Investigating the Influence of PCM Properties, Containment Geometry, and Initial Conditions on the Transient Behavior of a PCM-Based Heat Removal System for Passive Molten Salt Fast Reactor

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive numerical analysis of melting phenomena and natural convection heat transfer in a heat removal system utilizing phase change material (PCM) for application in Passive Molten Salt Fast Reactor (PMFR). The integration of PCM-based systems in PMFR is crucial for enhancing safety and efficiency by mitigating temperature fluctuations and managing heat dissipation during transient conditions. The investigation focuses on the dynamic interplay between the phase change process of the PCM and the natural convection heat transfer mechanisms within the reactor system. A lumped-parameter model is developed to simulate and analyze the behavior of the PCM as it undergoes melting in response to varying heat loads. The study explores the influence of key parameters such as PCM properties, containment geometry on the overall performance of the heat removal system. The results highlight the effectiveness of the proposed PCM-based heat removal system in maintaining temperature stability and optimizing heat dissipation in PMFR. This research advances our understanding of PCM applications in passive safety systems for molten salt reactors. The insights gained contribute to designing and optimizing passive safety features in advanced reactor systems, potentially advancing the field of advanced nuclear engineering.