Some features of the nuclear heating reactor (NHR) design in China

Abstract A 5 MWt experimental nuclear heating reactor (NHR) was started at the Institute of Nuclear Energy Technology (INET) in 1989 and has operated successfully for space heating for four winters. Therefore, a commercially demonstrated NHR with output of 200 MWt has been developed by INET. This paper presents the safety characteristics of NHRs. It is proved that the reactor core would always be flooded under water. Some features of the integrated arrangement, hydraulic control rod drives and storage of spent fuel assemblies in a pressure vessel are described.