Simulation of flow and heat transfer of humid air in spent fuel cooling ponds

This paper reports a CFD investigation on flow and heat transfer of the humid air which circulates above water ponds in large installations such as spent nuclear fuel cooling ponds. The numerical methodology involves a 3-cell zone approach to enable evaporative boundary condition to be implemented. Calculations are carried out for seasonal variations of temperature and humidity which show the contributions of sensible and latent heat losses. The results presented in this paper provide useful insights into the flow development and heat transfer mechanisms present. The results may be of use in the design of ventilation systems and the description of the methodology may be useful to practitioners wishing to carryout similar investigations.