Development of a numerical tool for dynamic simulations of two-phase cooling systems

In this article, the development of a simulation tool for two-phase cooling systems is discussed. The targeted application is modelling of the two-phase pumped loop systems used for Silicon tracking detector cooling at CERN. These systems are similar to vapour compression systems in that the thermal dynamics of such systems are dictated by the two-phase fluid present inside the heat exchangers. To properly account for such dynamics, non-homogenous void fraction based two-phase flow models (used for accurate modelling of vapour compression systems) have been incorporated. The tool has been validated against measurements taken for an R-410A-based residential heat pump unit. Both the heating and cooling mode have been simulated and the results have been compared against measured data. The simulated transients are found to compare well against measured trends. The simulations proceed faster than real-time. The tool shows readiness for use in the design of future detector cooling systems.