Thermodynamic calculations of a two-phase thermosyphon loop for cold neutron sources

Abstract

A new method is described for thermodynamic calculations of a two-phase thermosyphon loop based on a one-dimensional finite element division, where each time-step is split up in a change of enthalpy and a change in entropy. The method enables the investigation of process responses for a cooling loop from room temperature down to cryogenic temperatures. The method is applied for the simulation of two distinct thermosyphon loops: a two-phase deuterium and a two-phase hydrogen thermosyphon loop. The simulated process responses are compared to measurements on these loops. The comparisons show that the method can be used to optimize the design of such loops with respect to performance and resulting void fractions.