• A three-dimensional, one-dimensional coupled pool-type reactor heat model has been meticulously designed. • Real-time parameter analysis of nuclear heating systems during heating cycles. • Verification of independent nuclear heating feasibility in extreme cold. • A comparison of two distinct heating solutions was conducted. As energy structures evolve and environmental standards rise, nuclear energy shows clear advantages in district heating, particularly in cold regions. To ensure consistent quality and stability of supply, accurate and responsive load-following capability is essential for the effective use of nuclear energy in the heating sector. This study presents a simulation model for a 400 MW pool-type nuclear heating reactor, accompanied by the development of a comprehensive system simulation platform using Python and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for both one-dimensional (1D) and three-dimensional (3D) coupled analyses. The research systematically examines the operational parameters and strategies of the nuclear heating system under extreme cold climate conditions. The simulation results indicate that under the constant-temperature heating mode, after accounting for the thermal delay characteristics of the reactor pool, the number of power adjustments required during the 139-day heating season is reduced by 22 instances. Under the variable-temperature heating mode, the independent heating configuration of this reactor can satisfy the thermal demand during the heating period in cold regions.
Xue et al. (Tue,) studied this question.