Analysis and generalization of experimental data on heat transfer to supercritical pressure water flow in annular channels and rod bundles

Abstract

Experimental data on heat transfer to supercritical pressure water presented at ISSCWR-5, 6, and 7 international symposiums—which took place in 2011–2015 in Canada, China, and Finland—and data printed in recent periodical scientific publications were analyzed. Results of experiments with annular channels and three- and four-rod bundles of heating elements positioned in square or triangular grids were examined. Methodology used for round pipes was applied at generalization of experimental data and establishing of correlations suitable for engineering analysis of heat exchange coefficient in conditions of strongly changing water properties in the near-critical pressure region. Empiric formulas describing normal heat transfer to supercritical pressure water mowing in annular channels and rod bundles were obtained. As compared to existing recommendations, suggested correlations are distinguished by specified dependency of heat exchange coefficient on density of heat flux and mass flow velocity of water near pseudo-critical temperature. Differences between computed values of heat exchange coefficient and experimental data usually do not exceed ±25%. Detailed statistical analysis of deviations between computed and experimental results at different states of supercritical pressure water flow was carried out. Peculiarities of deteriorated heat exchange were considered and their existence boundaries were defined. Experimental results obtained for these regimes were generalized using criteria by J.D. Jackson that take the influence of thermal acceleration and Archimedes forces on heat exchange processes into account. Satisfactory agreement between experimental data on heat exchange at flowing of water in annular channels and rod bundles and data for round pipes was shown.