Power Plant Design Research Articles

A novel cascade heat design for a geothermal energy-based combined power plant in integration with water electrolysis and ammonia synthesis processes: Comprehensive thermo-environ-economic analyses

The present paper introduces an innovative integrated system for simultaneous cooling, heating, power, and ammonia production utilizing geothermal energy. The novel configuration incorporates a geothermal-based single-flash power plant, a modified Kalina cycle, an organic Rankine cycle, an electrochemical unit, and an ammonia synthesis process. The Kalian cycle has undergone modifications aimed at enhancing its production capacity, while the electrochemical unit provides hydrogen for the ammonia synthesis process. The research encompasses a thorough assessment of the proposed system's potential with regard to thermodynamic, environmental impact, and economic considerations. Additionally, a parametric assessment is conducted using the flash pressure of the geothermal fluid and the proportion of unreacted gases to the ammonia synthesis reactor in order to analyze the performance variables of the system. The proposed system demonstrates a power generation capacity of 15513.18 kW, a heating load of 24880 kW, a cooling load of 11540 kW, and an ammonia production capacity of 0.282 kg/s. Moreover, the process exhibits irreversibility with a total value of 16977 kW. Consequently, the energy and exergy efficiencies amount to 34.55% and 57.17%, correspondingly. Besides, geothermal energy offers environmental benefits, as its non-polluting nature results in reduced CO2 emissions in comparison to biomass, coal-based, and hybrid energy systems. Eventually, the economic analysis demonstrates that the total cost rate and sum unit cost of products are 825 $/h and 9.57 $/GJ, respectively.

Technical & Economic Feasibility Study of Proposed Pump Storage Power Plants at Kuda Oya, Mul Oya, Gurugal Oya, and Dambagasthalawa

This paper presents a Technical and Economic Feasibility Study of proposed Pumped Storage Power Plants (PSPPs) at KM (Kuda Oya, Mul Oya), KMG (Kuda Oya, Mul Oya, Gurugal Oya), KG (Kuda Oya, Gurugal Oya), and Dambagasthalawa. Sri Lanka aims to transition away from a coal-dominant electricity sector within the next decade, aligning with sustainability goals outlined by the United Nations. In pursuit of affordable and clean energy sustainability, the Sri Lankan government has opted to shift its long-term energy policy towards renewable sources, departing from fossil fuels. Despite this shift, a significant portion of Sri Lanka's electricity consumption—approximately 600 MW from oil and 900 MW from coal—persists. The country now aims to source 80% of its energy from renewable sources, necessitating a focus on underutilized opportunities. In selecting the best candidate sites for Pumped Storage Power Plant (PSPP) design, comprehensive hydrological and sedimentation studies play a pivotal role. In this endeavor, we endeavor to re-rank the selected candidate sites for pumped storage power plants considering technical & financial feasibility by conducting comprehensive hydrological and sedimentation studies. These studies are pivotal for assessing the feasibility and long-term viability of potential sites, aiming to select the most sustainable candidate site in every aspect. Therefore, the primary objective of this research is to conduct a thorough hydrologic study of the proposed KMG and Dambagastalawa pump storage power plants, focusing on identifying potential energy-saving opportunities in pumping when these plants operate as open-loop systems. This study will analyze the hydrology of the upper ponds of the Kuda Oya, Mul Oya, and Gurugal Oya (KMG) pump storage power plants, and the Dambagastalawa Oya pump storage power plant, assessing the potential reduction in pumping energy. Such insights are essential for optimizing the design and operation of PSPPs to ensure economic viability and sustainable energy generation. Furthermore, this research addresses the importance of studying sedimentation in both the upper and lower ponds of the KMG and Dambagastalawa pump storage power plants. Sedimentation calculations will be performed to determine reservoir lifetimes, offering critical insights into the long-term feasibility and maintenance requirements of these projects. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable guidance to policymakers, investors, and PSPP designers in selecting the most suitable sites for addressing Sri Lanka's peak power demands and urgent electricity needs. By emphasizing the significance of hydrological and sedimentation studies, this research underscores the importance of thorough site assessment in optimizing the design and operation of Pumped Storage Power Plants.

