1. Introduction Solar Thermal Power Plants (STPP) can be used to generate electricity in a manner similar to that of a traditional fossil fuel plant in that superheated steam is used to drive a turbine-generator. The inherent disadvantage of solar plants is that the energy source, solar radiation, is cyclic (daily and seasonally) and intermittent. This may be addressed by the use thermal energy storage to allow the plants electricity generation to follow the demand rather than the instantaneous solar flux. The use of molten salt as the heat transfer fluid within a solar thermal power plant is investigated. The molten salt provides the energy link between the concentrated solar flux at the receiver and the steam generated for the turbine generator as shown in Figure 1. Molten nitrate salt is used as both the heat transfer fluid and the storage medium, with heat gained from the concentrated solar flux at the receiver, and heat rejected at the steam generator. The steam generator supplies steam at a temperature close to the peak salt temperature of 565oC, this allows operation of the Rankine cycle turbine at conditions similar to a conventional fossil fuel plant. The peak salt temperature given is that of the Solar Tres 15 MWe plant in Spain that incorporates 16 hours of full power storage requirements [Mills 2004]. Both salt storage tanks remain above the freezing point of the molten salt. 1 Figure 1. Schematic of the Solar Tres solar thermal power plant with molten salt energy storage [Medrano et al 2010] The use of molten nitrate salt (60%w NaNO3, 40%w KNO3) is investigated with respect to its heat transfer characteristics at the high Reynolds and Nusselt numbers found in the receiver of a practical solar thermal power plant. A review of the literature has provided data for this and other molten salts but only below the required Reynolds and Nusselt number ranges. The validity of the assumption of the heat transfer fluids constant properties, in particular dynamic viscosity, is reviewed with regard to convective heat transfer calculations when applied to STPP applications. The hydraulic and thermal boundary layers are considered for flow in both tubes and annuli. The velocity and temperature profiles are developed to determine the sensitivity to the constant property assumption. 2 2. Nomenclature Symbol Unit Description A m2 Area Bi - Biot number cp J.kg-1.K-1 Specific heat capacity D m Diameter f - Fanning friction factor h W.m-2.K-1 Convection heat transfer coefficient h J.kg-1 Specific enthalpy k W.m-1.K-1 Thermal conductivity L m Length Nu - Nusselt number Pr - Prandtl number q W Heat transfer rate q” W.m-2 Heat flux r m Radius Re - Reynolds number T o Temperature V m.s-1 Velocity V m3 Volume e mm Absolute surface roughness m Pa.s Dynamic viscosity n m2.s-1 Kinemetic viscosity r kg.m-3 Density Roman Symbols C or K Greek Symbols 3 Miscellaneous r, q, z - Cylindrical coordinates x, y, z - Cartesian coordinates c - Characteristic D - Diameter e - Electric f - Fluid i - Inside l - Liquid o - Outside s - Smooth, solid, surface th - Thermal w - Weight, wall Subscripts Abbreviations DNI Direct Normal Irradiance HTF Heat Transfer Fluid MS Molten Salt STPP Solar Thermal Power Plant 4 3. Thermodynamic Properties of Molten Salt The molten salt studied is composed of 60%w NaNO3/40%w KNO3 as used in the Solar Thermal Power Plant (STPP) Solar Two. Solar Two was located in Daggett California and operated between 1995 and 1999 by a consortium of Southern California Edison and the US Department of Energy. The thermal storage system was designed to supply full steam generation for three hours, a capacity of 105 MW.hth or 35 MW. This mixture melted at 207oC, was thermally stable to about 600oC, and offered a favorable combination of high density, low vapor pressure, moderate specific heat, low chemical reactivity, and low cost [Medrano et al 2010]. The thermodynamic properties of molten salt are identified in order to be applicable to a solar thermal power plant operating characteristics identified in Section 4. Thermodynamic properties of steam and water are provided in order to provide relative values for comparison. The thermodynamic properties of 60%w NaNO3/40%w KNO3 as established by Sandia National Laboratories are [Zavoico 2001]: ο· Melted salt can be used over a temperature range of 260 oC to 621 oC. ο· As temperature decreases, it solidifies at 221 oC and starts to crystalize at 238 oC. ο· Fluid salt property formulas as a function of temperature are valid for 300 oC < T < 600 oC. ο· Density (kg.m-3) as a function of temperature (oC): π = 2090 − 0.636 ∗ π 5 Equation (1) 1950 Density (kg/m3) 1900 1850 1800 1750 1700 1650 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 Temperature (C) Figure 2. Density versus Temperature for liquid 60%w NaNO3/40%w KNO3 ο· Specific heat (J.kg-1.K-1) as a function of temperature (oC): ππ = 1443 + 0.172 ∗ π Equation (2) 1550 Specific Heat (J/(kg.K)) 1540 1530 1520 1510 1500 1490 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 Temperature (C) Figure 3. Specific Heat at Constant Pressure versus Temperature for liquid 60%w NaNO3/40%w KNO3 6 ο· Dynamic viscosity (Pa.s) as a function of temperature (oC): π = 2.2714 ∗ 10−2 − 1.20 ∗ 10−4 ∗ π + 2.281 ∗ 10−7 ∗ π 2 − 1.474 ∗ 10−10 ∗ π 3 Equation (3) 0.0035 Dynamic Viscosity (Pa.s) 0.0030 0.0025 0.0020 0.0015 0.0010 0.0005 0.0000 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 Temperature (C) Figure 4. Dynamic Viscosity versus Temperature for liquid 60%w NaNO3/40%w KNO3 ο· Thermal