Thermal hydraulic performance analysis of printed circuit heat exchanger based on high temperature molten salt

Abstract

BackgroundThe printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) has high heat transfer efficiency and compact structure, which can be used as the key equipment for heat transfer of small modular molten salt reactor, It is of great significance to the study of its flow heat transfer characteristics.PurposeThis study aims to explore the heat transfer characteristics of printed circuit heat exchanger and compare numerical simulation result with experimental data.MethodsThe flow heat transfer characteristics of molten salt (FNaBe) -helium heat exchangers with different flow channel structures, fin types and pitch were obtained by CFD numerical simulation, and the results were compared with those of traditional straight channel structures for comprehensive evaluation. The main thermal performance parameters of the heat exchanger with various airfoil fin structures were verified by experiment to find the best structure.ResultsThe results show that the numerical simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results. Compared with the traditional straight channel structure, the fins can strengthen the heat transfer characteristics of the heat exchanger and reduce the flow resistance. NACA0025-8 mm airfoil fin structure has the best flow heat transfer characteristics.ConclusionsThe numerical simulation method established in this study can be used to predict the flow heat transfer characteristics of printed circuit heat exchanger. The empirical correlation formula of NACA0025-8 mm airfoil fin structure is fitted, which provides a theoretical basis for the design of subsequent heat exchangers.

Keywords

• printed circuit heat exchanger
• molten salt
• thermal-hydraulic performance
• numerical simulation