributions were then applied as boundary conditions to a single passage model. All simulations were carried out at a constant MFP and average leading edge relative flow angle. It was observed that the different inlet flow distributions resulted in marked difference in passage flow characteristics. A 2.17% variation was observed between cases in the radial passage. A tilted passage was also included providing an increased axial flow component at the inlet. This passage was found to result in greater swallowing capacity when compared to that of the radial passage.

Departure From Nucleate Boiling Modeling Development for PWR Fuel

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Yan ◽  
L. David Smith ◽  
Zeses Karoutas
Keyword(s):  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Flow Distribution ◽  
Nucleate Boiling ◽  
Normal Operation ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Hydraulic Loss ◽  
Phase Flow ◽  
Cfd Model ◽  
Pressurized Water ◽  
Water Reactors

Current Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) fuel assembly thermal-hydraulic (T/H) analyses are performed on a subchannel basis that neglects detailed heat transfer and flow distributions surrounding fuel rods. Subchannel codes such as VIPREW require input of thermal mixing and hydraulic loss coefficients that are obtained from costly experiments. Fuel thermal margin or performance is quantified in terms of Departure from Nuclear Boiling Ratio (DNBR) for PWR applications or Critical Power Ratio (CPR) for Boiling Water Reactors. DNBR and CPR predictions for reactor design and safety analysis rely on empirical correlations that are developed and qualified from costly rod bundle water DNB tests. Demands for extended power uprate, high fuel burnup, zero fuel failure, and new nuclear plant designs require a revolutionary advancement in T/H capability for better understanding of coolant behavior and more accurate predictions of thermal margin of the Light Water Reactor (LWR) core and fuel designs under normal operation and postulated accident conditions. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been used in many aspects of PWR fuel designs in Westinghouse. Significant advancement in 2-phase flow modeling has been made in the recent years. This paper will illustrate CFD–based DNB modeling development in Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel. A 5×5 test bundle PWR experiment from the ODEN DNB test facility was modeled in CFD using a relatively new 2-phase boiling model. The model geometry included the details of the mixing vane spacer grids. When compared to the test data, the CFD model demonstrated that the DNB power was reasonably predicted. The CFD model also revealed the detailed flow behavior and the 2-phase flow distribution, both of which will be beneficial for the development of new grid spacers.

scholarly journals Modelling of service reservoirs

2001 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 165-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hoi Yeung
Keyword(s):  
Plug Flow ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Flow Distribution ◽  
Tracer Test ◽  
Computational Fluid Mechanics ◽  
Width Ratio ◽  
Dual Function ◽  
Water Age ◽  
Reactor Model ◽  
Increased Risk

Service reservoirs were built to provide the dual function of balancing supply with demand and provision of adequate head to maintain pressure throughout the distribution network. Changing demographics in the UK and reducing leakage have led to significant increases in water age and hence increased risk of poor water quality. Computational fluid mechanics has been used to study the behaviour of a range of service reservoirs with a rectangular plan form. Detailed analysis of flow distribution and water age suggests that tanks with horizontal inlets are better mixed when compared with vertical top water level inlets. With increasing length to width ratio, the flow characteristics of tanks with vertical inlets increasingly resemble plug flow. A new multi-channel reactor model was developed to model the recirculations in service reservoirs. This simple model can be used to characterise the flow characteristics of service reservoirs from tracer test results.

CFD Analysis of the Coolant Mixing within the Upper Plenum of a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)

2013 ◽  
Vol 444-445 ◽  
pp. 411-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fu Cheng Zhang ◽  
Shen Gen Tan ◽  
Xun Hao Zheng ◽  
Jun Chen
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Distribution ◽  
Fluid Dynamic ◽  
Characteristic Temperature ◽  
Reactor Core ◽  
Flow Distribution ◽  
Sensitivity Study ◽  
Cfd Model ◽  
Pressurized Water Reactor ◽  
Pressurized Water ◽  
Water Reactor

In this study, a Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model is established to obtain the 3-D flow characteristic, temperature distribution of the pressurized water reactor (PWR) upper plenum and hot-legs. In the CFD model, the flow domain includes the upper plenum, the 61 control rod guide tubes, the 40 support columns, the three hot-legs. The inlet boundary located at the exit of the reactor core and the outlet boundary is set at the hot-leg pipes several meters away from upper plenum. The temperature and flow distribution at the inlet boundary are given by sub-channel codes. The computational mesh used in the present work is polyhedron element and a mesh sensitivity study is performed. The RANS equations for incompressible flow is solved with a Realizable k-ε turbulence model using the commercial CFD code STAR-CCM+. The analysis results show that the flow field of the upper plenum is very complex and the temperature distribution at inlet boundary have significant impact to the coolant mixing in the upper plenum as well as the hot-legs. The detailed coolant mixing patterns are important references to design the reactor core fuel management and the internal structure in upper plenum.