conductivity (W.m-1.K-1) as a function of temperature (oC): ππ = 0.443 + 1.9 ∗ 10−4 ∗ π 7 Equation (4) Thermal Conductivity (W/(m.K)) 0.5600 0.5500 0.5400 0.5300 0.5200 0.5100 0.5000 0.4900 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 Temperature (C) Figure 5. Thermal Conductivity versus Temperature for liquid 60%w NaNO3/40%w KNO3 The Prandtl number (dimensionless) is a function of dynamic viscosity (Pa.s), specific heat at constant pressure (J.kg-1.K-1), and thermal conductivity (w.m-1.K-1). It is calculated using Zavoico [2001] data: ππ = π. ππ ππ 8 Equation (5) 12.0 Prandtl Number (-) 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 Temperature (C) Figure 6. Prandtl Number versus Temperature for liquid 60%w NaNO3/40%w KNO3 The kinematic viscosity (m2.s-1) is a function of dynamic viscosity (Pa.s) and density (kg.m-3) and calculated using Zavoico [2001] data: π π= π 9 Equation (6) 2.0E-06 Kinematic Viscosity (m2.s-1) 1.8E-06 1.6E-06 1.4E-06 1.2E-06 1.0E-06 8.0E-07 6.0E-07 4.0E-07 2.0E-07 0.0E+00 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 Temperature (C) Figure 7. Kinematic Viscosity versus Temperature for liquid 60%w NaNO3/40%w KNO3 It is noted that the thermodynamic properties of the molten salt, r, cp, m, kf, Pr and n all vary with temperature as shown in Figure 2 through Figure 7. The variations, as shown in Table 1, are typical of liquids as described by Kays et al [2005]: For most liquids the specific heat and thermal conductivity are relatively independent of temperature, but the viscosity decreases very markedly with temperature. This is especially so for oils, but even for water the viscosity is very temperature dependent. The density of liquids, on the other hand, varies little with temperature. The Prandtl number of liquids varies with temperature in much the same manner as viscosity. Methods available to account for property variations include the reference temperature and property ratio methods Kays et al [2005]. The reference temperature method evaluates the properties at a chosen temperature, typically the mean of the surface and fluids mixed mean temperature. The property ratio method evaluates all properties at the fluids mixed mean temperature, and then those variable properties are also evaluated at the surface temperature. A function of the variable properties ratio is then used to correct those evaluated at the mixed mean temperature. A means for correcting for the constant property assumption becomes increasingly important when high temperature differentials are present between, say, the tube wall of a STPP exposed to a high solar flux and the heat transfer fluid. Both methods will be used in this project. 10 ### comment on constant property assumption used to de-couple energy equation from continuity and moment equations – find source. See page 68 of white #### Table 1. Property changes over operating temperature range Property Symbol Units Value at Value at Change from 300oC 300oC 600oC to 600oC Density r kg.m-3 1899 1708 -10% Specific heat cp J.kg-1.K-1 1495 1546 +3.4% Dynamic m Pa.s 0.0033 0.0010 -70% kf W.m-1.K-1 0.500 0.557 +11% - 9.8 2.8 -71% m2.s-1 1.7*10-6 5.8*10-7 -66% viscosity Thermal conductivity Prandtl number Kinematic viscosity ππ = π. ππ ππ π= π π The thermodynamic properties are those of Zavoico [2001] as they are specific to liquid 60%w NaNO3/40%w KNO3. Properties at other compositions as well as other salts are available in Janz et al [1972]. 11 4. Solar Thermal Power Plant Characteristics As with all large power plants, the location of a STPP is dependent upon many factors, one of which is the local Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI). An evaluation of plant sites by Avila-Marin et al [2013] included Seville, Spain; Daggett, USA; and Carnarvon, South Africa. The characteristics of the sites are provided in Table 2. Table 2. STPP typical location characteristics [Avila-Marin et al 2013] Site Seville Daggett Carnarvon Spain USA South Africa Latitude (o) 37.42 34.87 -30.97 Longitude (o) -5.9 -116.8 22.13 Altitude (m) 31 588 1309 Design point DNI (W.m-2) 900 950 1000 Annual energy DNI (kW.h.m-2.y-1) 2089 2791 2995 The high temperature and exergy of the source of solar radiation makes it a valuable energy resource. However, the low flux density at the earth’s surface as shown in Table 2 makes it a poor candidate for power generation applications when used without optical concentration. The use of optical concentrations allow the generation of HTF temperatures useful for thermodynamic cycles A concentrated solar flux density of nominally 1 MW.m-2 was used at the Solar Two STPP with operational variations between 240 kW.m-2 at the outlet salt temperature of 565oC, and 850 kW.m-2 at the inlet salt temperature of 290oC [Vant-Hull 2002]. The Solar Two flux densities will be used as the basis for this report. Note that the central receiver flux density is three orders of magnitude greater than the DNI. The design of central receiver tubes for STPP with molten salt HTF requires, among others, consideration of the operating temperatures, corrosive characteristics of the fluid, and thermal cycling. The cycling of Solar Two STPP with a 30 year design life includes 1.0x104 deep temperature cycles (nightly draining of the central receiver and cooling to ambient temperature), and 3.0x104 shallow temperature cycles (cloud transients etc.). For this service the central receiver tubes are 21 mm outside diameter, 1.25 mm wall 12 thickness, and 316 stainless steel material [Vant-Hull 2002]. The Solar