The calculation research of nonstationary processes and spatial disturbances into the reactor BN600 core

Unit 3 of Beloyarsk Nuclear Power Plant with fast reactor was commissioned in 1980. Since 1982 BN600 power unit has been operating in commercial mode of electric and thermal power generation implementing the research and verification of the prototype equipment and up-to-date scientific engineering achievements in the field of fast reactors. BN600 reactor is one of the largest fast reactors throughout the world. 20-year experience of stable and reliable operation of the unit with the high availability factor has justified in general the validity of the accepted design solutions. By now two modifications of the reactor core were performed enabling the peak fuel burnup of 10% of heavy atoms to be achieved. The stable and extended operation of the reactor against the background of the problems related to the operation of the similar reactors and the cancellation of the fast reactors development programs abroad is generating the increased interest to its operation and it is providing for the required experience, which can not but make possible the appreciation of the fast reactor role in the nuclear power engineering. (authors)