Ways of conversion of nuclear power plants that have exhausted their service life at existing sites

Abstract

A large number of NPP power units designed and built on the territory of Russia and Ukraine have exceeded or are close to exceeding the design operating life, even taking into account their extension. The terms of the extension of operation also have their limits, especially taking into account the types of reactors of the plants being extended. The complete dismantling of old nuclear power plants is an extremely costly undertaking. The article formulates the problem setting for converting double-circuit NPPs into thermal power plants with the possible use of the infrastructure and equipment of the turbine hall. The existing experience of NPP decommissioning is analyzed. Variants of application of boiler equipment, reconstruction of existing turbines and use of gas turbine plants for the implementation of options with a steam-gas cycle are considered. A comparison has been made of various options for completing fossil-fueled power units, their expected power, parameters and efficiency. Qualitatively, additional capital investments in new equipment, environmental impact and cost-effectiveness of the considered options for completing new TPP power units have been assessed. It is noted that the implementation of any of the considered options should be preceded by analysis of the condition of thermal mechanical equipment remaining in operation and a feasibility study of the proposed conversion option.