Specialists of VNIIAES JSC (a subsidiary of Rosenergoatom JSC) required seven years to create a working model of a virtual-digital NPP. On 23 May, this development was demonstrated to Aleksandr Lokshin, the First Deputy Director General for Operational Management of Rosatom State Corporation, and other leaders in nuclear energy industry.

VNIIAES in cooperation with the Nuclear Safety Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IBRAE RAN) have created a unique software and hardware complex – Virtual-digital NPP with VVER (VDNPP). It allows various processes calculations at a nuclear power plant – from neutron to concrete, as atomic engineers say. That means, from the neutron-physical, heat and hydrodynamic characteristics of reactors to the economic effect of using different systems and materials. Using this model, one can calculate new equipment behaviour, its compatibility and impact on other systems before it is installed at real power units.

The complex allows to simulate the most difficult situations, including equipment failures, external impact, incorrect personnel actions. The virtual-digital NPP not only calculates behavior models, but also serves as a simulator that NPP employees – power unit operating engineers – can use to practice special skills when acting in emergency situations.

VDNPP conducts calculations with the help of a small supercomputer of domestic production, and, if necessary, it also can connect to the civilian segment of the most powerful supercomputer of the Russian federal nuclear center in Sarov.

VDNPP is a modern means of complex project verification; it is at the top of scientific and technical thought. Projects of such a level are available only in the US and France. Aleksandr Lokshin, the First Deputy Director General for Operational Management of Rosatom State Corporation, highly assessed the joint development of VNIIAES and IBRAE RAN and promised to assist in its promotion.