Thermal and Fluid Dynamic System Design
The TFS group's primarily research area focuses on the thermo-hydraulic design of complex thermal components and system dynamic behavior of power plant concepts. This includes numerical and experimental research work as well as the design and construction of entire thermal-fluid-dynamic research facilities.
In the Helmholtz-program FUSION, the TFS group works on the design of heat transfer components and heat conversion systems for the Balance of Plant of fusion power reactors. This includes the development of balance-of-plant concepts and advanced heat exchangers by applying numerical methods and experimental investigations. Furthermore, the TFS group contributes to the development and qualification of measurement technologies and to the thermal-hydraulic design for the liquid metal target (e. g. IFMIF DONES).
Numerical calculations and experimental investigations of the TFS group on the safety of future advanced modular reactors with liquid metal or molten salt as heat transfer fluid as well as the qualification of design-related simulation codes are assigned to the KIT program Nuclear Waste Management, Safety and Radiation Research (NUSAFE). Most of the activities of the group are integrated in research programs of the European Union.
Within the framework of the Helmholtz program Materials and Technologies for the Energy Transition (MTET), the TFS group conducts experimental and numerical research on thermal hydraulics and convection processes of liquid metal, liquid and gas flows in energy and thermal engineering components. This includes the development of liquid metal-powered storage and receiver concepts as well as high-temperature heat exchangers.
Current research projects at a glance
- Experiments and numerical simulations of high-temperature cooling channels with structured fluid-solid interfaces for use in advanced power plant concepts.
- Design of high heat flux components with liquid sodium or molten salt and gas as the heat transfer fluid (e.g. sodium solar receivers and advanced heat exchangers for fusion power reactors and MSRs).
- Development, installation and commissioning of the molten-salt HELOKA-US research facility and the refraction index-matching water loop, RIMA.
- Development of thermal-hydraulic models and balance-of-plant concepts for fusion power plants and sodium fast reactors or molten-salt reactors.
Research Facilities
The TFS group is experienced in the development of complex experimental research facilities and operates the following facilities at INR for thermal-hydraulic experiments:
HELOKA-US (in cooperation with KEK/INR and ITES)
RIMA
AEROLAS (in cooperation with MET/INR)
Within INR, the group works closely with the MET, KEK, and TSO groups in the area of experimental and numerical work, and with RPD in the area of security research.
Teaching & Education
The TFS group offers project-related master's/bachelor's theses, internships and doctoral theses in the above-mentioned research areas as well as lectures for Bachelor and Master students in the field and Thermo-Fluid-Dynamics, Fusion Technology A, Fusion Technology B, and Heat Transfer.