The operation of nuclear power combined with seawater desalination can enhance the operational flexibility of nuclear power plants

but its peak shaving performance and economy still need in-depth research. Therefore

taking the AP1000 nuclear power unit combined with the multi-effect distillation seawater desalination system as the research object

a thermodynamic-economic coupling simulation model of the system was established to analyze the peak shaving performance and economy of the system

and a seasonal differentiated operation strategy was proposed. The results show that the maximum peak shaving depth of the nuclear power unit after combined seawater desalination is 878.5 MW. Compared with independently operating nuclear power units

during the nonheating season

the strategy of “prioritizing output and then adjusting seawater desalination” was adopted. The number of operating condition switches increased from 4 to 6 times

forming a “electricity price dominance-dualenergy matching” model. The net income increased from 3.598 million yuan to 7.869 million yuan. During the heating season

the strategy of “prioritizing heating and then adjusting seawater desalination” was adopted. The working condition switching remained unchanged for 8 times

forming a coordinated production mode of “electricity-heat-water”. The net income increased from 3.045 million yuan to 6.835 million yuan

and the income structure was balanced. The operation of nuclear power plants combined with seawater desalination and the implementation of differentiated peak shaving strategies by season can simultaneously enhance the peak shaving capacity and economic benefits of nuclear power plants.