3-D design of nuclear island and power unit will be completed in 2012

The main task of «VVER Design Centre» is development of NPP unit standard design of high power on the basis of VVER technology (VVER-TOI standard design), which will allow reducing costs on design, construction, operation, service and decommissioning of VVER power units. Realization of VVER-TOI design will increase competitiveness of domestic developments on the external market and will enhance the process of NPP construction in Russia.
The task on optimization of operational characteristics of water-moderated water-cooled power reactor as one of the top priority issues for the near future has been set before the nuclear power industry by Dmitry Medvedev, the President of the Russian Federation, by results of meeting of the Commission for modernization and technological development of Russia’s Economy under the President of the RF on July, 22nd, 2009.
According to Ilya Kopytov, First Deputy of General Director — Director for facilities designing of JSC «Atomenergoproekt», VVER-TOI design should not be considered as a new one. «This design is development of the main design — „AES-2006“, which is currently realized in Russia. This implies that there is a considerable design reserve and, at the same time, there is an opportunity of achieving optimization of its economic and functional characteristics by means of enhancement of design solutions, which do not require considerable scope of research and development works», noted Ilya Kopytov.
According to Mr. Kopytov, the design does not envisage introduction of significant changes into VVER technology. Technical optimization will be reduced to rational minimum of precise solutions, allowing achieving maximum economic effect.
At present there are 40 specialists working in «Design Centre». By the end of this year the number will be increased to 110 employees. Both specialists of JSC «Atomenergoproekt» and representatives of industrial companies will be attracted to work on the design. «Design Centre» is equipped with up-to-date design and engineering tools.
3-D design of nuclear island and power unit, as well as safety design justifications will be launched within the framework of VVER-TOI design. Design will be completed in 2012.