At the Rooppur NPP, which is being built by the Rosatom State Corporation Engineering Division in the People's Republic of Bangladesh, main step-up and auxiliary transformers have been successfully commissioned at power unit No.1.
The main step-up transformers are among the most important NPP elements, since they convert the voltage generated by the turbogenerator (24 kV) into 400 kV voltage in order to supply electricity to the national grid. At the same time, the transformer is capable of power transmitting totalling up to 1,599 MW, which is more than the power produced by the power unit itself (its capacity being 1,200 MW). The weight of one transformer phase is about 400 tons. More than 150 kilometers of cable were needed to connect it.
At the same time, connection of the auxiliary transformers has been completed. They provide power to all internal systems of the power unit. These transformers can operate in two modes, i.e. they either receive electricity from the external power grid, or take it directly from the generator during the of the power unit operation. Previously, all domestic consumers were connected via standby transformers, but now the main power supply circuit is employed.
“Connecting the transformers is an important stage that became possible owing to clear coordination between all project participants. The team handled excellently its job duties in difficult logistical and climate conditions. This is another step towards the safe and reliable power unit commissioning”, said Alexey Deriy, Atomstroyexport JSC Vice President for Projects in Bangladesh.
In the near future, a set of hot media tests will be conducted at the Rooppur NPP, namely: the primary circuit coolant heated to rated parameters and the generated steam.
Various safety modes of the NPP operation will be tested, including the operation mode of the devices providing steam discharge into the atmosphere. The noise accompanying the tests at the NPP is planned and is absolutely safe for the population.
Rosatom's most important priority is safety, therefore the project focuses on meeting all mandatory standards and requirements.
The Rooppur NPP equipped with two VVER-1200 reactors of the total 2400 MW capacity is being constructed under the Russian design 160 km from Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, in accordance with General Contract dated December 25, 2015.