Refined numerical analysis of prototype steam generator for sodium-cooled fast reactor

This paper presents a comprehensive three-dimensional numerical simulation of a prototype steam generator for a sodium-cooled fast reactor. The model features a 1:1 geometric representation of the sodium side with detailed meshing, while the water side utilizes a User-Defined Function for accurate thermal modeling. The simulation integrates the coupled flow and heat transfer processes on both sides of the sodium-water steam generator. Validation against experimental data confirms the model’s reliability, showing good agreement in sodium temperature and heat load distribution under both rated and 28% power conditions. The study reveals detailed flow and heat transfer characteristics, including sodium-side flow fields, pressure fields, and temperature fields, as well as water-side fluid and wall temperatures and heat transfer coefficients. Results indicate a relatively uniform heat load distribution in most areas of the tube bundle. This work provides a robust theoretical foundation and effective technical support for the design optimization, performance improvement, and safety assessment of sodium-cooled fast reactor steam generators.