Mathematical modeling of composite technological systems by the finite element method

The finite element method has been known for a long time, but its active application for modeling physical processes began shortly after the development of modern computer machines. One of the advantages of such modeling is the reduction of time and financial costs compared to conventional experiments. The paper presents the results of hydraulic calculation of the design mode of a complex technological system operation by the finite element method. The calculation was performed using the thermal hydraulic CFX module of Ansys software package. At the same time, as part of the computational domain, a porous body model was employed as an alternative to direct modeling of system devices with a complex design. The object of the simulation was the cooling tower recharge system of power unit No. 1, 2 of Novovoronezh NPP-2. The test (verification) calculation showed an acceptable discrepancy with the real parameters of the system (within 15 %). According to the results of the computational analysis, the optimal number and combination of constantly operating pumps in the system were identified which achieved an increase in the consumption of the main cooling water by 30-40 % which, in turn, will reduce the accumulation of calcium carbonate on the main structural elements of cooling towers. The porous body model can be used both to predict the operating modes of equipment with complex design individually and as part of technological systems.

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