Stability enhancement of supercritical CO2 based natural circulation loop using a modified Tesla valve

Abstract

This article deals with the comparative investigation of instability phenomenon in supercritical CO2 based regular natural circulation loop and a new modified Tesla natural circulation loop. Two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulation is carried out for square loops. Fluid flow behaviour and performance of both the loops are determined over a range of pressures (80–100 bar) and heat inputs (500–2000 W). Results show that the use of a modified Tesla valve leads to better stabilization for all supercritical pressures and heat inputs. It is also found that loop with Tesla mitigates the temperature and velocity oscillations without reducing the heat transfer performance. A good agreement with existing correlations is also obtained in the present study. The unidirectional fluid flow circulation achieved in loop with Tesla valve, makes it an efficient technique to combat instability.