Experiments and comparing calculations on thermohydraulic pressure surges in pipes

Abstract

Abstract Modelling of pressure surges in power plant pipe systems means to carefully judge and classify the relevant variables. A decision must be made, whether the numerous effects that can occur during a transient event, should be modelled. One main point is to determine if fluid structure interaction (FSI) is important for the special situation/scenario. Also unsteady friction and degassing of dissolved gases can occur. But with each model more sources of errors are introduced into the mathematical system, such as uncertainty about bearing clearance, determination of fixing points/stiffness/spring constants, determination of friction coefficients and damping parameters, uncertainty about the amount of non-condensables in the liquid, dynamics of de-aeration processes and unsteady friction coefficients. Another complicated problem is the definition of boundaries, like specifications of pumps, valves, fittings, etc. It is obvious that a combination of all uncertainties may lead to quite uncertain predictions and must therefore be very carefully taken into account. Within this contribution, valve-closing experiments of different initial temperature and system pressure at Fraunhofer test rig PPP are presented. Two scenarios are modelled using different assumptions and model depths and the simulation results are compared with experimental data.