Application of CFD Model for Inlet Flow Region of 17×17 Fuel Assembly

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milorad B. Dzodzo ◽  
Bin Liu ◽  
Pablo R. Rubiolo ◽  
Zeses E. Karoutas ◽  
Michael Y. Young
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Assembly ◽  
Fluid Dynamic ◽  
Flow Distribution ◽  
Flow Region ◽  
Fretting Wear ◽  
Jet Flows ◽  
Cfd Model ◽  
Lateral Velocity ◽  
Fuel Assemblies ◽  
Inlet Conditions

A numerical investigation was performed to study the variation in axial and lateral velocity profiles occurring downstream of the inlet nozzle of a typical Westinghouse 17×17 PWR fuel assembly. A Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model was developed with commercial CFD software. The model comprised the lower region of the fuel assembly, including: the Debris Filter Bottom Nozzle (DFBN), P-grid, Bottom Inconel grid, one and half grid span, as well as the lower core plate hole. The purpose of the study was to obtain insight into the flow redistribution resulting from the interaction of the jet arising from the lower core plate hole and the fuel assembly structure. In particular the axial and lateral velocities before and after the nozzle were studied. The results, axial and lateral velocity contours, streamlines and maximum axial and lateral velocity distributions at various elevations are presented and discussed in relation to the potential risk of high turbulent excitation over the rod and the resulting rod-to-grid fretting-wear damage. The CFD model results indicated that the large jet flows from the lower core plate are effectively dissipated by DFBN nozzle and the grids components of the fuel assembly. The breakup of the large jets in the DFBN and the lower grids helps to reduce the steep velocity gradients and thus the rod vibration and fretting-wear risk in the lower part of the fuel assembly. The presented CFD model is one step towards developing advanced tools that can be used to confirm and evaluate the effect of complex PWR structures on flow distribution. In the future the presented model could be integrated in a larger CFD model involving several fuel assemblies for evaluating the lateral velocities generated due to the non-uniform inlet conditions into the various fuel assemblies.

scholarly journals Flow responses alteration by geometrical effects of tubercles on plates under the maximal angle of attack

2020 ◽  
pp. 095440622097543
Author(s):  
KS Mu ◽  
ABH Kueh ◽  
PN Shek ◽  
MR Mohd Haniffah ◽  
BC Tan
Keyword(s):  
Flow Direction ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Angle Of Attack ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Control Case ◽  
Reattachment Length ◽  
Flow Recirculation ◽  
Pressure Profiles ◽  
Maximal Angle ◽  
Geometrical Effects

Plates with leading-edge tubercles experience beneficially more gradual aerodynamics stalling when entering the post-stall regime. Little is known, however, about the corresponding aquatic flow responses when these tubercles-furnished plates are subjected to the maximal angle of attack, with the flow direction perpendicular to their planar area. Hence, this study presents numerically, by means of the flow behavior solver ANSYS, the flow responses alteration in terms of the geometrical effects of tubercles on plates through changes in amplitudes (5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm) and wavelengths (50 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm) under the maximal angle of attack in comparison to a control case, i.e., without tubercles. Additional to the commonly examined flow velocity and pressure, characteristics such as wake (area, reattachment length, flow recirculation intensity) and newly defined downstream vortical parameters (area, perimeter, and Feret diameters) for the vortex region have been proposed and assessed. It is found that the drag increases with the tubercle wavelength but corresponds inversely with the tubercle amplitude. By correlating with the best beneficial velocity and pressure profiles, it has been characterized that the optimally performing plate is the one that generates the greatest flow recirculation intensity, wake area, and reattachment length, corresponding to the capability to produce also the highest vortical area, perimeter, and major Feret diameter. Compared to the control case, all plates with tubercles alter beneficially these flow behaviors. In conclusion, plates with tubercles contribute favorably to the flow behaviors under the maximal angle of attack compared to the control case while the newly proposed downstream parameters could serve capably as alternatives in corroborating the flow physics description in future studies.

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