The Impact of Soiling on Temperature and Sustainable Solar PV Power Generation: A detailed Analysis

Soiling accumulation and high temperatures have a detrimental impact on the performance of solar photovoltaic modules. However, the effect of soiling on module temperatures remains a relatively unexplored area despite offering intriguing research possibilities. This study investigates the impact of soiling on solar photovoltaic modules, focusing on the variation in module temperatures. The research uses experimental investigations and a hybrid diode model to account for soiling losses. Furthermore, the model is employed to quantify the power reduction due to the temperature rise caused by soiling. The experimental investigations revealed that soiling deposition results in both substantial energy reductions and higher module temperatures. The soiling-induced variation in temperature profiles and corresponding power reductions on certain days was also analyzed. The results showed that the daily average reduction in power due to increased temperature was 0.614%, 1.044% and 1.31%, while on the same days, the daily maximum reduction observed was 1.55%, 2.53% and 3.46%, respectively. Thus, higher temperatures lead to substantial power degradation and may also affect the health of PV modules in the long run. The outcomes of this study emphasize the importance of addressing soiling-induced temperature variations, offering valuable insights for improved design and maintenance practices of power plants.

Performance Analysis of the 1 MW Rooftop Solar Power Generation System at the Karawang

Electric energy is crucial for development, with Indonesia's projected electricity demand reaching 120 GW by 2025. The National Energy Policy emphasizes the development of renewable energy, particularly Solar Power Plants (PLTS), which have rapidly advanced with increased efficiency and reduced production costs. PLTS has become an attractive option, especially in areas with high solar intensity, for applications such as home lighting and vaccine storage. The target PLTS capacity is 400 MW by 2024. Despite growing popularity, challenges such as high initial costs and efficiency in unstable weather conditions remain. Research shows that environmental factors and shading can affect PLTS performance. This study analyzes the performance of a 1 MW PLTS system at a ceramic factory in Karawang using Global Solar Atlas and PVsyst for simulation and comparison with field data. Simulation results indicate optimal power production >90% with a performance ratio between 81.90% and 84.70%. The built PLTS shows a stable performance ratio above 79%, with power production differing by <10% compared to PVsyst simulation, demonstrating system reliability in actual operational conditions. This research underscores the importance of environmental factors in PLTS design and operation to achieve maximum efficiency.

Study of the features of angular stabilization of spacecraft with flexible struc-tural elements with the use mobile control methods

The development of space power engineering is one of the well-known lines in rocket and space science and innovative technologies which attracts the attention of many scientists and researchers. Engineering solutions in space-based solar power plant design and wireless space-to-Earth and satellite-to-satellite power transmission and power spacecraft control methods have been substantiated theoretically to sufficient depth. However, despite this, there is a need to improve methods for and approaches to the development of an optimal design methodology for power spacecraft. A way to improve existing approaches to the development of space-based solar power plants and power satellites may be the use of mobile control methods in the development of an attitude and orbit control system. Such methods allow one to reduce power consumption for control operations. The goal of this paper is to study the features of mobile control and construct a methodology for the development of solar power satellites’ attitude and orbit control system (AOCS) using mobile control algorithms. The paper considers the features of mobile control algorithm synthesis for the attitude control and stabilization of solar power spacecraft (solar power plants and power satellites). Power spacecraft control tasks are classified, and the expediency of using mobile control methods is justified. An analysis is made for the stability problem that arises in controlling power spacecraft with flexible elements. The paper presents methodological recommendations on determining the AOCS design parameters for space-based solar power plants and power spacecraft for wireless satellite-to-satellite power transmission. This methodology may be used in power satellite development.