Two tube characteristics will be used as the basis for this report. The velocity of the fluid within the tube for a heat exchanger is an optimization due to increasing velocity producing the counteracting effects of increased pressure loss and heat transfer coefficient. The average molten salt velocity used at Solar Two is 2.92 m.s1 [Liao et al 2014]. Variation in velocity may be used by STPP to control the salt outlet temperature and absorbed flux [Vant-Hull 2002], therefore, a range of average molten salt velocities from 1.0 to 5.0 m.s-1 is used as the basis for this report. The physical characteristics of the STPP used for this project are given in Table 3. Add fluid temperature for molten salt, and flux/molten salt temperature matches. Table 3. STPP project physical characteristics Project Characteristic Symbol Units Value Tube material - - 316 stainless steel Tube outside diameter Do mm 21.0 mm 1.25 Tube wall thickness Tube inside diameter Di mm 18.5 Mean fluid velocity V m.s-1 1.0 ≤ V ≤ 5.0 Mean fluid temperature T o 290 ≤ T ≤ 565 Concentrated solar flux q” W.m-2 240 ≤ q” ≤ 850 - 240 W.m-2 at 565oC C Coincident solar flux and - 850 W.m-2 at 290oC fluid temperature The thermal conductivity (W.m-1.K-1) of the 316 stainless steel tubes is a function of temperature (oC) and is calculated using ASME [2010] data as: ππ = 0.01431 ∗ π + 13.96 13 Equation (7) Thermal Conductivity (W/(m.K)) 30.0 25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 Temperature (oC) Figure 8. Thermal Conductivity versus Temperature for 316 stainless steel [ASME 2010] 14 700 800 5. Heat Transfer Characteristics of Molten Salt Convective heat transfer characteristics for fully developed (hydro dynamically and thermally) turbulent flow inside a round tube is defined by the Nusselt number (NuD). The Nusselt number is a function of the Reynolds (ReD) and Prandtl (Pr) numbers. The Renolds number for flow inside a tube is: π ππ· = π. π·π π Equation (8) The Reynolds number range for this project, with the follow conditions: 1.0 ≤ π ≤ 5.0 π. π −1 π·π = 18.5 ∗ 10−3 π 5.8 ∗ 10−7 ≤ π ≤ 1.7 ∗ 10−6 π2 . π −1 is: 1.1 ∗ 104 ≤ π ππ· ≤ 1.6 ∗ 105 The upper limit of ReD = 1.6*105 occurs at the upper velocity (V = 5.0 m.s-1) and lowest kinematic viscosity (n = 5.8*10-7) corresponding to 600oC. Considering only the 600oC conditions but at the lower velocity (V = 1.0 m.s-1), the Reynolds number is reduced to 20% or 3.2*104. The project Prandtl and Reynolds number ranges are shown in Table 4. The flow is fully turbulent for all cases with ReD > 4000. The upper range of ReD is, in part, the motivation for this project. Published data for heat transfer applications with molten salts are limited to ReD ≤ 50000. A survey of available experimental data for molten salts was performed by Wu et al [2012] and summarized in Table 5. The published data includes Prandtl numbers that cover the range of this project, however, the Reynolds number maximum is nominally 30% of that required for this project. An aim of this project is to investigate the available Nusselt number correlations. However, to facilitate order of magnitude calculations a preliminary Nusselt number range is determined. A widely used Nusselt number correlation is the Dittus-Boelter [Winterton 1998] equation: ππ’ = 0.0243π π 0.8 ππ 0.4 15 Equation (9) The Nusselt number range for this project is of the order of 62 (Re = 1.1*104, Pr = 2.8) to 881 (Re = 1.6*105, Pr = 9.8). It is noted that the high heat flux, high Reynolds number cases that are of interest for this project have a Pr = 2.8 at 600 oC, therefore, the Nusselt number of greatest interest is nominally 534 (Re = 1.6*105, Pr = 2.8). Consideration will also be given to the high heat flux, low Reynolds number case at full temperature (600oC). The resulting internal convection coefficients are calculated by: β= ππ’. ππ π·π Equation (10) The resulting internal convection coefficients range is 1866 to 26525 W.m-2.K-1 (kf = 0.557 W.m-1.K-1, Di = 18.5 mm). The convection coefficient corresponding to the Nusselt number of 534 is 16077 W.m-2.K-1. The STPP designers choice of the bulk molten salt tube velocity, and hence Reynolds number, is often a consideration of pressure loss and its impact on the pump energy consumption. However, for heat transfer applications the Nusselt number is also a function of the Reynolds number. It will be shown that the velocity selection and its ultimate impact on the Nusselt number and convective heat transfer coefficient strongly influences the tube wall to bulk fluid temperature differential. For this reason, the velocity selected impacts the validity of the constant fluid property assumption. The nominal Nusselt and convection coefficient values for this project are given in Table 6. Table 4. Prandtl and Reynolds number ranges for project Salt Prandtl range Reynolds range 60%w NaNO3/40%w KNO3 2.8 < Pr < 9.8 1.1*104 ≤ Re ≤ 1.6*105 For a fluid temperature of 600oC: Re = 1.6*105 at 5.0 m.s-1 Re = 3.2*104 at 1.0 m.s-1 Table 5. Prandtl and Reynolds number ranges for published molten salt data [Wu et al 2012] Salt Prandtl range Reynolds range Molten Hitec salts 3.3 < Pr < 9.1 2342 < Re < 33493 16 Lithium Nitrate 10.5 < Pr < 15.3 4104 < Re < 9536 and 18182 < Re < 46130 Flinak 1.6 < Pr < 4 2428 < Re < 9536 LiF-BeF2-ThF4-UF4 6.6 < Pr < 14.2 1542 < Re < 14210 NaBF4-NaF 4.89 < Pr < 5.64 5104 < Re < 44965 Table 6. Nusselt number and convection coefficient nominal ranges for project Characteristic Units Range Primary value Nusselt number - 62 < Nu < 881 530 at 5.0 m.s-1 150 at 1.0 