Investigation of nuclear reactor types and working principle of the VVER-1200 reactor

The aim of this study is to investigate the types of nuclear reactors, which are the energy production mechanism in nuclear power plants, and to examine the general working principle in terms of the reasons why the VVER-1200 reactor type, which is a power reactor, is preferred in our country. At the same time, it is to consider the working principle of VVER-1200 due to being one of the new generation reactor types and many advanced technical equipment and the reasons why it is preferred in our country Due to the increasing energy need in the world, many European countries with developed industry and technology, countries such as the United States of America (USA), Russia have developed studies on nuclear energy in many areas. Therefore, it has become possible to talk about many reactor designs for different purposes today. In the study, the history of nuclear physics and the development process of nuclear reactors were briefly mentioned, and the types of reactors according to their intended use and materials used were explained. More emphasis was placed on the types of power reactors. Some technical features of the TRIGA-MARK II research reactor in Turkey and its history were briefly mentioned. The general operating principle of the VVER-1200 reactor, such as starting the reactor, being critical, stopping the reactor while it is running, and activating the safety systems in case of emergency, were explained. The main reasons why the VVER-1200 reactor type is under construction in our country and the first reactor will be put into operation in 2023, to what extent it will meet the energy needs of our country, and because the reactor is one of the last generation reactors designed so far, were evaluated. Questions such as can we do more or how can we do more in this field, which is considered new for our country, were tried to be answered. 2021, 69 Pages Keywords: Types of nuclear reactors, research reactors, TRIGAA-MARK II research reactor, apparatuses make use of VVER-1200 reactor, critical mass, the safety systems of VVER-1200 reactor.