Efficiency Studies of Heat-Transfer Intensifier Grids in TVSA-T Model Fuel Assemblies

The results of studies of the intensification of heat-and-mass transfer and mixing of coolant are presented. Justification is given for the design, number, and arrangement of intermediate intensifier plate grids in combination with honeycomb spacer grids in the structural implementation of TVSA-T. The hydraulic and thermo-mechanical constraints of the design are taken into account. It is shown that a TVSA-T type assembly with six “pass through” mixing heat-transfer intensifier grids and eight standard spacer grids makes it possible to increase the power reserve margin by 15–20% as compared with a currently operating TVSA-T assembly. Optimization of the arrangement of the six intensifier grids in combination with the hydraulic-resistance margin can be used to improve the thermomechanical and functional characteristics of TVSA-T type assemblies.