Investigation on three seawater desalination processes coupled with NHR-200

NHR-200, an integrated nuclear reactor with thermal power of 200 MW is developed by INET. Coupling NHR-200 with three kinds of desalination processes, low-temperature horizontal tube MED-TVC, high-temperature stacked VTE-MED and a hybridization of reverse osmosis and MED have been investigated and compared. The capacities of the fresh water production are 107,500 m3/d 160,000 m3/d, and 250,000 m3/d respectively. This paper presents the main features of the reactor, interface consideration between the reactor and desalination plant, and the preliminary economic analysis results. The hybrid RO/MED process showed the best economic competition.

► Coupling with NHR-200 and seawater desalination process is feasible. ► The design ensures the safety of water away from radiological contamination. ► The cost of product water is less than 1.0 US$/m3. ► The SNDP project is economically viable within the range of the study. ► Nuclear seawater desalination is a measure to mitigate water shortage in China.