29.08.2023
INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT OF ROSTOV NPP
The Rostov NPP: modernization of the cooling system made it possible not to reduce the capacity of power unit No. 3 during the summer maximum temperatures
Since the beginning of summer, power unit No. 3 of the Rostov NPP, operating with the support of fan cooling towers, has not been allowed to reduce power due to high air temperatures. The unit operates without restrictions, providing planned electricity generation for consumers in the South of Russia.
The technical solution for the construction of a fan cooling tower complex was approved by Rosenergoatom specifically for the Rostov NPP, the southernmost nuclear power plant. In summer, the air temperature in the region where the nuclear power plant is located rises above 40°C, and the soil temperature reaches 60°C.
Fan cooling towers should be used for additional cooling of units Nos. 3, and 4 when, due to heat, the load on the large evaporative cooling towers that these units are equipped with increases sharply.
The fan cooling tower complex for power unit No. 3 was put into operation in 2021 and has been operating effectively for two seasons.
Fan cooling towers are 16x16 meters in size, they consist of 12 sections and provide a cooled water flow rate of 45,000 m3/h. The operation of these devices creates a sparing regime for the main equipment and increases the safety and reliability of the operation of the power unit.
“This technical solution has proven itself well. During periods of hot summer temperatures in 2022-2023, the joint operation of a large evaporative cooling tower and fan cooling towers provided stable, reliable operation of the main equipment of power unit No. 3. The average electrical power of the generator is at least 1050 MW, which ensures the generation of electricity in accordance with the established task,” explained Andrey Gorbunov, chief engineer of the Rostov NPP.
After analyzing the efficiency of fan cooling towers at power unit No. 3, it was decided to build this facility for power unit No. 4 as well. The project is under development.
At the moment, the electric power industry, including nuclear, demonstrates high responsibility, efficiency, and sustainability. The industry is successfully adapting to new conditions and changes taking place in the global market. One of the main priorities remains to provide steady, stable economic growth, the economic security of the country, as well as uninterrupted supply of enterprises and regions.
The priority areas for the development of the industry are the import substitution of technologies and equipment in the most critical areas, the consolidation and modernization of the power grid complex, and the expansion of cooperation with friendly countries, including on international platforms.
The Rostov NPP is a branch of Rosenergoatom (part of the largest division of the State Corporation Rosatom, Electric Power). The enterprise is located on the bank of the Tsimlyansk reservoir, 13.5 km from the city of Volgodonsk. The nuclear power plant operates four power units with nuclear reactors of the PWR-1000 type. Daily power generation by each power unit is about 25 million kWh.
The share of nuclear generation in the structure of power production in the Rostov region is more than 70%, the United Energy System (UES) of the South - about 30%. The energy system of the South of Russia includes the regional energy systems of the Southern and North Caucasian Federal Districts, located on the territory of nine republics, Stavropol and Krasnodar Territories, Rostov, Volgograd, Astrakhan Regions with a total population of more than 27 million people.
Operational information on the radiation situation next to Russian NPPs and other facilities of the nuclear industry is available on the website www.russianatom.ru.
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