Page 21 - Dynamics and Control of Nuclear Reactors

12 CHAPTER 2 Nuclear reactor designs

The VVER is the Russian version of the PWR. It has similarities and some sig-
nificant differences from western PWRs. VVERs have horizontal steam generators,
hexagonal fuel assemblies, and have no vessel bottom penetrations. VVERs range in
power ratings from 440MWe to 1200MWe. Ref. [2] provides a summary of evolu-
tion of VVER designs. Fig. 2.6 shows the schematic of a four-loop 1200-MWe
VVER plant [2].
The RBMK is a graphite-moderated, water cooled reactor of Russian design. It is
known to have severe stability problems which unfortunately manifested themselves
in the Chernobyl accident. RBMK reactors are no longer being built.

Emergency core cooling
systems

Steam generator feed
water inlet

Spray line

Steam
generator

Primary pump Surge line
Pressurizer
Reactor vessel

FIG. 2.6
Layout of a 1200-MWe VVER plant.
Courtesy of Rosatom Overseas, The VVER Today: Evolution, Design, Safety, 2018, www.rosatom.ru.