Flow rate distribution in evaporating parallel pipes—modeling and experimental

Abstract

The motivation for the present work is related to the use of parabolic trough solar power technology for direct steam generation (DSG). So far, commercial plants use liquid oil to absorb heat from the collectors, and steam is produced in heat exchangers. A more efficient process of direct steam generation in the collectors is not used due to possible uneven flow rate distribution and other instabilities, related to liquid–vapor flow in parallel pipes. In this work we present an analysis and experimental results for the flow rate distribution of water flowing and evaporating in two parallel pipes with common inlet and outlet manifolds. A new simplified model that yields the pressure drop versus the flow rate in a single pipe is developed. This model is the basis for the calculation of steady-state solutions, stability analysis and transient simulations in two parallel pipes. Multiple steady-state solutions may be obtained depending on the flow rate and the heating power. Linear stability analysis and transient simulation allow to differentiate between the stable steady states and the unstable ones. It is also shown that when few stable state solutions are possible the one that takes place depends on the history of the inlet flow rate. Experimental results compare well with the theoretical solutions.