Stability analysis of Tesla valve based natural circulation loop for decay heat removal in nuclear power plants

摘要

In Nuclear power plants, the process of Decay heat removal is very crucial for safe operation of the plant. Passive methods such as using Natural Circulation Loops make the process reliable and cheaper. However, such systems are subjected to instability when both heater and condenser are horizontally positioned. One of the methods to overcome such difficulties is to use a Tesla valve. A Tesla valve is a one way valve with no moving parts which allows fluid to flow easily in one direction but provides a very high impedance in opposite direction. The present study deals with numerical analysis of single phase natural circulation loop with and without Tesla valve having water as the fluid. The loop with Tesla valve stabilizes about 100 seconds earlier than loop without Tesla and incorporation of Tesla results in unidirectional circulation every time. Hence Tesla valve can be used in the loop for stability without appreciable flow resistance.