Experiments on safety features and comprehensive applications of the 5 MW nuclear heating reactor

The 5 MW Nuclear Heating Reactor (NHR-5), was developed by the Institute of Nuclear Energy Technology (INET), Tsinghua University. The NHR-5 is a vessel type light water reactor with integrated arrangement, self-pressurized and natural circulation. The construction of the NHR-5 began in March 1986, its initial criticality was on November 3, 1989 and full power operation on December 16, 1989. Until now, the NHR-5 has been successfully operated for four winter seasons. Subsequently it is being utilized for various experimental studies. During the last few years, a number of experiments on safety features and a variety of applications have been carried out and important results were obtained. The experiments have demonstrated that the NHR is suitable for district heating, refrigeration, air conditioning and seawater desalination. The NHR as an advanced nuclear energy system with inherent and passive safety features will play an important role in solving the energy supply and environmental problems of China in the future. (author)