m.s-1 Convection coefficient W.m-2.K-1 1866 < h < 26525 16000 at 5.0 m.s-1 4400 at 1.0 m.s-1 17 6. Tube Surface Roughness As noted previously, the flows considered are fully turbulent and of the order of ReD ≤ 1.6*105. For this application, the main advantage of turbulent over laminar flow is the increased convective heat transfer at the expense of increased pressure loss. Similarly, the surface roughness contributes to the heat transfer coefficient in turbulent flow in that it increases the surface area changes the turbulence pattern close to the wall [Bhatti Shah 1987]. The effect of surface roughness on the heat transfer of turbulent flow is considered. For the 18.5 mm inside diameter 316 stainless steel tubes considered for this project, the surface absolute roughness is assumed to be that of drawn pipe, 0.0015 mm [Bhatti Shah 1987]. However, &&&&&&&&& change in roughness due to corrosion? Find reference for high temp corrosion &&&&&&&&& the in service, or worst case, absolute roughness is assumed to be that of forged steel pipe, 0.045 mm [Bhatti Shah 1987]. By use of the Moody diagram shown in Figure 9 [Bhatti Shah 1987], the equivalent Fanning friction factor ranges are 0.0040 ≤ f ≤ 0.0065 and 0.0060 ≤ f ≤ 0.0075 for new and corroded tubes respectively. Test data from Solar Two STPP, as reported by Kolb [2011], calculated a Fanning friction factor of 0.0135, furthermore, the reported manufacturers value was 0.0168. The Kolb [2011] manufacturers’ friction factor is shown in Figure 9, in the fully rough region this is equivalent to a relative roughness, e/Di, of 0.05. For the project tubes of 18.5 mm inside diameter, the absolute roughness is 0.9 mm. This absolute roughness is of the order of that found in reinforced concrete [Bhatti Shah 1987]. The Kolb [2011] friction factor data is beyond the range initially predicted for this project, however, as it has a basis in operating plant data it will be used as a bounding value for the analysis. Table 7. STPP project convection characteristics Project Characteristic Symbol Units Value Absolute surface roughness e mm 0.0015 (new) 0.045 (corroded) 0.9 [Kolb 2011] Relative surface roughness e/Di - 18 8.1*10-5 (new) 2.4*10-3 (corroded) 5*10-2 [Kolb 2011] Fanning friction factor f - 0.0040 ≤ f ≤ 0.0065 (new) 0.0060 ≤ f ≤ 0.0075 (corroded) 0.0168 [Kolb 2011] The Fanning friction factor is a function of the Reynolds number and relative surface roughness. The Moody diagram [Bhatti Shah 1987] is used with the project data shown in Figure 9. It is seen that the new tube can be classified as hydraulically smooth for all operating cases. However, the corroded tube operates in the transition region, neither hydraulically smooth nor completely rough. The Kolb [2011] tube operates in the transition and fully turbulent region. Figure 9. Moody diagram [Bhatti Shah 1987] with new and corroded tube characteristics (UPDATE PICTURE and ADD KOLB friction) Bhatti and Shah [1987] describe the three flow regimes as: 19 In the hydraulically smooth regime, e is so small that the sand grains are contained within the laminar sublayer. Hence f is not affected by e; in other words, f = f(Re). In the transition regime, the sand grains extend partly outside the laminar sublayer, exerting an additional resistance to the flow, in the nature of a profile drag. This causes the friction coefficient to depend on e/r as well as on Re, i.e., for the transition regime f = f(e/r, Re). Finally, in the completely rough regime, all sand grains reach outside the laminar sublayer, disrupting it completely. For this situation, the friction coefficient must depend on the size of the sand grain alone, i.e., f = f(e/r). Various Nusselt number correlations have been developed for fully developed turbulent flow in circular duct for smooth and fully rough regimes. The cases shown to exist within the transition between smooth and fully rough regimes will be treated be as smooth with the following empirical correction, and as shown in Figure 10, to account for the effect of roughness on turbulent flow (20000 < Re < 200000) [Norris 1970]: ππ’ π π π = ( ) πππ ≤ 2.5 ππ’π ππ ππ Equation (11) ππ’ π = (4)π πππ > 2.5 ππ’π ππ Equation (12) π = 0.68 ∗ ππ 0.215 πππ 1 < ππ ≤ 6 Equation (13) π = 1 πππ ππ > 6 Equation (14) Where Due to the exponent n varying between 0.68 (Pr = 1) and 1.0 (Pr = 6), the effect of roughness is more pronounced at higher Prandtl number. However, as shown in Figure 10, this trend is inconsistent. 20 Figure 10. Effect of Prandtl number on heat transfer increase ratio for 20000 < Re < 200000 [Norris 1970] The Nusselt number for a turbulent flow is sensitive to the surface roughness. As an estimate of the sensitivity, at Re = 104 and Pr = 0.7, the local Nusselt number varies from 200 to 400 as shown in Figure 11. The doubling of the Nusselt number by variation in only the relative surface roughness is indicative of the sensitivity of this characteristic. The relative surface roughness of Figure 11 is from smooth to 1*10-2 which is within the project range of smooth to 5*10-2. Figure 11. Local Nusselt number as a function of relative surface roughness and Prandtl number in the turbulent region [Nellis Klein 2008] It is noted for this project, the Prandtl number range is 9.8 to 2.8 for 300oC to 600oC respectively, with Pr < 6.0 for fluid temperatures greater than approximately 375oC. 21 ### use fanning friction factor #### ### constant property assumption ################## ### smooth versus rough tubes – sensitivity. Important due to the corrosive nature of the molten salt at high temperature. How does the corroded surface change the roughness of the tube, and e/d ratio for small d tubes? ################## #### due radiation onto tube wall to work out tube and fluid temperature difference. What is limitation for Nusselt correlations – find the references that note the delta T limit.