Izvestiya vuzov. Yadernaya Energetika

The peer-reviewed scientific and technology journal. ISSN: 0204-3327

Proposals for the Development of the VVER-1200 and VVER-TOI Design Power Levels

9/17/2026 2026 - #03 Nuclear power plants

Dubov A.A.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26583/npe.2026.3.03

UDC: 621.039.50

Currently, both in Russia and abroad, reactor units of the VVER-1200 and VVER-TOI designs are being commissioned. During the start-up of a power unit, a set of commissioning and debugging works is carried out at various stages – physical start-up, power start-up, and pilot operation. The purpose of these works is to check and adjust the systems and equipment, fine-tune the power unit’s regulators, confirm the design neutron-physical characteristics, and confirm dynamic stability. The article presents the concept proposed by the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute” for operating power levels, taking into account the specific features identified during the commissioning of power units with increased capacity compared to VVER-1000. The article provides a description of the currently used method for achieving nominal power for VVER-1200 and VVER-TOI during commissioning. The shortcomings of this method are shown both from the perspective of verifying the dynamic stability of the power unit and from the perspective of ensuring safety. The article presents a description and justification of proposals for improving the method of achieving the design reactor power for VVER-1200 and VVER-TOI, based on the experience of commissioning VVER-1200 power units, as well as the requirements for implementing maneuvering modes. The article provides a calculated justification for the change (increase) in the permissible power level of the reactor when operating with an incomplete number of operating main circulation pump units. Lower unloading of the power unit in modes with loop shutdown reduces the impact on the main regulators of the first and second circuits and increases dynamic stability.

References

  1. Asmolov V.G., Gusev I.N., Kazansky V.R., Povarov V.P., Statsura D.B. The New Generation Head Unit: Features of the VVER-1200 Project. Izvestiya vuzov. Yadernaya Energetika. 2017;3:5–21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26583/npe.2017.3.01 (in Russian).
  2. STO 1.1.1.03.003.0880-2022 “Commissioning of units of nuclear power plants with pressurized water reactors. Scope and sequence of commissioning works. General provisions” (in Russian).
  3. Averyanova S.P., Dubov A.A., Kosourov K.B. Semchenkov Yu.M., Filimonov P.E. Operation of the VVER-1200/1300 in the Daily Load Schedule. Atomic Energy. 2012;113(5):305–313. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10512-013-9637-7
  4. Averyanova S.P., Dubov A.A., Kosourov K.B., Semchenkov Yu.M., Filimonov P.E. Development of Methods for Controlling VVER-1200/1300 in the Daily Load Schedule. Atomic Energy. 2013;114(5):308–314. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10512-013-9716-9
  5. Dubov A.A., Mikailov E.F., Gusev S.S. Study of the Possibility of Using Two Groups of Accelerated Warning Protection for VVER-1200. Atomic Energy. 2023;135(3-4):128-134. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10512-024-01092-w

VVER-1200 VVER-TOI VVER-1000 steam generator organization standard reactor unit commissioning work unloading and power limitation accelerated preventive protection main circulation pump unit

Link for citing the article: Dubov A.A. Proposals for the Development of the VVER-1200 and VVER-TOI Design Power Levels. Izvestiya vuzov. Yadernaya Energetika. 2026, no. 3, pp. 43-51; DOI: https://doi.org/10.26583/npe.2026.3.03 (in Russian).

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