Development and validation of a simulation tool for next generation detector cooling systems

Viren Bhanot,Paolo Petagna,Andrea Cioncolini,Hector Iacovides

doi:10.1016/j.nima.2019.163264

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO2) has emerged as a very suitable refrigerant for Tracker cooling applications in high-energy physics. It has been successfully implemented in a two-phase pumped-loop cycle on three experiments at CERN. CO2-based cooling systems will continue to be used for the next generation of Silicon detectors at CERN. These next generation detectors will be much larger and will be operated at much lower temperatures than those considered so far and thus the cooling systems will need to be correspondingly upgraded. The numerical simulation tool developed at CERN to inform such an upgrade is presented here, together with the results of its validation carried out using experimental data generated with a purpose-built test setup.

Highlights

Silicon tracking detectors are used in high-energy physics to determine the path and momentum of the fundamental particles created in particle collisions inside particle detectors
The main objectives of this paper are: (1) to present the EcosimPro simulation tool developed at CERN for 2PACL cooling systems, and (2) to validate the simulation tool using experimental data generated with a purpose-built, 2PACL-representative test setup
The generation of Silicon detector cooling systems to be installed at CERN will require a significant upgrade of the 2PACL architecture to meet with the challenges of lower evaporation temperatures, larger cooling loads, and a large number of evaporator tubes operated in parallel

Summary

Introduction

Silicon tracking detectors are used in high-energy physics to determine the path and momentum of the fundamental particles created in particle collisions inside particle detectors. The 2PACL concept will require significant modifications. The control strategy will require changes to deal with new system characteristics and to cope with the delays associated with the longer transfer lines. To address these challenges, it was decided at CERN to develop a numerical tool capable of simulating the behaviour of 2PACL cooling systems in steady-state and transient conditions. Intended applications of the tool are: (1) to study the behaviour of different design alternatives quickly and inexpensively, (2) to study different control methodologies, and (3) to provide a digital twin for use in training plant operators and carrying out virtual commissioning

Objectives

Results

Conclusion