The passive cooling system (PCS) heat exchanger of Fuqing Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 in Fujian province –– Hualong One (HPR 1000) world's first reactor demonstration project, was lifted in place on June 6. The project is being built by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).

The PCS heat exchanger of Fuqing Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 in Fujian province is lifted in place on June 6. [Photo/CNNC]

The combination of active and passive security systems is an innovative and innovative idea proposed by the Hualong One design team based on feedback from the Fukushima nuclear accident.

CNNC has completed the research and development of the PCS, filling a domestic gap and reaching a leading level internationally, which has wide application prospects.

The PCS heat exchanger's main function is to exchange energy between the water in the heat exchanger and the high-temperature air in the containment through condensation, convection, and radiant heat transfer.

Relying on the height difference between the heat exchanger and the external water tank, as well as the density difference of the water temperature change, natural circulation is created that can continuously transfer the heat of the containment outside the containment.

The PCS heat exchanger plays an important role in transferring heat in the containment. [Photo/CNNC] 

During the construction process, the project faced various difficulties, such as high-altitude lifting operations, tight schedules, and less construction experience available for reference.

CNNC organized all participating units to prepare before construction, resolved constraints in advance, as well as solved on-site construction and design issues to complete the project in a timely manner.