NEPTUNE_CFD Analysis of Flow Field in Rectangular Boiling Channel

Abstract

The boiling flow experiments in a rectangular vertical channel, performed at the Texas A&M University, were used to validate the prediction capabilities of the NEPTUNE_CFD code. The refrigerant HFE-301 was used as a working fluid. Liquid velocity and turbulent kinetic energy profiles close to the heated wall were compared. NEPTUNE_CFD simulations successfully predict the main experimental tendencies associated with the heat flux and Reynolds number variation. Nevertheless, at lower Reynolds numbers, a somewhat higher disagreement in velocity and turbulent kinetic energy can be observed in the boiling region. The size of bubble diameter at departure from the heated wall is assessed by the means of non-dimensional analysis and compared with model predictions.