Coupled one-dimensional and CFD models for the simulation of steam generators

• Published in: Nuclear engineering and design 2016-12, Vol.310, p.93-111
• Main Authors: Hovi, Ville, Pättikangas, Timo, Riikonen, Vesa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Boilers; Circulation; Computer applications; Computer simulation; Generators; Heat transfer; One dimensional models; Porous media; Pressure; Pressure reduction; Pressurized water reactors; Simulation; Steam; Studies; Surface temperature; Three dimensional models; Tubes; Turbulence
• ISSN: 0029-5493; 1872-759X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nucengdes.2016.09.023

•A computational procedure for modeling steam generators is presented.•The procedure consists of coupled one-dimensional system code and CFD models.•The 3D CFD model utilizes the porous medium approximation.•Simulation results are compared against available experimental measurements. A computational procedure suitable for modeling both vertical and horizontal steam generators is presented. The procedure consists of a one-dimensional model for the whole steam generator and a CFD model for the secondary side. The three-dimensional two-phase CFD simulation of the secondary side utilizes the porous medium approximation and the mixture k-ε turbulence model. One-way coupling between the models is used, in which the surface temperatures of the heat transfer tubes are considered as a boundary condition for the CFD simulation. A stationary state and two pressure transients, a pressure rise and a pressure reduction, for the PWR PACTEL steam generator are calculated and the internal circulation on the secondary side is analyzed. PWR PACTEL is a test facility, located at Lappeenranta University of technology, in Finland, which was constructed for research activities associated with the European Pressurized Reactor (EPR).