Performance and economic analysis of various geothermal power plant systems: Case study for the Chingshui geothermal field in Taiwan

Geothermal power plants are a source of sustainable energy. However, their performance is influenced by various factors, including production temperature and well locations, and few studies have investigated the relationships between these factors. To address this research gap, the present study developed integrated models of a geothermal reservoir and a variety of power plant systems. By using COMSOL and MATLAB, we conducted simulations for the Chingshui geothermal field in Taiwan to investigate the performance and economic feasibility of five common types of geothermal power plant systems over their operational lifetime under different well configurations. The key findings of this investigation are as follows. First, the locations of production wells are a primary factor influencing production temperature. Constructing wells in low-permeability zones results in considerable increases in the pressure differential in the injection pump; thus, wells should not be constructed in such zones. Second, as system flow rate and well depth decrease, production temperature remains relatively stable, net power output decreases, and system efficiency increases. This efficiency increase is caused by decreases in pumping power requirements at lower flow rates and shallower well depths. Finally, among the investigated systems, the organic Rankine cycle system had the lowest electricity production cost and shortest payback period within the enthalpy range of 500–1000 kJ/kg. Double-flash (DF) and DF–binary systems are also viable options when the mass flow rate is 10–20 kg/s and the enthalpy is 700–800 kJ/kg. Overall, the results of this study offer valuable insights for the design of geothermal power plants, thereby contributing to the optimization of renewable energy systems.

State-of-art review of beyond design basis evaluation approach of a generic nuclear power plant in the UK

Abstract The Fukushima accident prompted rapid development in the appreciation and codification of BDB methodology into regulatory guidance and this is still continuing, especially at IAEA, which has recently and is due to publish several new standards documents directly relevant to BDB analysis. The objective of this paper is to provide a state-of-art review on how BDB evaluations are undertaken in the UK nuclear industry. Then, using the work undertaken for the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) in the UK for UK HPR1000, this paper proposed a more systematic approach for “cliff-edge” evaluation based on a generic nuclear power plant design currently being developed in the UK.

Techno-economic process design of multi-stage flash- reverse osmosis for water and power production using solar-wind resources

This paper introduces a newly developed hybrid power plant design that combines renewable energy sources to produce both electricity and freshwater. The design offers a higher gain output ratio (GOR) and improved efficiency in power and freshwater production, all at a lower cost compared to existing research papers. To generate power, the power plant incorporates a range of technologies, such as a horizontal-axis wind turbine (WT), photovoltaic panels (PV), parabolic trough collectors (PTC), a steam Rankine cycle, a multi-stage flash (MSF) desalination unit that cleverly harnesses excess heat from the Steam Rankine cycle, and an Reverse osmosis (RO) unit. With the assistance of ASPEN Plus, ASPEN Economic, and HOMER PRO software, the process parameters undergo significant improvement. According to the results, the power plant has the capacity to generate 57.63 MW of electricity and produce 2505 m3h of freshwater. Additionally, it has a GOR of 9.09 and utilizes 7285 m3h of seawater, which has a renewability factor of 97.6 %. In addition, the efficiency of the steam Rankine cycle stands at 32 %, providing notable energy savings. The production costs for electricity and freshwater are 0.037 $kW and 1.38 $m3, respectively, indicating their affordability. The economic analysis reveals promising results for the project, with an anticipated annual profit of 41 % and a relatively short capital payback period of 2.4 years. By implementing the proposed hybrid cogeneration power plant, the region can tackle its water and energy scarcity issues with a sustainable and long-lasting solution.

