Validation of the NASGE ThermoHydraulic Code by the PGV Experimental Results

Translating the steam generator functional requirements intospecific design criteria requires a deep knowledge of thermo fluid dynamical behaviour of both sodium (in the external channels) and water. These features are to be emphasized, since the prediction of speed, pressure, temperature in the sodium and water flow can lead to new design criteria aimed at improving the steam generator performance and avoid dangerous and inefficient operating conditions. Hence it is suitable to have computer codes at one’s disposal, to predict the thermo-fluid dynamics of the fluids in the various operating conditions, for steam generators of any size.This paper is devoted to present a preliminary study on a steam generator code, based on a numerical solution of a channel flow model, predicting the pressure, speed and temperature in any external channel, for water and sodium. The approach used to derive the mathematical model is based on the usual channel flow method.The results are compared with two sets of experimental data performed the first on a plexiglass device by Alsthom Tecnique des Fluides, the second on a real prototype by the Electricite de France; the agreement is very satisfactory.