Abstract
A computer code (LOCA-COLA) has been developed at MIT for steady state analysis of convective heat transfer loops. In this work, it is used to investigate an external convection loop for decay heat removal of a post-LOCA GFR. The major finding is that natural circulation cooling of the GFR is feasible under certain circumstances. Both helium and CO2 cooled system components are found to operate in the mixed convection regime, the effects of which are noticeable as heat transfer enhancement or degradation. It is found that CO2 outperforms helium under identical natural circulation conditions. Decay heat removal is found to have a quadratic dependence on pressure in the laminar flow regime and linear dependence in the turbulent flow regime. Other parametric studies have been performed as well. In conclusion convection cooling loops are a credible means for GFR decay heat removal and LOCA-COLA is an effective tool for steady state analysis of cooling loops.
Original language | English |
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Pages | 753-762 |
Number of pages | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2004 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | 12th International Conference on Nuclear Engineering (ICONE12) - 2004 - Arlington, VA, United States Duration: Apr 25 2004 → Apr 29 2004 |
Conference
Conference | 12th International Conference on Nuclear Engineering (ICONE12) - 2004 |
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Country/Territory | United States |
City | Arlington, VA |
Period | 04/25/04 → 04/29/04 |
Keywords
- Decay Heat Removal
- Gas-Cooled Fast Reactors
- Mixed Convection
- Natural Circulation
- Passive Safety Systems