A physical and mathematical model for the multi-effect distillation process with vertical tube evaporators(VTE-MED) coupled with a nuclear heating reactor (NHR) was described. Results of analysis on thermal hydraulicperformances of the NHR-VTE-MED system are provided. Two types of temperature difference distribution schemes(equal temperature difference and in-section equal heat transfer area) were adopted for the thermal hydraulic performanceanalysis. Heat transfer coefficient, heat transfer area, and production of potable water in every effect were analyzed. Theanalysis shows that the GOR in the NHR-V1T.-MED system for the two types of temperature difference dislributionschemes studied can reach 20.