Insights from fire PSA for enhancing NPP safety

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of an effort to gain insights from fire probabilistic safety assessment (FPSA) conducted in nuclear power plants. Using probabilistic models, the fire PSA takes into account the possibility of a fire at specific plant locations and its propagation, detection and suppression of the fire; and also helps to assess the effect of the fire on safety-related cables and equipment. The results of FPSA contributed to design modifications in plant to enhance the safety and thereby reduce its contribution to core damage frequency. It also highlights the sources of uncertainty while conducting and suggesting values of risk parameter in FPSA study.