Some aspects of the VVER-440 reactor plant life re-extension: a case study of the Novovoronezh NPP Unit 4

Abstract

The re-modernization of Unit 4 at the Novovoronezh NPP (Novovoronezh-4) made it possible to take a new approach to the problem of extending the VVER-440 reactor plant life and operation. The authors analyze the existing problems of the VVER-440/179 power unit, showing possible solutions to the identified shortcomings and the final state of the updated power unit. Modernization works significantly expanded the range of design-basis accidents from the primary coolant leak from an opening (DN = 100 mm) to the maximum possible, associated with a rupture of the main circulation pipelines (MCP) (DN = 500 mm). A unique experience was gained in using the safety systems of Unit 3, which was finally shutdown for decommissioning, to increase reliability and provide additional redundancy for the safety systems of Unit 4. The results of the performed works showed the correctness of the adopted concept of re-extending the service life of Unit 4 and ensured its compliance with the modern safety requirements in nuclear power engineering, including as it relates to the safety impact of the first-level probabilistic safety analysis model (PSA-1) for internal initiating events.