One-Dimensional Simulation and Experimental Investigation of the Shell-Integrated Condenser of the Underwater Closed-Loop Thermal Propulsion System

In order to understand heat transfer of the shell condenser in the closed-loop thermal propulsion system of the unmanned underwater Vehicles, the one-dimensional thermal model based on the hull-integrated condenser with helix channels is developed. After this, experimental research is conducted. Through the experiment data and theoretical calculation results compared, the accuracy of the heat transfer mathematical model is verified, and the correlation formulas about heat transfer are developed. In addition, the impacts of three factors on the performance of the shell condenser are investigated, including cross-sectional area of the cooling channel, flow rate and temperature of inlet steam. The research results indicate that the model and the correlation formulas about heat transfer is reliability and accuracy, which can provide a theoretical basis for simulation and optimization design of the shell condenser.