Research on optimization scheme for boiling heat transfer models of mini-channels casing-pipes once-through steam generator

The mini-channels casing-pipes once-through steam generator(MCOTSG) is used for a certain type of small modular reactor. The boiling heat transfer model is crucial to the accuracy of simulating the heat transfer process on the secondary loop of MCOTSG. In this paper, the heat transfer tubes of MCOTSG are taken as the research object. The thermal-hydraulic model of primary and secondary loops is established based on the RELAP5 program. Then the different nucleate boiling heat transfer models are calibrated and analyzed based on the experimental results of the steady state under low flow rate conditions. On this basis, the secondary loop heat transfer characteristics and the overall operating characteristics of OTSG under the transient state of feedwater flow rate reduction are simulated. The results of the steady state and transient state analysis show that the revised model that the Bertsch correlation is used to correct the Chen correlation performs the best in terms of computational stability and computational accuracy. The results of the study can provide a basis for the safety analysis and optimal design of MCOTSG and small modular reactor under low flow rate conditions.

Automated summary

This paper focuses on the boiling heat transfer model of mini-channels casing-pipes once-through steam generator (MCOTSG). By calibrating and analyzing the different nucleate boiling heat transfer models based on steady state experimental results, the secondary loop heat transfer characteristics and overall operating characteristics of OTSG under feedwater flow rate reduction are simulated. The results can provide a basis for the safety analysis and optimal design of MCOTSG and small modular reactor under low flow rate conditions.