Abstract: The passive heat exchanger of the passive containment heat transfer system（PCS） is a new design of the third generation 1 000 MWe PWR nuclear power plant. This paper studies its equipment function, heat exchange power and space layout requirements. Aimed at different types of heat exchangers, compared the advantages and disadvantages, and the PCS heat exchanger selection analysis is carried out. The heat transfer calculation and numerical simulation analysis are carried out to determine the key parameter requirements of the heat exchanger and the design plan of key components. According to actual engineering application requirements, the overall structure design study of the PCS heat exchanger is carried out and the design plan is determined.