An eutectic salts reactor simulated with Open Foam
Problem encountered
A 4th generation project reactor whose core is made up of eutectic uranium salts, works at a temperature as high as 800 to 1000°C. Temperature homogeneity is therefore a critical factor for reactor design, because the maximum temperature needs to be limited so as to allow for a wider choice of building materials.
Objective
To calculate then improve temperature homogeneity through optimizing salt injection into the reactor.
Solutions
- 3D simulations of the eutectic salt flows inside the core of the reactor, taking into account the heating source whose values are determined by means of neutronic models.
- Study of the impact of the core shape and salt injection on temperature homogeneity
- Part of the above operations were performed using OpenFoam
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Salt path and temperature distribution in case of non symmetrical injection causing a vortex. This solution determines the formation of a too low velocity flow area in the centre of the reactor. |
