Feasibility study on cooling scheme design of the concrete shielding for swimming pool-type low-temperature heating reactor

Abstract

Elevating the operational parameters of Swimming Pool-type Low-Temperature Heating Reactors to augment heating capacity raises concerns about heightened water temperatures within the pool. Elevated water temperatures pose a significant challenge to the integrity and durability of the concrete shielding, necessitating innovative solutions for effective thermal insulation. Existing approaches, such as insulation coatings and static insulation water layers, have shown limitations in maintaining prolonged cooling efficiency under reactor operating conditions. In response to this challenge, our research introduced a novel approach: the implementation of a flowing water layer within the concrete structure. A specialized insulation water layer is integrated within the reactor to efficiently isolate high-temperature pool water from the surrounding concrete shielding. A comprehensive experimental setup is established to assess the insulation effectiveness, yielding insights into the water layer’s insulation performance. Results demonstrate a significant radial temperature difference of up to 14.31 °C between the cold and hot walls of the water layer within the experimental parameters. Investigation into critical experimental variables indicates that inlet positioning minimally affects insulation efficiency. This study not only verifies the viability of the insulation water layer approach but also furnishes crucial experimental data for future research endeavors about the cooling scheme of the Swimming Pool-type Low-Temperature Heating Reactor.