Generation of artificial earthquake time histories and power spectral density for seismic analysis of nuclear power plants

Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.60 presents the response spectra for the seismic design of nuclear power plants. New reactor designs necessitate Modified Design Response Spectra (MDRS), extending the high-frequency range from Design Response Spectra (DRS) in RG 1.60. This paper explores the generation procedure of artificial earthquake time histories conforming to acceptable criteria outlined in SRP Section 3.7.1 for MDRS. The process involves defining MDRS, generating artificial time histories, calculating Power Spectral Density (PSD), and producing Artificial Earthquake Ground Motions (AEGMs). Modified spectra broaden the high-frequency range and increase acceleration values at specific frequencies. For AEGM generation, two Approaches are explored using P-CARES and in-house code. Generated AEGMs satisfy the criteria outlined in SRP Section 3.7.1, ensuring compatibility with target response spectra. Additionally, seismic analyses of a nuclear power plant model, both with or without a base isolator, are conducted, and the results of the structural response using the seismic ground motion produced through the two Approaches are compared. The seismic response of the nuclear power plant model based on Approach 1 is somewhat higher than that based on Approach 2. The accelerations of the structure with the base isolator are significantly reduced compared to the structure without the base isolator.

Integrated wind farm solutions: Harnessing clean energy for electricity, hydrogen, and freshwater production

This research explores the design, modeling, and feasibility of a multi-energy wind power plant in South Korea, aimed at producing electricity, fresh water, hydrogen, and oxygen. The main goal of the current study is to help the energy production system that uses the high potential of wind energy in areas with wind potential to increase power and efficiency and reduce harmful environmental effects for the production of hydrogen and fresh water. The system employs a PEM electrolyzer unit and reverses osmosis technology for hydrogen, oxygen, and freshwater generation. The innovation of this study lies in the integration of wind farm design with optimal electricity allocation to electrolyzers, reverse osmosis units, and the grid, maximizing efficiency and sustainability. A comprehensive case study is presented, evaluating the viability of putting the suggested strategy into practice in ten South Korean cities, with a focus on hydrogen production from wind energy. The study investigates ten scenarios for selecting the number of wind turbines, electrolyzers, and reverse osmosis devices, and sixteen scenarios for dividing wind farm coefficients to supply grid electricity, electrolyzer electricity, and reverse osmosis electricity. The optimal result indicates that 5% of wind farm electricity should be allocated to reverse osmosis units, 15% to electrolyzers, and 80% to the grid. The economic analysis indicates that among the system components, the wind farm, reverse osmosis, and PEM electrolyzer represent the highest costs. The system's performance is assessed across ten cities in South Korea, with Yeosu, Incheon, and Busan determined to be the best sites for the proposed power plant because of their strong potential to produce hydrogen using wind energy. Implementing the system in Yeosu, the optimal city, may stop 9664.326 tons of carbon dioxide from being released, generate 47374.15 MWh of electricity, and expand 46 ha of green space. Additionally, selling 9474.83 MW of electricity to the grid would meet the annual electricity needs of 929 people in Yeosu, South Korea. This study emphasizes the potential of wind power plants in South Korea to contribute to sustainable energy production and carbon dioxide reduction, highlighting their potential for a greener and more sustainable future.

The energy output equilibrium scheme with intermediate energy storage for tokamak fusion power plant

Different from the design of nuclear fission power plant, the design of fusion power plant needs to consider the problem of discontinuous fusion energy output from nuclear island. This paper proposed an energy output equilibrium scheme for fusion power plant. Based on analysis and comparison, thermal energy storage method was adopted, and two system operation schemes for fusion power plant were further proposed. Finally, system thermal storage calculation and analysis were conducted under WCCB blanket and HCCB blanket respectively, and conclusions were drawn on the applicable system operation scheme under different blankets. This study provides research foundation and engineering reference for the design and construction of future fusion power plants.

