Life cycle management for main transformers at nuclear power plants

Abstract

In order to ensure reliability and safety of nuclear power plants remain within acceptable limits and to achieve cost-effective investment, based on technical and economic analysis method, a economic analysis model of life cycle management (LCM) for main transformers at nuclear power plants is established. As an example, the 60-year alternative LCM plans for a main transformer at a nuclear power plant in China are given. According to the proposed economic analysis model and various economic data input, the preventive maintenance costs, corrective maintenance costs, lost production costs, net present value of total benefit and total investment for the LCM alternatives are output, and ultimately the net present value index is calculated to determine the advantages and disadvantages of various alternatives and identify the best economic LCM alternative. The results provide basis for decision making for the major equipments LCM and life extension plans in nuclear power plants. KEYWORD: Life cycle management; Economy analysis model; Net present value; Preventive maintenance; Corrective maintenance; Nuclear power plants.