Laboratories
Juliska laboratory
Experimental fluidized bed boiler, 500 kW
In the laboratory there is a unique bubbling fluidized bed boiler. Full-scale experiments that allow direct transfer of research results into industry are possible. This facility was originally designed for an air combustion applications and was modified into oxy-fuel mode at the end of 2015.
Combustion of various types of fuel in the fluidized bed and additive desulphurization is tested. Fuel, additive and combustion air dosing is monitored and controlled and measured flue gas recirculation is introduced.
Hot water boiler for biomass comustion, 100 kW
The boiler is used for combustion tests of solid fuels and for testing of control algorithms.
Experimental fluid boiler, 30 kW
For the field of basic research this fluid stand is used. It is able to work in both air and oxy-fuel mode, or even without combustion for the basic study of fluidization regimes.
Experimental Laval nozzles
For the research on two-phase flow the turbine laboratory has two steam nozzles with displaceable meridian interchangeable geometry. These nozzles are equipped with an optical system for measuring the size and number of droplets in expanding wet steam, standard pressure and temperature measurements and are equipped with sampling ports. Parameters and composition of used steam can be modified in the laboratory. The device includes a cooling circuit with a mixing condenser.
Experimental loop for the heat transfer hydrodynamics study
The Experimental Loop serves for investigating the phenomenon of Critical Heat Flux (CHF) and Rewetting. The loop consists of a variable hydraulic circuit, an exchangeable test section, and a data acquisition system. The length of the test section is 1.8 m and consists of an outer quartz tube and an internal scale model of a fuel rod for the pressurized light-water reactor. It is a steel tube heated by a DC current with a 9 mm diameter. Water is used as a refrigerant at atmospheric pressure. The mass flow through the test section can be varied in the range of 150 – 1500 kg/m2/s, which corresponds to 0.9 – 9 lpm due to the geometry of the test section.
Experimental fuel dryers of a unique design
Indirect dryer for biomass
This dryer is suitable for all kinds of biomass with a high water content. It consists of an electrically heated drum with an internal diameter of 0.26 m and a heating surface length of 1 m. It is operated in a campaign mode. The dryer is equipped with an internal stirrer and its output is 2 kg of evoporated water per hour.
Indirect steam dryer for biomass
This dryer works continuously and is suitable for a wide range of dried materials. It consists of a rotating drum, with a diameter of 600 mm and a length of 2000 mm, where the steam is flowing through the pipes inside the walls. The rotation of the drum is controlled by the drive frequency inverter, which allows the residence time to be controlled. The dryer capacity is 20 kg of evaporated water per hour.
Waste steam condenser from biomass drying
The waste vapor condenser serves for the energy utilization of the outgoing steam from biomass drying, which takes place in a indirect mode – the steam is thus minimally soiled by the surrounding air and has a very good potential for further energy utilization. The condenser has been designed in two variants for the use of outgoing steam heat for both water heating and air heating.
Biomass ORC unit
The facility is developed within the laboratory of the University Center of Energy-Efficient Buildings of the Czech Technical University called LORCA (Laboratory of Organic Rankin Cycles and their Applications). This thermal circulation, in theory, does not differ much from that of a conventional steam power plant, but allows heat to be transformed into electricity at low pressures, temperatures, and in particular power. It is currently focusing on the development of a simple and mobile device that will generate electricity in addition to heat. The pilot unit has a thermal output of 50 kW and an electric output of 2-3 kW.
Fuel laboratory
- for proximate analysis of fuels
Laboratories Dejvice
Two-phase flow laboratory
There are several devices for measurement of two-phase flow characteristics in the laboratory. There is a device for measuring the 1-D characteristics of a nuclear reactor fuel channel with a real heat flow profile. The device develops models for flooding the nuclear reactor after the LOCA crash, and visualizes and measures the characteristics of the two-phase flow. On other devices, it is possible to measure steam flow characteristics or gas-lift effect. Besides these devices there are also smaller experimental and teaching devices for demonstration of basic thermo-hydraulic phenomena.
Equipment for the research on two-phase flow at atmospheric pressure
Behavior of two-phase flow in various atmospheric pressure operating modes is researched. Heat capacity of the device is 9 kW and volume 60 liters. The temperature, resp. pressure is measured at 8 measuring points in two-phase volumes. Behavior of the two-phase mixture can be monitored by an high-speed camera.
High temperature oxidation tests
Advanced protective layer of fuel rods (corrosion resistance layer) is tested under hot steam conditions. The samples are exposed to hot steam and then quickly cooled. Special experimental furnace is used, where it is possible to reach a temperature of up to 1200 °C. The coating is then investigated for cracks and surface oxidation.
Cooling laboratory
- with an experimental heat pump
Laboratory of thermal insulation
- with an equipment for the measurement of the thermal conductivity of insulating materials and for the measurement of the thermal losses of insulated pipes
Laboratory equipment is used mainly for experimental tasks in solved research projects, but it is often used also in teaching in practical exercises.