######## 22 7. Tube Wall Temperatures The tube wall temperature, in particular, the difference between the tube wall inner temperature and the bulk temperature of the fluid, plays an important role in the convection analysis. As the differential temperature increases, the constant fluid properties assumption becomes less reasonable. Authors such as Gnielinski [1976] and Incropera and DeWitt [2001] have noted the significance of the wall to fluid temperature difference in convection correlations. As a first approximation of the wall to fluid temperature difference, the Biot number is considered. The Biot number is a dimensionless parameter used in conduction problems that involve surface convection and is defined as [Incropera DeWitt 2001]: π΅π = β. πΏπ ππ Equation (15) π π΄π Equation (16) Where the characteristic length is: πΏπ = For this application, the inside and outside convection coefficients differ by orders of magnitude so only the inside surface is considered. Therefore, the characteristic length for the project is: πππππ = 4.9 ππ Equation (17) 2 The tube thermal conductivity, as shown in Figure 8, is in the 15 to 25 W.m-1.K-1 πΏπ = range. The internal convection coefficient, as yet unknown, is assumed to be in the range of 1866 to 26525 W.m-2.K-1 (Table 6). The resulting Biot number for this project is in the range of 0.36 to 8.6. Using the projects nominal internal convection coefficient of 16000 W.m-2.K-1 (Table 6), and tube thermal conductivity of 22.2 W.m-1.K-1 (at 575oC), the Biot number is 3.5. For Bi << 0.1, the resistance to conduction in the solid is much less than the resistance to convection across the solid/fluid boundary [Incropera DeWitt 2001]. That is, a relatively uniform temperature occurs throughout the solid while a rapid temperature differential occurs within the fluid adjacent to the wall. Conversely, as Bi → ∞, a large temperature change occurs in the solid while the surface and fluid temperature are 23 nominally equal. The temperature distribution at a solid/fluid interface is shown in Figure 12. The range of Biot numbers is indicative of a moderate temperature difference between the inside tube wall and the mean fluid. The magnitude of this temperature difference is to be investigated further as it is important in selecting a Nusselt number correlation. Figure 12. Temperature distribution for limiting Biot numbers [similar to figure 3.9 of Yener] Another means of determining the temperature difference between the tube inner wall and that of the fluid is that of Mackowski [2015]. The Mackowski [2015] model as used by Wyatt [2012] provides an analytical model for a long, annular cylinder with temperature variation in both r and q, convection on the internal and external surfaces, and collimated thermal radiation incident on the outside of the cylinder, as shown in Figure 13. 24 Figure 13. Long, thick walled cylinder with external collimated incident radiation, radial and circumferential conduction, and, internal and external convection [Wyatt 2012] The Mackowski [2015] model was used to determine the temperature difference between the tube inner wall and the bulk fluid temperature. The base case was performed as well as considering the incident flux range (240 kW.m-2 to 850 kW.m-2) and internal convection coefficient (±20%). The base case uses the Solar Two STPP characteristics of an incident flux of 240 W.m-2 with a molten salt bulk fluid temperature of 565oC [Vant-Hull 2002] and an internal convection coefficient of 16000 W.m-2.K-1. The results using the Wyatt [2012] code is shown in Figure 14 and the results for all cases are in Table 8. A weakness of the Mackowski [2015] model for this application is the assumption of a uniform external convection coefficient. The STPP application will insulate the rear of the tubes to prevent convective heat loss from this surface. Similarly, as discussed by Wyatt [2012], the STPP tubes are arranged to form a panel. The panel arrangement allows the peak tube temperature to occur at the crown as shown in Figure 14, however, the crevice between tubes results in a second peak tube temperature to occur at nominally q = ±p/2 radians from the tube crown. These will not be considered further in this project. 25 Figure 14. Tube temperature profile with an incident flux 240000 W/m2, molten salt bulk temperature 565oC, internal convection coefficient 16000 W.m-2.K-1 26 Table 8. Tube and molten salt temperatures with internal convection coefficient 16000W.m-2.K-1 +/20% Case 1H 2H 3H 4H 5H 6H 7H 8H 9H Base Incident flux kW.m-2 240 545 850 240 545 850 240 545 850 Internal convection kW.m-2.K-1 16.0 16.0 16.0 19.2 19.2 19.2 12.8 12.8 12.8 o 596 636 676 593 630 667 600 645 690 o 581 603 624 579 597 615 585 612 638 o 15 33 52 14 33 52 15 33 52 o 16 38 59 14 32 50 20 47 73 coefficient Tube outside maximum C temperature Tube inside maximum C temperature Through wall temperature C differential (max) Inside wall to fluid tempera- C ture differential (max) For all cases: Tube outside diameter: 21 mm Tube wall thickness: 1.25 mm Tube conductivity: 22.2 W.m-1.K-1 Absorptivity of tube outer surface: 0.95 External convection coefficient: 10 W.m-2.K-1 External bulk fluid (air) temperature: 27 