State-of-the-art and prospects for development of innovative simplified boiling-water reactor VK-300

At present RDIPE is close to the completion of the detail design of an innovative simplified boiling-water reactor VK-300. A nuclear power plant equipped with a VK-300 reactor facility is intended for small- and medium-size power systems as well as for electricity and heat cogeneration. The innovative VK-300 reactor facility has been designed on the basis of well-established nuclear technologies, proven major components, the operating experience of the prototype reactor VK-50 in RIAR, Dimitrovgrad, and the experience of designing such reactors as SBWR (GE) and SWR (Siemens). Thus, the reactor pressure vessel, fuel elements and moisture separators developed for the WWER-1000 reactor facility were taken for VK-300. The presentation will be focused on the most important design features of VK-300. More attention will be given to the specific features of the reactor design relating to a) the original and efficient scheme of coolant circulation and separation, b) the top placement of CPS drive mechanisms, and c) a unique system for reactor core emergency cooling. Reactor passive safety features will be given a special emphasis. The prospects for developing in Russia nuclear power units with VK-300 reactor facility will be analyzed. (authors)