Analysis and Optimization of Cooling Channels in ITER Blanket Module

Thermal hydraulic analysis was performed for the 2004 ITER blanket design, which was based on the fabrication methods of forging, drilling and welding. Results show that, in the original design, the flow distribution in radial holes was far from uniform because different flow drivers were used in the radial holes. Improvement of the flow driver is proposed in this study. With the optimization of the flow drivers, it is clearly shown that the total pressure drop decreases and a better velocity distribution in radial holes is obtained. The more uniform heat transfer coefficient among the radial holes is beneficial for reducing thermal stress.