oC Internal bulk fluid (molten salt) temperature: 565 oC The Mackowski [2015] model supports the previous Biot number analysis. That is, the temperature difference from the outside of the tube through to the bulk fluid temperature is not dominated by either the tube wall temperature differential (Bi→∞) nor the inner tube wall to bulk fluid temperature differential (Bi→0). The results show the overall temperature differential is nominally evenly split between the tube wall and molten salt fluid. The Mackowski [2015] model shows the through wall temperature, and the tube outside maximum temperature are dependent upon the incident flux. Hence the significance of controlling the flux as a function of the molten salt temperature in order to remain within the temperature limits of the tube material. As previously noted, this was 27 a characteristic of the Solar Two STPP with flux to molten salt operational variations between 240 kW.m-2 at the outlet salt temperature of 565oC, and 850 kW.m-2 at the inlet salt temperature of 290oC [Vant-Hull 2002]. However, it is the tube inside wall to bulk fluid temperature differential that is of significance to this project due to its influence on the molten salt fluid properties. For a given incident flux, the Mackowski [2015] model shows the greatest tube inside wall to bulk fluid temperature differential corresponding to the lowest internal convection coefficient. This is as expected as the internal convection coefficient is indicative of the fluids ability to remove the heat from the tube wall, however, as this differential temperature increases, the constant property assumption is weakened. For the incident flux of 240 kw.m-2, and the convection coefficient varying between 12.8 kW.m-2.K-1 (-20%) through 16.0 kW.m-2.K-1 to 19.2 kW.m-2.K-1 (+20%), the internal tube wall to bulk fluid differential temperatures are 20, 16, 14oC respectively. This project initially assumed that the high Reynolds number may be deviating from the Nusselt number correlations. The results thus far are indicative of the reverse, that is, low Reynolds numbers are prone to higher temperature differentials within the fluid and hence greater fluid property variation. This projects other initial assumption that high heat flux may also deviate from the Nusselt number correlations is supported by the Mackowski [2015] model results. The Mackowski [2015] model was again used to determine the temperature difference between the tube inner wall and the bulk fluid temperature. The cases were repeated with the same incident flux range (240 kW.m-2 to 850 kW.m-2), however, the internal convection coefficient was changed to 4400 W.m-2.K-1 ±20%. The reduced convection coefficient base case again uses the Solar Two STPP characteristics of an incident flux of 240 W.m-2 with a molten salt bulk fluid temperature of 565oC [VantHull 2002] but with an internal convection coefficient of 4400 W.m-2.K-1. The results using the Wyatt [2012] code is shown in Figure 15 and the results for all cases are in Table 9. 28 Figure 15. Tube temperature profile with an incident flux 240000 W/m2, molten salt bulk temperature 565oC, internal convection coefficient 4400 W.m-2.K-1 Table 9. Tube and molten salt temperatures with internal convection coefficient 4400W.m-2.K-1 +/20% Case 1L 2L 3L 29 4L 5L 6L 7L 8L 9L Base -2 Incident flux kW.m 240 545 850 240 545 850 240 545 850 Internal convection kW.m-2.K-1 4.40 4.40 4.40 5.28 5.28 5.28 3.52 3.52 3.52 o 634 725 815 626 705 785 647 753 860 o 620 693 765 612 673 734 633 722 810 o 14 32 50 14 32 51 14 31 50 o 55 128 200 47 108 169 68 157 245 coefficient Tube outside maximum C temperature Tube inside maximum C temperature Through wall temperature C differential (max) Inside wall to fluid tempera- C ture differential (max) For all cases: Tube outside diameter: 21 mm Tube wall thickness: 1.25 mm Tube conductivity: 22.2 W.m-1.K-1 Absorptivity of tube outer surface: 0.95 External convection coefficient: 10 W.m-2.K-1 External bulk fluid (air) temperature: 27 oC Internal bulk fluid (molten salt) temperature: 565 oC The Mackowski [2015] model results with the internal convection coefficient of 4400 W.m-2.K-1 was an academic exercise only. The tube outside and inside temperatures ranges are 626oC to 860oC and 612oC to 810oC respectively, both of which are impractical. The oxidation temperature, or minimum continuous service temperature without excessive scaling in air, for AISI 316 stainless steel is 870oC [Siebert et al 2008]. Similarly, the maximum temperature limit for SA-213 TP316 seamless tubing in ASME section I application is 816oC [ASME 2010]. However, the reported maximum temperature limit for molten nitrate salt (60%w NaNO3, 40%w KNO3) is approximately 621oC [Zavoico 2001]. Although impractical, the results of Table 9 (hi = 4400 W.m-2.K-1 ± 20%) are informative when compared to Table 8 (hi = 16000 W.m-2.K-1 ± 20%). By changing the molten salt velocity from nominally 1.0 m.s-1 to 5.0 m.s-1 to increase the internal convec- 30 tion coefficient, the outside tube wall temperature decreased from 634oC (Case 1L) to 596oC (Case 1H). While the tube material temperature is clearly an important design consideration, the inside wall to fluid temperature differential is of importance to this project due to its role in the fluid properties. Similarly, the inside wall to fluid temperature differential decreased from 55oC (Case 1L) to 16oC (Case 1H). The use of the molten salt velocity is significant to control the tube wall temperature as shown by the above results and Vant-Hull [2002]. However, it is also significant when selecting the convection correlation model due to the influence on the range of fluid properties. These convection correlation models will be investigated in the next section. 