Modelling and Validation of Turbulent Boiling Flow in a Rectangular 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. However, a disagreement in velocity and turbulence magnitude can be observed in the boiling region at lower Reynolds numbers. The size of experimental bubble diameter in the vicinity of the heated wall is assessed by the means of non-dimensional analysis.