Development of a simulation platform for studying on primary frequency regulation characteristics of nuclear units

•A nonlinear, time-vary dynamic model of a PWR nuclear plant was established.•A primary frequency regulation simulation platform was developed.•The dynamic processes of nuclear units participating in PFR were simulated.•The impact on nuclear units and power systems of PFR parameters were analyzed.

With the rapid development of nuclear units, the primary frequency regulation (PFR) characteristics of nuclear units have a significant affect on the frequency stability of power system. Power system will suffer great challenge if nuclear units do not participate in PFR, so study on the PFR characteristics of nuclear units has becoming a pressing issue. A detailed, nonlinear, time-varying dynamic mathematical model of a whole pressurized water reactor (PWR) nuclear power plant has been established in the present study. The simulation platform for studying on the PFR characteristics of nuclear units has been developed according to the model established. Using the simulation platform, the operation and control mode of PWR nuclear units participating in PFR of power system is simulated and studied. The simulations results show that PWR nuclear units are feasible in participating in PFR from safety and economy by adopting the operation and control mode presented in the study, which can contribute to the practical operation of power system.