The ACP-100 is an integral pressurized water reactor being developed by the Nuclear Power Institute of China (NPIC) for the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). The design draws heavily on technology developed by CNNC for the larger LWR plants, including the CNP-600 and the ACP-600/1000. The forced circulation of the primary coolant is driven by externally mounted reactor coolant pumps. Also external to the reactor pressure vessel are the control rod drive mechanisms and the pressurizer. The core comprises 57 partial-height CF2-type fuel assemblies. Reactivity is controlled using control rods and boron shim dispersed in the primary coolant. The reactor vessel and other primary system components are contained in a traditional large-volume containment structure that is 29 m diameter and 45 m tall. Safety-grade batteries provide backup power for up to 72 hours in the case of a station blackout and sufficient water is provided in the spent fuel pool to allow 7 days’ grace period before fuel is uncovered.

The 100 MWe design is intended to provide electricity and also process steam for water desalination, district heating and industrial applications. It is primarily intended for inland locations within China as a replacement for or alternative to

Reactor vessel

Figure 2.2 ACP-100 (China) — China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) © F. Zhong.

coal-fired plants. Approval for the design project was given in 2010 and the budget for the construction of two ACP-100 modules was approved in 2011. In July 2012, Hunan Hengyang city government signed an agreement of cooperation with CNNC for the potential deployment of ACP-100 units in Putian, Fujian. Approval of the preliminary safety analysis report is expected in 2014. Key parameters and a representative graphic for the ACP-100 design are given in Figure 2.2. [2]