Verification of a self-developed CFD-based multi-physics coupled code MPC-LBE for LBE-cooled reactor

To perform an integral simulation of a pool-type reactor using CFD code,a multi-physics coupled code MPC-LBE for an LBE-cooled reactor was proposed by integrating a point kinetics model and a fuel pin heat transfer model into self-developed CFD code.For code verification,a code-to-code comparison was employed to validate the CFD code.Furthermore,a typical BT transient benchmark on the LBE-cooled XADS reactor was selected for verification in terms of the integral or system performance.Based on the verification results,it was demonstrated that the MPC-LBE coupled code can perform thermal-hydraulics or safety analyses for analysis for processes involved in LBE-cooled pool-type reactors.

Fundamental study of novel mid-and low-temperature solar thermochemical energy conversion

A new approach to application of mid-and low-temperature solar thermochemical technology was in-troduced and investigated.Concentrated solar thermal energy in the range of 150―300℃ can be effi-ciently converted into high-grade solar fuel by integrating this technique with the endothermic reaction of hydrocarbons.The conversion mechanism of upgrading the low-grade solar thermal energy to high-grade chemical energy was examined based on the energy level.The new mechanism was used to integrate two novel solar thermal power systems:A solar/methanol fuel hybrid thermal power plant and a solar-hybrid combined cycle with inherent CO2 separation using chemical-looping combustion,for developing highly efficient solar energy use to generate electricity.An innovative prototype of a 5-kW solar receiver/reactor,as the key process for realizing the proposed system,was designed and manu-factured.Furthermore,experimental validation of energy conversion of the mid-and low-temperature solar thermochemical processes were conducted.In addition,a second practical and viable approach to the production of hydrogen,in combination with the novel mid-and low-temperature solar thermo-chemical process,was proposed and demonstrated experimentally in the manufactured solar re-ceiver/reactor prototype through methanol steam reforming.The results obtained here indicate that the development of mid-and low-temperature solar thermochemical technology may provide a promising and new direction to efficient utilization of low-grade solar thermal energy,and may enable step-wise approaches to cost-effective,globally scalable solar energy systems.