Some results and conclusions drawn from nuclear power station operating experience in the USSR over the period 1980-1987

As of 1 January 1988, in 16 nuclear power stations in the USSR, 45 power units were operating with a total installed capacity of 34,400 MW. The total working lives of the reactors in those power units comprised approximately 350 reactor-years. The paper describes the infrastructure of the nuclear power industry in terms of reactor type and length of operation ('life'). Data are presented on the generation of electrical power at various types of power stations. Installed capacity use factors for the period 1980-1987 are compared and the basic reasons and quantitative correlations for the underutilization of installed capacity are given. The distribution of faults (by equipment type) is reviewed. It is shown that 85% of the faults are traceable to equipment non-specific to nuclear power production. Data are also given on the specific number of incidents per unit for various reactor types, and their relation to the 'age' of the units. Certain problems which the operating authority are striving to solve are also discussed. (author). 5 figs, 2 tabs