VPBER-600 enhanced safety water cooled medium power reactor

VPBER-600 new generation reactor is water-cooled and water-moderated medium power reactor with primary circuit integral arrangement. In VPBER-600 project in the framework of maximum use of self-protectiveness and passive safety principles there were further developed the main solutions on safety which were perfected in AST-500 NDHP and approved by IAEA expertise. The integral arrangement of equipment allowed to exclude in VPBER-600 the classes of accidents with primary circuit large and medium leaks, a simple circulation circuit and high level of natural circulation is provided which allowed to organize core cooling in all emergency situations. An additional passive barrier of localization is introduced, - the guard vessel, inclosing the reactor and primary circuit systems. There are envisaged completely passive secondary circuit independent systems for removal of heat in emergency through built-in heat exchangers which are actuated by self-operating direct-action devices. A system of simple passive means is established ensuring a high safety level of 'passive' VPBER-600 reactor. (author)