Research progress of nuclear reactor thermal-hydraulic characteristics under ocean conditions

The use of floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) is an effective way to solve the energy supply problems for marine resource development and island construction. Because of the effects of ocean waves and self-movement, operating FNPPs using the ship-based platform can generate many types of movement, such as heaving and rolling, which can change the thermal-hydraulic characteristics and threaten the nuclear reactor safety. This paper reviews the research progress of nuclear reactor thermal-hydraulic characteristics under ocean conditions in the past decades, and focuses on the thermal-hydraulic problems under ocean conditions, including heat flow and transfer, bubble behavior and flow pattern conversion, flow instability, and critical heat flux (CHF). Finally, the paper discusses and presents the key points that require attention in future research; thus, it can serve as a reference for the design and development of FNPP in China. © 2019, Editorial Department of Journal of HEU. All right reserved.