Helium blower test based on aerodynamic force simulation

Highlights: • Produce a new device to simulate the dynamic force to build a force environment similar to the helium loop. • Define the aerodynamic load characteristic and give the method of measurement. • Finish the helium blower tests by usage of aerodynamic force generator. - Abstract: In high temperature reactor pebble-bed modules (HTR-PM), the helium blower is the key equipment which is in the primary loop and drives the helium to exchange the energy. The usage of active magnetic bearing (AMB) is to avoid the lubricating oil leaked and keep the environment of helium pure. However, helium blower test needs to proceed under the condition of helium loop, which is difficult in early construction stage and will result in much more time and money cost. In this paper, we propose and produce a new device to simulate the dynamic force to build a force environment similar to the helium loop. The device called aerodynamic force simulator (AFS) derives from the idea of active magnetic bearing and utilizes electromagnetic force replacing aerodynamic force when helium blower works. Active magnetic bearing commissioning and dropping load test of helium proceed successfully with the utilization of aerodynamic force simulator. Through a series of tests, it is proved that the aerodynamic force simulator is effective and economic, and the design of helium blower and its components is reasonable and reliable.