Some specific features of the RBMK-1000 NPPs and experience gained in its operation

Some design features of NPPs with the RBMK-1000 reactors and results of their operation are considered. The RBMK-1000 reactor is a serial power 1000 MW uranium-graphite boiling water cooled reactor. From December, 1973 till December, 1981 eight power units with RBMK-1000 reactors were brought up to operation at rated power. In the full volume of the starting minimum, the power units can be constructed during 16-18 months. The basic NPP units can be brought up to the nominal powers during 8-10 months, and the subsequent units - during 6 months. The mean annual installed power factor of a NPP is 73-74%. Eight years of successful operation of a power unit with RBMK-1000 confirmed high working capacity of the reactor and basic power plant equipment and revealed the design reserves. This permitted to increase its electric power up to 1500 MW at the expense of heat exchange intensification in the core without modification in design. The RBMK-1000 reactor is one of the main reactor types for the development of the nuclear power engineering in the USSR