Conceptual design and numerical assessment of compact heat exchanger for lead-based reactor

Abstract A conceptual design of compact and highly efficient heat exchanger has been developed and proposed for the 10 MWth lead-based reactor using mathematical and numerical methods. Lead Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) and Pressurized Liquid Water (PLW) are selected as working fluid across the hot and cold sides of the Compact Heat Excahnger (CHE). The mathematical method based on energy balance equations has been used to develop the design of CHE with complete specifications of structural parameters. While, in the numerical method, FLUENT has been used to analyze and evaluate the detailed observation of thermal performance, Stanton number, and development of the irreversible heat transfer by the Bejan number. The thermal performance of CHE can be controlled with the flow rate of the PLW. The maximum overall heat transfer coefficient and effectiveness were 7528 W⋅m−2K−1 and 0.79, respectively. The thermal-hydraulic analysis involves the assessment of Nusselt number (Nu), temperature contour, and velocity vector and stream line. The numerical simulation results are agreed well with the correlation and the error is within ranges of ~ 2- 8%. This study can be used as a reference for the development and design of a compact and efficient heat exchanger for lead-based reactors.