Thermosiphon Circulation Inside Vertical Condenser Bundle with Through Flow

Abstract

The tube side intermittent flow in U-tube bundle of vertical condenser is numerically simulated using RELAP5 MOD3.4. The flow rate intermit between a maximum and minimum value. The results of the simulation shows that reverse flow is established inside a group of the tubes from the outlet to the inlet channel -head during the low flow rate period. The reverse flow is seized when the minimum flow rate exceeds certain value. A steady state numerical simulation predicts the minimum inlet flow rate to establish the reverse flow. The effect of temperature difference at the inlet of the tubes and the tube resistance on the limit of the reverse flow inception is also studied. The heat transfer from the condensing steam on the shell side is also taken into consideration.