To obtain a regulatory permit, the nuclear station submitted 5,540 sets of as-built documents. “Bringing the unit online will be a step-by-step process, with power generation capacity increased from 5 to 15, 25, 35 and then 50%. In fact, the process ends when the turbine generator is connected to the power grid and is followed by a 72-hour comprehensive testing cycle,” said Yuri Nosov, Chief Engineer at the Beloyarsk NPP. He explained that all the required checks were completed, including a long reactor startup phase when the project team verified the compliance of the reactor, core, steam generator and tertiary loop with design specifications. All the BN-800 reactor systems are fine-tuned and put in operation, says Boris Vasiliev, Chief Fast Breeder Designer at OKBM Afrikantov. “Making its positive decision, Rostekhnadzor took into account the fact, among others, that neutron data obtained at the startup phase complied with design parameters. At present, the reactor and the entire unit are fully prepared for electricity generation,” Boris Vasiliev concluded.
The reactor’s capacity will be gradually boosted up to 35% of its rated level – at this point, supply of electric power will begin to the local grid. The capacity boost runs in parallel with a number of tests, which are designed to confirm safety and reliability of the equipment. Apart from other measures to be taken within this phase, the scheduled equipment inspection alone will take 30 to 40 days. Approximately in late December, the reactor will reach a capacity level that will be sufficient to produce enough steam for normal operation of the turbine. “The regulatory permit is an intermediate result. More important is the beginning of power generation, that is, reaching a level when the turbine and the generator begin to rotate,” explained Boris Vasiliev. He added that a team of OKBM design experts headed for the site to supervise the start of power generation.
Russia is an undisputable leader in fast breeder technologies. A BN-600 fast breeder developed by OKBM has been in operation at the Beloyarsk NPP for 35 years. No other country working in this field has achieved similar results. The Generation IV BN-800 reactor is yet another step in the closed fuel cycle technology development. The reactor design incorporates proven BN-600 technologies and solutions that were further optimized to improve its safety and cost efficiency, a representative of OKBM Afrikantov said.
According to Yuri Nosov, Unit 4 will start commercial operation by the end of the next year. Commercial operation will be preceded by a pilot operation mode and a stepwise capacity increase from 60–70% up to the rated level. Process parameters will be monitored at each step for the compliance with the project design. “Some of them will be probably adjusted, but even now we see that reactor safety is maintained at the required level – all safety-related systems have been tested and are fully functional,” Yuri Nosov concluded.
