Numerical modelling of subcooled flow boiling and heat transfer enhancement: validation and applicability to fusion reactor target design

Young, G., Karimi, N. and Mackenzie, R. (2020) Numerical modelling of subcooled flow boiling and heat transfer enhancement: validation and applicability to fusion reactor target design. Journal of Energy Resources Technology, 142(11), 112105. (doi: 10.1115/1.4047254)

Abstract

Boiling flows are an extremely efficient mechanism for the transfer of ultra-high heat fluxes and used in numerous industrial applications. In this paper, the accuracy of computational fluid dynamics in predicting the temperature distributions and heat transfer performance is examined within a nuclear fusion reactor divertor. The aim is to establish the role of CFD within the design of complicated high heat flux components using a semi-mechanistic approach to flow boiling that is independent of geometry and flow conditions. An Eulerian-Eulerian two-fluid method is developed and a conjugate heat transfer model is validated against the existing experimental data where available. Overall, a satisfactory accuracy is achieved in the prediction of several important quantities. Temperature distribution throughout the divertor is found to be highly accurate and aligns with the physical testing across two expected operating regimes. Additionally, the system heat transfer coefficients and coolant temperatures are close to the assumptions already established within the literature. Heat transfer enhancement is a critical component of the divertor design and a twisted tape insert appears to be necessary for the system to withstand ultra-high heat fluxes encountered within the fusion reactor. The results show that inclusion of a twisted tape improved the heat transfer coefficient of the system by almost 45% allowing the divertor to withstand the required heat fluxes of 10MW/m2 and 20MW/m2.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by Mott MacDonald Ltd.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Karimi, Dr Nader
• Authors: Young, G., Karimi, N., and Mackenzie, R.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering
• Journal Name: Journal of Energy Resources Technology
• Publisher: American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• ISSN: 0195-0738
• ISSN (Online): 1528-8994
• Published Online: 09 June 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 ASME
• First Published: First published in Journal of Energy Resources Technology 142(11): 112105
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the publisher