31 8. Convection Correlations for Turbulent Fully Developed Flow in Tubes As White [2005] noted for turbulent flow in pipes and channels, all of the available data is in the form of correlations. As such, many correlations are available and Bhatti and Shah [1987] listed twenty three Nusselt number correlations for smooth circular ducts and Prandtl number of greater than 0.5, and an additional nine for the fully rough regime of a circular duct. Of the many convection heat transfer correlations for turbulent fully developed flow in tubes, this project is limited to those found to be in wide spread use for this application. The Nusselt number is the dimensionless temperature gradient occurring at the solid fluid interface and is a measure of the convection heat transfer [Incropera DeWitt 2001]. The Nusselt number for flow in a circular tube is: ππ’ = β. π·π ππ Equation (18) The determination of the Nusselt number from a correlation allows the convection heat transfer coefficient to be calculated, and hence the heat transfer: π = β. π΄(π1 − π2 ) Equation (19) Applicable Nusselt number correlations are investigated. 8.1 Dittus-Boelter Correlation One of the earliest equations for the turbulent heat transfer is a smooth tube is that referred to as the Dittus-Boelter [Dittus Boelter 1930] correlation. As noted by Winterton [1998], the original equation (after conversion to SI units) for heating of the fluid is: ππ’ = 0.0241π π 0.8 ππ 0.4 Equation (20) The widely presented form of the correlation for heating [Incropera DeWitt 2001, Kreith Bohn 1986, Burmeister 1983] is: ππ’ = 0.023π π 0.8 ππ 0.4 Equation (21) ππ’ = 0.024π π 0.8 ππ 0.4 Equation (22) 1.0 ∗ 104 < π π < 1.2 ∗ 105 Equation (23) Or [Bhatti Shah 1987]: For: 32 0.7 < ππ < 120 Equation (24) Burmeister [1983] noted that the correlation is “reasonably accurate” when the wall temperature does not exceed the fluid mixing-cup temperature by more than 5oC for liquids or 55oC for gases. The properties are evaluated at the average local film temperature according to Burmeister [1983] while Winterton [1998] recommends using the bulk fluid temperature which is more convenient. The point is moot assuming the difference between the fluid and wall temperature is limited to 5oC. Burmeister [1983] claims the Dittus-Boilter correlation results can be 20% high for gases and up to 40% low for water at high Reynolds number. 8.2 Sieder-Tate Correlation Similar in form to that of the Dittus-Boelter [1930] correlation, the Sieder-Tate [1936] correlation differs by taking into account the viscosity gradient within the fluid by means of a viscosity ratio. The viscosity ratio consists of the viscosity at the bulk fluid temperature and that at the temperature of the tube wall. The original publication by Sieder and Tate [1936] provided the results graphically but the correlation provided by others [Incropera DeWitt 2001, Kreith Bohn 1986]: 1 π ππ’ = 0.027π π 0.8 ππ 3 ( ) ππ Equation (25) 104 < π π < 105 Equation (26) 0.6 < ππ < 100 Equation (27) π = π ππππ‘β πππππ’πππ ππ’ππ‘ Equation (28) For: It is noted that the published coefficient varies from the 0.027 including 0.023 [Burmeister 1983] and 0.026 [Bird et al 2007]. All properties are evaluated at the bulk fluid temperature except for ms which is to be evaluated at the pipe surface temperature. The significance of the variations in fluid properties, as noted by Sieder and Tate [1936], is: The theoretical formulas,… for heat transfer to fluids in viscous flow in tubes, do not take into consideration the effect of a radial temperature gradient on the distribution of the axial and radial components of the velocity. Because of the 33 magnitude of the temperature coefficient of viscosity of many liquids, a large radial viscosity gradient results, which effects a distribution of velocity considerably different from that occurring in isothermal viscous flow. The viscosity gradient has opposite signs for heating and cooling. When a liquid is being heated by a hot wall, the viscosity of the fluid adjacent to the wall will have a lower viscosity that of the bulk fluid. The result is an increase in the velocity gradient at the wall as well as the associated improved heat transfer when compared to the fluid at a uniform bulk temperature. Note that gases and liquids show different characteristics as for low density gases the viscosity increases with increasing temperature, for liquids the viscosity usually decreases with increasing temperature [Bird et al 2007]. The distortion of a laminar velocity profile for a liquid in heated and cooled tubes with temperature dependent viscosity is shown in Figure 16 [Kays Perkins 1985]. Figure 16. Distortion of laminar velocity profile in a heated or cooled tube when the viscosity of the fluid depend on temperature (a) parabolic profile (b) heating of liquid (c) cooling of liquid [Kays Perkins 1985] 8.3 Petukhov Correlation Petukhov [1970] noted the reality of fluid properties being a function of temperature. The constant properties assumption can only be used with small temperature differences or physical properties that only change slightly within the temperature range 34 considered. Petukhov [1970] also noted the practical difficulties in obtaining experimental data at high temperatures, large heat fluxes, and high pressures. The Petukhov [1970] correlation is given in heat transfer texts including Incropera and DeWitt [2001] and Kreith and Bohn [1986]. It is noted that Incropera and DeWitt [2001] utilized the simplified correlation (Equation aa) while Kreith and Bohn [1986] use the more accurate relationship (Equation bb). π 2 π π. ππ ππ’ = 1 2 1 2 π 1 + 3.4 ∗ 4π + (11.7 + 1.8ππ −3 ) ( ) (ππ 3 − 1) 2 Equation (bb29) Where: 1 (1.82πππ10 π π − 1.64)−2 4 With a claimed error of 1% for: π= Equation (30) 104 < π π < 5 ∗ 105 Equation (31) 0.5 < ππ < 200 Equation (32) A simplified calculation is presented by Petukhov [1970] but with a claimed error of 5-6%: π 2 π π. ππ ππ’ = 1 2 2 π 1.07 + 12.7 (2) (ππ 3 − 1) Equation (aa33) The latter formed the basis for the correlations of Gnielinski [1976]. 