Computational fluid dynamics analysis of the natural circulation system in vertical heater horizontal cooler (VHHC) molten salt loop
Duwi Hariyanto(1)(4), Sidik Permana(1)(2), Abdul Waris(1)(2) and Suprijadi(3)

(1)Nuclear Physics and Biophysics Research Division, Physics Department, Institut Teknologi Bandung
(2)Nuclear Science and Engineering Department, Institut Teknologi Bandung
(3)Theoretical High Energy Physics and Instrumentation Research Division, Physics Department, Institut Teknologi Bandung
(4)Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Study Program, Production and Industrial Technology Department, Institut Teknologi Sumatera

Abstract

Molten salt has attracted the attention of researchers, especially as a coolant because of its characteristics. The purpose of this study is to analyse the transient and steady state of the natural circulation system in the molten salt loop with vertical heater and horizontal cooler using computational fluid dynamics. The computational fluid dynamics module in the COMSOL Multiphysics software is used to solve governing equations. Experimental data from several references are used as input data in modelling. The loop is modelled as a rectangular loop with Inconel 625 as the pipe material and molten salt (NaNO3+KNO3) as the working fluid. The variation of heater power is also carried out in modelling. The modelling results show good agreement with the experimental results. The results provided that the molten salt natural circulation loop with vertical heater and horizontal cooler showed good flow stability without reversal of flow direction.

Keywords: molten salt, computational fluid dynamics, natural circulation, instability

Topic: Nuclear Science and Engineering