Coupled performance evaluation method of heat exchanger in a lead-cooled fast reactor based on life-cycle cost and exergy analysis

The present study attempts to fill a gap in the thermal-hydraulic and economic performance evaluation of HE. By combining the life-cycle cost (LCC) analysis and the exergy analysis, a net exergy saving cost (NESC) evaluation method is established to determine the overall performance of the HE by converting the exergy loss into economic cost. The comparison with traditional research methods shows the comprehensiveness of the NESC evaluation method. In addition, the simulation results based on the numerical studies state that the thermal economy of the twisted tube HE initially increases and then decreases with the pitch. Based on the comparison of NESC for the HEs made of different materials, it is believed that T91 steel exhibited the best thermal economy. The method can be applied to optimize the design of other equipment or systems to reduce their energy loss and improve their economic performance.