8.4 Sleicher-Rouse Correlation [Sleicher Rouse 1975] 8.5 Gnielinski Correlation Of the correlations for fully developed turbulent flow in a circular tube and Pr > 0.5, that of Gnielinski [1976] is the most commonly recommended in the general heat transfer literature [Kays et al 2005; Incropera DeWitt 2001; Bhatti Shah 1987]. It is also used in molten salt heat transfer literature [Liao et al 2014; Wu et al 2012; Bin et al 2009]. 35 The correlations attributed to Gnielinski as presented by Bhatti and Shah [1987] are a modification of Petukhov [1970] in order to extend the Reynolds number range from fully developed turbulent flow range 104 ≤ Re ≤ 5*106 to include the transition range 2300 < Re ≤ 104: π (π π − 1000)ππ 2 ππ’ = 1 2 2 π 1 + 12.7 (2) (ππ 3 − 1) EquationA (34) With approximations for gases (0.5 < Pr < 1.5): ππ’ = 0.0214(π π 0.8 − 100)ππ 0.4 Equation (35) And liquids (1.5 < Pr < 500): ππ’ = 0.012(π π 0.87 − 280)ππ 0.4 EquationB (36) Although not included by Kays et al [2005], Incropera and DeWitt [2001], or Bhatti and Shah [1987], Gnielinski [1976] also published another equation to account for the temperature dependence of the properties: ππ’ = π (π π − 1000)ππ 2 1 2 2 π 1 + 12.7 (2) (ππ 3 − 1) ππ 0.11 ( ) πππ€ EquationC (37) For: 2300 < π π < 106 Equation (38) 0.5 < ππ < 724 Equation (39) π = π ππππ‘β πππππ’πππ ππ’ππ‘ Equation (40) Gnielinski [1976] validates the correlation with gases flowing through pipes with “small temperature differences between the average gas temperature and the wall temperature…” Furthermore, for liquids: For heat transfer between liquids and solid wall it is possible to consider the dependence of the properties on temperature by the ratio of Prandtl numbers in Equation C21 at the average liquid temperature and the wall temperature, because only the viscosity of the liquid depends very much on temperature, and large temperature differences are not usual for convective heat transfer. Of the Gnielinski [1976] correlations available, those used within the molten salt literature are varied. Liao et al [2014] used the correlation without properties correction 36 (Equation 18), Wu et al [2012] and Bin et al [2009] used the liquid approximation but with the Prandtl ratio correction (a combination of Equation C20 and Equation C21). The author is not aware of the use of Equation C21 with the temperature dependent properties correction. The application of the Gnielinski [1976] correlation to a liquid with a large temperature difference between the wall and mean fluid will be examined as this was not considered usual. ## mention who used the equation with Pr ratio correction in STPP work. ## talk about temperature range and Pr and Prwall range for this project ## includes property ratio ## ## need to determine wall temperature to use Pr_wall. Will it be outside the properties range??????? ## used by Jianfeng due to large property variations of molten salt – has viscosity correction ### ## see Petukhov page 531 below equation 56 for change of constant n=0.14 to n=0.11. ## ### how large are the temperature difference (and constant property assumption) #### 37 9. Things to Do Things to do include: 1. Determine properties of HTF (Janz, use critical properties to determine mu in BSL – does it agree with Janz, other published data, see Apurba’s references). Is published data at 1 atm? 2. Determine range of operating parameters to be studied (Re, Pr, Twall, Tfluid, P, velocity, tube diameter, tube metal, heat flux,…) 3. Why do published studies stop at Re=50000? 4. Are properties a function of T only. How close to boiling point is the Twall? How sensitive are the properties to temperature? Is constant properties assumption valid? 5. Review published Nu correlations for turbulent flow in a circular tube. Limitations on temperature differential, Re, etc. See heat transfer handbook for sources. 6. Use previous project to determine typical wall and fluid temperatures? 7. Parametric study of velocity profile inside annular and circular sections. Variation with Pr, Re, Di/Do, etc. to come up with correlation for the maximum velocity location. 8. COMSOL model? 9. Boundary layer description 38 10. Conclusion Should different velocities be used at different molten salt velocities? Use higher velocity at higher molten salt velocity in order to increase flux. Higher velocities will… Or instead of controlling flux over panel (high flux at low molten salt temps and low flux at high molten salt temps) use high flux everywhere but the velocity has to increase as the molten salt temperature increases. 10 tubes in parallel, then 8 tubes in parallel,… forming a single panel with constant heat flux over it? 39 11.References ASME. 2010 (2011 addenda). 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