Analysis of the Opportunity for an Increase in the Thermal Power of Power Generating Units of Nuclear Power Plants (Part 2)

Анотація

A level of scientific knowledge combined with the use of contemporary computational tools and the analysis of the experience gained in the field of safe operation provides opportunities for a decrease in the level of conservatism laid at the stage of design. This scientific paper gives the research data obtained to confirm an opportunity for an increase in the thermal power by 1.5 % for the power unit No2 at the South-Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plant based on the data of implementation and trial operation of this modification at the power unit No1 of the South-Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plant. Structurally, this scientific paper consists of the description of a pilot modification used by the power unit No1 of the South-Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plant, graphic representation of power levels before and after the introduction of the modification designed to increase  the thermal power by 1.5 % and it also includes the data of thermal hydraulic analysis of the opportunity for the use of the pilot modification for the power unit No 2 at the South-Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plant provided that acceptability criteria established by the project are not exceeded. The conclusions on the influence of this modification on the safe operation have been made. In case of successful trial operation this modification can be used by other power plants with estimation of the specific distinctions of tested power units. The recommendations on the scope of measures and substantiations required for the introduction of an appropriate level of an increase in thermal power of Ukrainian power units with water-moderated water-cooled power reactors WMPR-1000 and WMPR-440 have been given. To extend the service life of power units of NPP a possible increase in the power for the classes 1 and 2 should be taken into consideration and it is recommended to be guided by the international experience.