Multi-tube effect of external condensation with non-condensable gas in a tube bundle. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Do Yun; NO, Hee Cheon; Jeon, Byong Guk; Lim, Sang Gyu; Yoon, Ho Joon
• Is Part Of: Annals of nuclear energy. Volume 168(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: External condensation -- Tube bundle -- PCCS -- Condensation correlation; Nuclear energy -- Periodicals; Nuclear engineering -- Periodicals; 621.4805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anucene.2021.108894
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4549

Abstract

Highlights: The performance of heat exchangers in the passive containment cooling system is essential for the safety of nuclear power plants. External condensation correlation in the presence of non-condensable gas was developed and validated with experiment. The tube bundle effect for PCCS was analyzed in terms of vessel size and length/numbers of the heat exchanger. Bundle correction parameters were suggested as a function of the ratio of HX area and vessel volume (A/V). Abstract: The passive safety design concept is essential to remove decay heat under the station blackout. We conducted experimental and CFD-based studies on condensation in the presence of non-condensable gas to analyze the performance of a Passive Containment Cooling System. External condensation experiments were performed in 2 ∼ 4 bar, air mass fraction in 0.2 ∼ 0.7 with 1 ∼ 3 cylindrical tubes. CFD simulation was also performed to analyze the condensation phenomenon considering the effect of the tube bundle in terms of the ratio of Heat Exchanger area and vessel volume (A/V). We conducted the sensitivity study on the various tube bundle and vessel geometry by CFD and suggested bundle correction parameters as a function of the A/V. As a result, we evaluated the PCCS design with the horizontal tube bundle. It significantly reduces the required number of tubes compared to vertical tube bundle design because of the larger tube surface area and higher HTC by an inclination enhancement factor.