Optimization of zigzag printed circuit heat exchanger structure for particle deposition based on deposition model

The micro-channel heat exchanger represents a pivotal component within the molten salt reactor system, responsible for heat transfer operations. The deposition behaviour of impurity within this apparatus has the potential to compromise the efficiency of heat transfer, thereby impacting the long-term operational stability of the whole system. In this study, we conducted a systematic investigation of the deposition characteristics of impurity particles in micro-channel heat exchangers using numerical simulations based on the critical velocity model. The orthogonal design method was employed to analyze the effects of zigzag structural parameters, inlet velocity, and inlet temperature on particle deposition characteristics. The results indicate that within the examined parameters ranges, the optimal combination of channel parameters for minimizing particle deposition rate is a channel diameter of 4 mm, a zigzag angle of 15°, and a pitch length of 10 mm. The influence of various factors on particle deposition rate is ranked as follows: channel diameter > inlet velocity > zigzag angle > pitch length > inlet temperature. The findings of this study provide important theoretical insights into the understanding of particle deposition behavior in micro-channel heat exchangers for MSR systems and offer valuable guidance for the optimization of heat exchanger design.