Validation of CFD modeling for VGM loss-of-forced-cooling accidents

Aaron Wysocki, Bobby Ahmed, Anne Charmeau, Samim Anghaie

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Heat transfer and fluid flow in the VGM reactor cavity cooling system (RCCS) was modeled using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The VGM is a Russian modular-type high temperature helium-cooled reactor. In the reactor cavity, heat is removed from the pressure vessel wall through natural convection and radiative heat transfer to water-cooled vertical pipes lining the outer cavity concrete. The RCCS heat removal capability under normal operation and accident scenarios needs to be assessed. The purpose of the present study is to validate the use of CFD to model heat transfer in the VGM RCCS. Calculations were based on a benchmark problem which defines a two-dimensional temperature distribution on the pressure vessel outer wall for both Depressurized and Pressurized Loss-of-Forced Cooling events. A two-dimensional axisymmetric model was developed to determine the best numerical modeling approach. A grid sensitivity study for the air region showed that a 20 mm mesh size with a boundary layer giving a maximum y+ of 2.0 was optimal. Sensitivity analyses determined that the discrete ordinates radiative model, the k-omega turbulence model, and the ideal gas law gave the best combination for capturing radiation and natural circulation in the air cavity. A maximum RCCS pipe wall temperature of 62°C located 6 m from the top of the cavity was predicted. The model showed good agreement with previous results for both Pressurized and Depressurized Loss-of-Forced- Cooling accidents based on RCCS coolant outlet temperature, relative contributions of radiative and convective heat transfer, and RCCS heat load profiles.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants 2009, ICAPP 2009
PublisherAtomic Energy Society of Japan
Pages315-322
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781617386084
StatePublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes
EventInternational Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants 2009, ICAPP 2009 - Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
Duration: May 10 2009May 14 2009

Publication series

NameInternational Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants 2009, ICAPP 2009
Volume1

Conference

ConferenceInternational Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants 2009, ICAPP 2009
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityShinjuku, Tokyo
Period05/10/0905/14/09

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