Computational fluid dynamics analysis of the natural circulation system in vertical heater horizontal cooler (VHHC) molten salt loop

Abstract

Molten salt has attracted the attention of researchers, especially as a coolant because of its characteristics. This study aimed to analyse the transient and steady-state of the natural circulation system in the molten salt loop with vertical heater and horizontal cooler using computational fluid dynamics. The computational fluid dynamics module in the COMSOL Multiphysics software was used to solve governing equations. Experimental data from several references were used as input data in modelling. The loop was modelled as a rectangular loop with Inconel 625 as the pipe material and molten salt (NaNO3+KNO3) as the working fluid. The variation of heater power was also carried out in modelling. The modelling results showed a good agreement with the experimental results. The results provided that the molten salt natural circulation loop with vertical heater and horizontal cooler showed good flow stability without reversal of flow direction.