VVER: Difference between revisions

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'''VVER''' (Russian: ВВЭР, which stands for ''Vodo-Vodyanoi Energetichesky Reactor''; English: Water-Water Energetic Reactor) is a series of [[pressurized water reactor]] designs originally developed in the Soviet Union, and now Russia. The VVER is the most widely installed type of [[nuclear reactor]] in the world.
{{short description|Type of nuclear reactor}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


==Design and operation==
== VVER ==
The VVER design is a type of [[pressurized water reactor]] (PWR). In a PWR, the primary coolant (water) is pumped under high pressure to the reactor core where it is heated by the energy generated by the fission of atoms. The heated water then flows to a steam generator where it transfers its thermal energy to a secondary system where steam is generated and flows to turbines which, in turn, spin an electric generator.
[[File:BalakovoNPP1.jpg|thumb|Balakovo Nuclear Power Plant, Russia]]
[[File:Wwer-1000-scheme.png|thumb|Schematic of a VVER-1000 reactor]]
[[File:Mochovce_2005-01-19_1.jpg|thumb|Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant, Slovakia]]
[[File:VVER-1000-Stereometric.svg|thumb|Stereometric view of a VVER-1000]]
[[File:RIAN_archive_450312_Treatment_of_interior_part_of_reactor_frame.jpg|thumb|Treatment of interior part of reactor frame]]
[[File:Loviisan_voimalaitos_ilmasta.png|thumb|Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant, Finland]]
[[File:Kozloduy_Nuclear_Power_Plant_-_Control_Room_of_Unit_5.jpg|thumb|Control room of Unit 5 at Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, Bulgaria]]


In a VVER, the coolant water is also the neutron moderator which slows down neutrons from the fission to sustain the nuclear chain reaction. The water in the reactor core reaches about 320°C, hence it must be kept under about 150 times atmospheric pressure to prevent it from boiling.
The '''VVER''' is a series of [[pressurized water reactor]]s (PWR) developed in the [[Soviet Union]]. These reactors are used for generating [[electricity]] and are characterized by their use of light water as both a [[neutron moderator]] and a [[coolant]].


==Safety features==
== Design and Features ==
VVER reactors have several safety features. They have a large containment building to contain any accidental releases of radioactivity. The reactors are also designed with a negative void coefficient, meaning that if water in the reactor core is replaced by steam (or any other substance), the nuclear reaction rate decreases.
VVER reactors are known for their robust design and safety features. The design includes a [[pressurized water reactor]] system with a [[reactor pressure vessel]] that houses the [[nuclear fuel]] and control rods. The VVER design is distinct from Western PWRs due to its horizontal steam generators and hexagonal fuel assemblies.


==Types of VVER==
The VVER-1000 model, for example, has a thermal output of 3000 MW and an electrical output of approximately 1000 MW. The reactor core is designed to be compact, with a high power density, and is surrounded by a thick [[biological shield]] to protect against radiation.
There are several models of VVER reactors. The earliest model, the VVER-440, was designed and built in the 1960s and 1970s. The VVER-1000 (or VVER-1200 in more recent versions) is a larger and more modern design with a higher power output.


==VVER reactors around the world==
== Variants ==
VVER reactors are used in many countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, India, Iran, and China. They are also being considered for use in other countries, such as the UK.
There are several variants of the VVER, including the VVER-440, VVER-1000, and the more recent VVER-1200. Each variant has been developed to improve efficiency, safety, and output.


==See also==
=== VVER-440 ===
* [[Nuclear power]]
The VVER-440 was one of the first models developed and is still in operation in several countries. It has a lower power output compared to later models but is valued for its reliability.
* [[Nuclear reactor technology]]
 
=== VVER-1000 ===
The VVER-1000 is a more advanced model with a higher power output and improved safety features. It is widely used in countries such as [[Russia]], [[Ukraine]], and [[China]].
 
=== VVER-1200 ===
The VVER-1200 is the latest generation, featuring enhanced safety systems, increased efficiency, and a longer operational lifespan. It incorporates passive safety features that allow the reactor to shut down safely without operator intervention in the event of an emergency.
 
== Safety Features ==
VVER reactors are equipped with multiple safety systems, including emergency core cooling systems, containment structures, and redundant safety mechanisms. The design philosophy emphasizes redundancy and diversity to ensure safety under various operational conditions.
 
== Global Deployment ==
VVER reactors are used in several countries, including [[Russia]], [[Ukraine]], [[Finland]], [[Bulgaria]], and [[China]]. They are a key component of the nuclear energy strategy in these countries, contributing significantly to their electricity generation.
 
== Related Pages ==
* [[Pressurized water reactor]]
* [[Pressurized water reactor]]
* [[Nuclear power plant]]
* [[Nuclear safety]]
* [[Nuclear power in Russia]]
* [[Nuclear power in Russia]]


[[Category:Nuclear technology]]
== References ==
[[Category:Nuclear power by country]]
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Nuclear energy in Russia]]
 
{{Nuclear-stub}}
[[Category:Nuclear reactors]]
[[Category:Pressurized water reactors]]
[[Category:Nuclear power in Russia]]

Revision as of 00:38, 10 February 2025

Type of nuclear reactor



VVER

Balakovo Nuclear Power Plant, Russia
Schematic of a VVER-1000 reactor
Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant, Slovakia
Stereometric view of a VVER-1000
Treatment of interior part of reactor frame
Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant, Finland
Control room of Unit 5 at Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, Bulgaria

The VVER is a series of pressurized water reactors (PWR) developed in the Soviet Union. These reactors are used for generating electricity and are characterized by their use of light water as both a neutron moderator and a coolant.

Design and Features

VVER reactors are known for their robust design and safety features. The design includes a pressurized water reactor system with a reactor pressure vessel that houses the nuclear fuel and control rods. The VVER design is distinct from Western PWRs due to its horizontal steam generators and hexagonal fuel assemblies.

The VVER-1000 model, for example, has a thermal output of 3000 MW and an electrical output of approximately 1000 MW. The reactor core is designed to be compact, with a high power density, and is surrounded by a thick biological shield to protect against radiation.

Variants

There are several variants of the VVER, including the VVER-440, VVER-1000, and the more recent VVER-1200. Each variant has been developed to improve efficiency, safety, and output.

VVER-440

The VVER-440 was one of the first models developed and is still in operation in several countries. It has a lower power output compared to later models but is valued for its reliability.

VVER-1000

The VVER-1000 is a more advanced model with a higher power output and improved safety features. It is widely used in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and China.

VVER-1200

The VVER-1200 is the latest generation, featuring enhanced safety systems, increased efficiency, and a longer operational lifespan. It incorporates passive safety features that allow the reactor to shut down safely without operator intervention in the event of an emergency.

Safety Features

VVER reactors are equipped with multiple safety systems, including emergency core cooling systems, containment structures, and redundant safety mechanisms. The design philosophy emphasizes redundancy and diversity to ensure safety under various operational conditions.

Global Deployment

VVER reactors are used in several countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Bulgaria, and China. They are a key component of the nuclear energy strategy in these countries, contributing significantly to their electricity generation.

Related Pages

References

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