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Conference Article: A Finite Volume-Based Network Method For The Prediction of Heat \Mass and Momentum Transfer In A Pebble Bed Reactor

G.P. Greyvenstein and H.J. van Antwerpen, Energy Systems Research, Potchefstroom, SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

In this paper a new control volume based network scheme for the prediction of heat, mass and momentum transfer in a pebble bed reactor is presented. The discretization scheme takes detail effects such as convection, radiation and conduction heat transfer into account and also provides for several types of reactor flow elements such as pipes, annuli, risers and porous media. The network representation of the reactor is solved as an integral part of the overall thermal-fluid network for the entire power conversion unit. The new control volume based network scheme facilitates the setting up of the reactor network taking detail effects such as complex radiation and effective pebble bed-solid interface conduction into account. The model is used as a benchmark for the current element-based network scheme and it is also used to investigate the effect of more accurate radiation discretization on the temperature profile in the reactor. Excellent agreement has been found with the current element-based reactor model.

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key words: Gas Cooled Reactor, Nuclear Technology
Reference:
Proceedings of the Conference on High Temperature Reactors, Beijing, China, September, 22-24, 2004
International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria)
HTR-2004, pp:1-9