Steam generator structure: Continuous model and constructal design

This study shows that the main features of a steam generator can be determined based on the method of constructal design. The generator is endowed with freedom to morph, and then is optimized by putting the right components in the right places. The number of steam tubes is sufficiently large, so that the steam generator may be modeled as continuous. The total volume of the assembly and the volume of the steam tubes are fixed. The geometry is free to vary in the search for maximum heat transfer density. The steam flow in the tubes is modeled in two ways: single‐phase and two‐phase fully developed turbulent flow. Results of the analysis are: the location of the flow reversal (i.e. the demarcation between the tubes of the downcomer and those of the riser), the optimal spacing between adjacent tubes, and the number of tubes for the downcomer and the riser. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.