Analysis of the temperature distribution in the pin bundle of the CIRCE facility

Abstract

In this paper, a CFD analysis of the Fuel Pin Simulator (FPS) of the CIRCE-HERO facility built at the ENEA research centre in Brasimone was performed. STAR-CCM+ code was used with the purpose of reproducing steady-state and transient experimental conditions adopting LBE as working fluid. RANS and URANS simulations were performed comparing the calculated temperature trends with the experimental data. In particular, the FPS average outlet temperature was monitored for the transient case and an exhaustive study of the heat transfer between the FPS and the pool during the transient was carried out. The impact of the involved heat transfer phenomena on the FPS energy balance was studied from a quantitative point of view and the relevant difference in terms of thermal inertia between pool and FPS component was pointed out.

STH/CFD Coupled Simulation of the Protected Loss of Flow Accident in the CIRCE-HERO Facility

“…While the fluid in the FPS rapidly becomes colder due to the lack of heating provided by the rods, the one in the pool, consisting in several tons of LBE, cools down following a relevantly slower transient. For a more accurate analysis of the observed phenomena the reader is also be referred to [27]. The impact of this heat transfer on the observed phenomena is relevant.…”

Liquid metal cooled fast reactor thermal hydraulic research development: A review

“…Because ANTEO+ is based on empirical correlations, the validation step is critical. In addition, the temperature distribution in the CIRCE facility's pin bundle was examined [ 54 ]. Furthermore, heat transmission in an FPS that is cooled with HLM was examined in the NACIE-UP facility [ 55 ].…”