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Flow Heat Transfer Characteristics and Dynamic Response of Once-Through Cooling Water System in Nuclear Power Plants Under Complex Operating Conditions

Author

Listed:
  • Qian Huang

    (China Nuclear Power Engineering Co., Ltd., Beijing 100840, China)

  • Yifan Zhi

    (China Nuclear Power Engineering Co., Ltd., Beijing 100840, China)

  • Rongyong Zhang

    (China Nuclear Power Engineering Co., Ltd., Beijing 100840, China)

  • Xiaoze Du

    (Key Laboratory of Condition Monitoring and Control for Power Plant Equipment, North China Electric Power University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 102206, China
    School of Energy and Power Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, China)

  • Jingqi Zhang

    (Key Laboratory of Condition Monitoring and Control for Power Plant Equipment, North China Electric Power University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 102206, China)

  • Jingyao Wang

    (Key Laboratory of Condition Monitoring and Control for Power Plant Equipment, North China Electric Power University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 102206, China)

Abstract

As a critical component of nuclear power units, the direct cooling water system plays a key role in overall performance. To maintain economic efficiency, it is necessary to adjust the circulating water flow rate as conditions change. Understanding how this system responds dynamically to varying environmental factors—such as seawater temperature and tidal levels—is essential for precise control. While previous studies have explored methods such as variable frequency control, predictive maintenance, and digital twin technologies to optimize system operations, challenges remain in addressing the dynamic response of cooling systems under complex environmental and operational conditions. In this study, the AP1000 was used as the research subject and a comprehensive mathematical model of each part of the cooling water system was built, accounting for delays in processes like pipeline transport. Sensitivity analyses were then carried out to examine how linear disturbances in environmental parameters affect system performance, and how circulating water flow, condenser back pressure, and unit efficiency are interrelated. At the same time, the frequency conversion circulating water pump adaptive adjustment system is used to find the best vacuum conditions according to the change in seawater parameters. The findings offer valuable guidance for enhancing the economic operation of nuclear power plant cooling systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Qian Huang & Yifan Zhi & Rongyong Zhang & Xiaoze Du & Jingqi Zhang & Jingyao Wang, 2025. "Flow Heat Transfer Characteristics and Dynamic Response of Once-Through Cooling Water System in Nuclear Power Plants Under Complex Operating Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-41, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:5:p:1207-:d:1603172
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ni, Dan & Zhang, Ning & Gao, Bo & Li, Zhong & Yang, Minguan, 2020. "Dynamic measurements on unsteady pressure pulsations and flow distributions in a nuclear reactor coolant pump," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    2. Wu, Tao & Ge, Zhihua & Yang, Lijun & Du, Xiaoze, 2019. "Transient behavior of the cold end system in an indirect dry cooling thermal power plant under varying operating conditions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 181(C), pages 1202-1212.
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