Experimental Facilities and Capabilities
The FAST research group currently has two connected 500 sqft lab spaces in the East Engineering Building of Virginia Commonwealth University. The 1st lab space is fitted with two water lines, a compressed air line, and multiple 220V 1-phase and 3-phase circuits/outlets and contains the MSETF-1 flow loop. The 2nd lab space is fitted with multiple 220V 1-phase and 3-phase circuits/outlets and uses the listed resources of the 1st through a shared door. The 2nd lab space contains the MSETF-2 pump test stand and is the location of the future PEPT-mockup loop. Additionally, we have temporary space at the VCU Bioimaging and Advanced Imaging Core for usage in our PEPT experimental activities.
The 3-D printing and manufacturing capabilities of the VCU Makerspaces are used for the creation of additively manufactured test sections that involve heat transfer enhancements in advanced energy systems' heat exchangers.
The 3-D printing and manufacturing capabilities of the VCU Makerspaces are used for the creation of additively manufactured test sections that involve heat transfer enhancements in advanced energy systems' heat exchangers.
Modular Separate Effects Test Facility (MSETF)
The novelty of the MSEFT suite of test loops is the usage of surrogate fluids at lowered temperatures to do investigations of molten salt, sodium, helium or air heat transfer and flow behavior relevant to the design space of Concentrated Solar Power Plants, Nuclear Power Plants, and other thermal-fluids applications.
1st MSETF Loop (MSETF-1)
The MSETF-1 Flow loop was created for the exploration of heat transfer enhancements for advanced heat exchangers for energy applications. These specific heat transfer enhancements are enabled through the usage of additively manufacturing and tested for heat transfer and pressure drop design related data.
The MSETF-1 flow loop shakedown testing was completed in January 10th, 2020. Afterwards, the collection of pressure drop and heat transfer data has occurred until pandemic mitigation measures started. The lead tests have occurred in different twisted-tape inserts for molten salt shell and tube heat exchangers for nitrate solar salts.
The MSETF-1 flow loop shakedown testing was completed in January 10th, 2020. Afterwards, the collection of pressure drop and heat transfer data has occurred until pandemic mitigation measures started. The lead tests have occurred in different twisted-tape inserts for molten salt shell and tube heat exchangers for nitrate solar salts.
Ref:
1. Cody S. Wiggins, Arturo Cabral, Meryem E. Murphy, Candler L. L. Langston, L. B. Carasik, "Measurements of Pressure Drop in Pipes with Twisted Tape Inserts for Molten Salt Reactor Applications.'' Transactions of the American Nuclear Society (Vol. 122(1), pp. 828-830). Virtual Meeting (2020)
1. Cody S. Wiggins, Arturo Cabral, Meryem E. Murphy, Candler L. L. Langston, L. B. Carasik, "Measurements of Pressure Drop in Pipes with Twisted Tape Inserts for Molten Salt Reactor Applications.'' Transactions of the American Nuclear Society (Vol. 122(1), pp. 828-830). Virtual Meeting (2020)