It is always nice to be first in something.Similarly, our country, while still part of the USSR, was the first in many endeavors. A striking example is the construction of nuclear power plants. It is clear that many were involved in its development and construction. But nevertheless, the first nuclear power plant in the world was located on the territory that is now located in Russia.
Background of the NPP
It began with the use of the atom for military purposes. Before the first nuclear power plant in the world was built, many doubted that nuclear energy could be channeled into a peaceful course.
At first the atomic bomb was created. Everyone knows the sad experience of using it in Japan. Then at the test site was carried out atomic bomb test, created by Soviet scientists.
Some time later, the USSR began to produce plutonium in an industrial reactor. All conditions have been created for obtaining enriched uranium on a large scale.
It was at this time, in the autumn of 1949, that an active discussion began on how to organize an enterprise in which atomic energy would be used to generate electricity and heat.
Theoretical design and project creation wasassigned to Laboratory "B". At that time it was headed by D.I. Blokhintsev. Scientific Council under the leadership of I.V. Kurchatov proposed a nuclear reactor that worked on enriched uranium. Beryllium was used as a moderator. Cooling was carried out with the use of helium. Considered other options for reactors. For example, using fast and intermediate neutrons. Other cooling methods were also allowed.
In the spring of 1950 a decree of the Council of Ministers was issued. It meant that it was necessary to build three experimental reactors:
- the first is uranium-graphite with water cooling;
- the second is helium-graphite, which was supposed to use gas cooling;
- the third - beryllium uranium also with a gas cooler.
The rest of the current year was devoted to the creation of a technical project. Using these three reactors, the power of the first nuclear power plant in the world was about 5,000 kW.
Where and by whom were they created?
Of course, in order to build these buildings, it was necessary to determine the place. Thus, the first nuclear power plant in the world was built in the city of Obninsk.
Construction work was entrusted to the Scientific Research Institute "Himmash".At that moment he was headed by N. Dollezhal. By education he is a construction chemist who was far from nuclear physics. But still his knowledge proved useful during the construction of structures.
Общими усилиями, а в работу чуть позже several more institutes were connected, the first nuclear power plant in the world was built. Creator she is not alone. There are many of them, because such a large-scale project cannot be created alone. But the main developer is Kurchatov, and the builder is Dollezhal.
Construction progress and launch preparation
In parallel with how the first in the world was createdNPPs, laboratories developed stands. They were prototypes of power plants, which were later used on nuclear submarines.
In the summer of the 50th year, the preparatory work began. They lasted for one year. The result of all the work was the very first nuclear power plant in the world. Her initial project has not changed much.
The following adjustments were made:
- The uranium-beryllium reactor was created with a lead-bismuth cooler;
- The helium-graphite reactor was replaced by a water-water reactor, which formed the basis of all subsequent nuclear power plants, and was also used on icebreakers and submarines.
В июне 1951 года вышло постановление о том, чтобы build an experienced power plant. At the same time for the uranium-graphite reactor were delivered all the necessary materials. And in July, the construction of a nuclear power plant with water cooling began.
The first run, providing electricity to settlements
Начало загрузки активной зоны реактора состоялось in May 1954. Namely, 9 numbers. The same evening, a chain reaction began in him. The fission of uranium nuclei occurred in such a way that it was maintained independently. This was the so-called physical launch of the station.
After a month and a half in June 1954 wasThe power start-up of the NPP was completed. This was the result of steam supply to the turbogenerator. The world's first nuclear power plant was earned on June 26 at half past five in the evening. It functioned for 48 years. Her role was to give rise to the emergence of similar power plants around the world.
The next day, the electric current was given to the city of the first nuclear power plant in the world (1954) - to Obninsk near Moscow.
Impetus to the emergence of other nuclear power plants around the world
It had a relatively small capacity, only 5 MW. One reactor load was enough for it to work at full power for 3 months.
And despite this, Obninsk power plantattracted the attention of people from all over the world. Numerous delegations came to the city of the first nuclear power plant in the world. Their goal was to see firsthand the miracle created by the Soviet people. In order to get electricity, you do not need to use natural minerals. Without coal, oil or gas, a turbine generator was set in motion. And the NPP provided with electricity a city with a population of about 40 thousand people. In this case, only spent nuclear fuel. Its amount was 2 tons per year.
This circumstance was the impetus for the construction ofsimilar stations almost all over the world. Their power was immense. And yet the beginning was here - in a small Obninsk, where the atom became a hard worker, dropping a military uniform.
When was the nuclear power plant finished?
The first nuclear power plant in Russia was shut down in 2002 on April 29. To this were economic prerequisites. Her power was not big enough.
During her work, data were obtained that confirmed all the theoretical calculations. All technical and engineering solutions were justified.
This made it possible in 10 years (1964) to launch the Beloyarsk NPP. Moreover, its power was 50 times greater than that of Obninsk.
Where else are nuclear reactors used?
In parallel with the creation of the NPP group underThe management of Kurchatov designed an atomic reactor that could be installed on an icebreaker. This task was just as important as providing electricity, without spending gas and coal.
The USSR, as well as Russia, was important onmaximum time to extend navigation in the seas that lie to the north. Nuclear-powered icebreakers could provide year-round navigation in these areas.
Such developments were launched in the 53rd year, and six years later the nuclear-powered icebreaker Lenin was sent to its first voyage. He regularly served in the Arctic for 30 years.
No less important was the creation of nuclear submarineboats. And she was launched in the 57th year. At the same time, this submarine marched under the ice to the North Pole and returned to the base. The name of this submarine was "Leninsky Komsomol".
Impact of NPP on the environment
This question interested people already when it was the first nuclear power plant in the world built in the city of Obninsk. It is now known that the impact on the environment is carried out in three directions:
- thermal emissions;
- gas, which is also radioactive;
- liquid radioactive waste around nuclear power plants.
Moreover, the emission of radiation occurs even whennormal reactor operation. Such constant releases of radioactive substances to the environment occur under the supervision of NPP personnel. They then spread in the air and the earth, penetrating plants and organisms of animals and people.
It is worth noting that not only nuclear power plants aresource of radiation waste. Medicine, science, industry and agriculture also contribute to the overall standings. All waste must be disposed of in a special way. And then they are subject to disposal.
