Simulation of thermal fluid dynamics in parabolic trough receiver tubes with direct steam generation using the computer code ATHLET


Simulation of thermal fluid dynamics in parabolic trough receiver tubes with direct steam generation using the computer code ATHLET

Hoffmann, A.; Merk, B.; Hirsch, T.; Pitz-Paal, R.

In the present feasibility study the system code ATHLET, which originates from nuclear engineering, is applied to a parabolic trough test facility. A model of the DISS (DIrect Solar Steam) test facility at Plataforma Solar de Almería in Spain is assembled and the results of the simulations are compared to measured data and the simulation results of the Modelica library "DissDyn". A profound comparison between ATHLET Mod 3.0 Cycle A and the "DissDyn" library reveals the capabilities of these codes. The calculated mass and energy balance in the ATHLET simulations are in good agreement with the results of the measurements and confirm the applicability for thermodynamic simulations of DSG processes in principle. Supplementary, the capabilities of the 6-equation model with transient momentum balances in ATHLET are used to study the slip between liquid and gas phases and to investigate pressure wave oscillations after a sudden valve closure.

Keywords: parabolic trough; direct steam generation; numerical simulation; DISS test facility; Modelica library ’DissDyn’; ATHLET

  • Kerntechnik 79(2014)3, 175-186

Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-19488
Publ.-Id: 19488