The first Russian-made nuclear fuel bundle with accident-proof experimental fuel rods (ATF) is loaded into the VVER-1000 reactor core at the second unit of the Rostov Nuclear Power Plant (NGS) in southwestern Russia, which has been reactivated after scheduled maintenance and refueling.
Each of the TVS-2M model’s 3 combined VVER-100 fuel assemblies contains 12 experimental fuel rods, six of which are chrome-nickel alloys and six of which have a standard zirconium outer shell plated with chrome. This technological solutions enable to completely prevent or greatly slow down the zirconium-steam reaction in the reactor core in case of an accident that may occur in the reactor core.
The project team chose conservative versions of ATF fuel rods developed with a standard uranium dioxide fuel matrix for irradiation in a high-capacity reactor. This is in line with global practice, as existing ATF development programs around the world also suggest that the introduction of new fissile and structural materials should be done gradually.
Natalia Nikipelova, President of TVEL, Rosatom’s fuel company, said in a statement on the subject: “Fuel irradiation in a commercial reactor is an important step in further commercializing this product. These days when this milestone celebrates TVEL Fuel Company’s 25th anniversary. It is also important that it is happening. We would like to thank Rosenergoatom and Rostov NGS for their fruitful relationship with Rostekhnadzor. We will, for our part, continue our close cooperation with Rostekhnazor for the licensing of subsequent irradiation cycles. The development of the ATF contributes to new safety of nuclear power plants This is the main global trend in the nuclear power industry aimed at reducing the level of environmental impact and practically eliminating the possibility of an accident. hand will dominate the market.”
Rosatom has been testing Russian-designed ATF for VVER and PWR reactors since 2018. Experimental rigs, which go through two full irradiation cycles in the MIR research reactor, have a fuel rod with four different combinations of coating and fuel matrix materials. In addition to uranium dioxide, it also uses a high thermal conductivity uranium-molyb alloy in the production of fuel pellets. Based on the results of the research, it is planned to select the most suitable combination of structural and fuel materials in terms of technical and economic performance. After two irradiation cycles, the entire fuel rod remains hermetically sealed.
At TVEL Fuel Company, research, design and testing of crash-proof fuel is provided and coordinated by the Bochvar Institute for Inorganic Materials.