Two-phase flow boiling instabilities: A review. (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Chong; Fang, Xiande; Dai, Qiumin
• Is Part Of: Annals of nuclear energy. Volume 173(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: Two-phase -- Flow boiling instability -- Investigation methods -- Influence of different parameters -- Control strategies; Nuclear energy -- Periodicals; Nuclear engineering -- Periodicals; 621.4805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anucene.2022.109099
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4549

Abstract

Highlights: Introduces the background and previous reviews on two-phase flow instabilities. Explains the typical types and mechanism of two-phase flow instability. Studies experimental and numerical investigations of two-phase flow instability. Reveals effects of mass flux, system pressure, heat flux, and inlet subcooling on two-phase flow instability. Explores control strategies for flow instability. Abstract: The present work is to solve or suppress the two-phase flow boiling instability. A comprehensive review shows the research progress of flow instability types, experimental and numerical investigation methods, and influence of different parameters and control strategies of flow instability in recent years. The results show that the instability is the inevitable result of two-phase flow boiling. The types and causes of flow instability are indicated by pressure drop and temperature fluctuations, reverse flow, critical heat flux (CHF) and dry out. Refrigerant flow in the loop system and nonlinear time domain analysis are the common methods of experimental and numerical research, respectively. Mass flux, system pressure, heat flux and inlet subcooling are considered to be the main factors affecting flow instability. These instabilities not only cause control problems, but also affect heat transfer characteristics, resulting in the system and equipment unable to work normally, so more attention is being paid to using various techniques to suppress flow instabilities. Flow passage modification is the more commonly used and effective method to overcome the flow instability. Besides, topics worthy of attention for future research in flow instability are proposed.