Proposal for an Experimental Study of the Thermal-Hydraulic Performance of Nanofluids MWCNT/Water as Coolant in Light Water Nuclear Reactors (LWR)

3. Universidade Federal de Itajubá (UNIFEI), Brazil

Abstract: The development of nanofluids is extremely important for improving the thermal conductivity of the base fluids. One of the ways to improve the safety of nuclear power plants is related to improving their heat transfer capacity. The study of new fluids that improve the rate of removal of heat is fundamental to obtain greater efficiency of energy systems. Among the several factors that compromise the efficiency of energy systems, it is possible to highlight the thermophysical limitations of conventional fluids. These limitations inhibit, quite significantly, some industrial applications. This paper presents a work proposal to be carried out in the Thermo-Hydraulic Laboratory of the CDTN, whose objective is the study of the improvement of the heat transfer characteristics of the refrigerant, used in the primary circuit of nuclear reactors, through the addition of nanoparticles. Carbon nanotubes will be used mainly in light water, which is the most commonly used cooling fluid for nuclear reactors. As support to the work, an experimental workbench will be designed, assembled and calibrated in order to study the thermo-hydraulic behavior of these components.