Optimization of a proposed biomass generator: Harnessing citizen waste with electric vehicle charging infrastructure

Global municipal solid waste production is rising, causing significant environmental, health, and economic issues. Developed countries have advanced recycling technologies, but cities like Dhaka, Bangladesh—among the most densely populated-struggle with inadequate waste management. This feasibility study aims to improve environmental protection and create new energy sources by proposing a waste management system across Dhaka, focusing on waste valorization for bioenergy with optimized efficiency and minimal impact. The study includes design and optimization of a biomass-based power plant to meet the energy needs of EV charging stations and the national grid, evaluating its economic performance through discounted cash flow and payback period analyses. The paper explores the integration of an EV charging station powered by biogas, addressing the growing need for EV infrastructure in Dhaka. By evaluating biomass generators as a greener alternative to fossil fuels, the study analyzes the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility, including CO2 emissions, using HOMER Pro.

Staying positive: producing net power.

The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype powerplant (SPP) will be a first-of-a-kind powerplant-its prime objective is to export electrical power, to the national power transmission system ('grid'), above 100 MWe. As part of a wider issue, addressing the STEP concept design, this article seeks to explore how electrical power will be generated from a spherical tokamak heat source. Accordingly, the following key functions of the SPP power infrastructure are reviewed.Cooling the tokamak: cooling the tokamak while extracting useful thermal energy.Generating power: conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy (power generation).Managing energy: management of the site-wide distribution, storage and energy export.In each of these areas, the design scope, challenges and solution spaces have been discussed. This has shaped the design of the SPP power infrastructure, which in turn has ensured a powerplant design focused on operability and performance. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the SPP will achieve its prime objective in generating net power, which is enabled by a unique power infrastructure. Confidence in the ability to generate net power will be refined as the design matures. Finally, this article recommends key opportunities that STEP could use to improve power generation and reduce the parasitic load of the SPP.This article is part of the theme issue 'Delivering Fusion Energy - The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP)'.

Failure criterion and seismic fragility evaluation of isolated nuclear power plant piping system using BP neural network

The pipeline connecting the isolated nuclear island and the non-isolated turbine building is prone to significant relative displacements during intensive earthquakes. Generally, elbows closest to the isolation layer are considered to be at particularly high risk of seismic damage. The failure criterion is the critical part in determining the damage state of elbows throughout the loading cycle. Therefore, in this study, a three-tier, four-category failure criterion was firstly proposed in response to the damage patterns of elbows. A BP neural network model was subsequently developed using extensive simulation data derived from a verified numerical model, accompanied by influence analysis of the three failure indices. Finally, a fragility evaluation was conducted based on the seismic response of the piping system, and a comparison is made between the new criterion and the existing ones. The results indicate that the new failure criterion demonstrates comprehensiveness and safety, enabling a more detailed division of damage before elbow failure and providing more conservative estimates upon failure occurrence. Additionally, the study finds that under the current design of nuclear power plants, elbows across isolation layers fail to meet the requirements for safe shutdown earthquakes in certain directions. By adjusting the elbow parameters, the resistance of the elbows to damage under seismic conditions can be improved to some extent.

Reconstructing 10-km-resolution direct normal irradiance dataset through a hybrid algorithm

Evaluating, mapping, and monitoring high-quality Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) is crucial for the design, financing, and operation of solar power plants, especially those utilizing concentrating technologies. In China, limited number of first-class meteorological stations provide DNI observations. To bridge this gap, this study has reconstructed a comprehensive 41-year (1982–2022) daily DNI dataset for China (CHDNI). This dataset integrated CMA ground-based observations with ERA5 and MERRA-2 reanalysis data, employing a spatial resolution of 10 km. The data was processed using the REST2 radiation transfer model combined with Stacking ensemble machine learning. Validation with ground-based measurements indicated that the Stacking model exhibited high and consistent performance. This was evidenced by its sample-based cross-validation results, showing a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.92, a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 32.04 W/m2, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 23.68 W/m2, and a global performance indicator of 3.86. Among the four analyzed DNI products (CERES, ERA5, SWGDN, and CHDNI), CHDNI demonstrated the closet alignment with ground observations, evidenced by the least deviation (MAE = 21.67 W/m2 and RMSE = 31.00 W/m2) and the highest R value (0.92). Aerosol optical depth and cloud cover emerged as the primary factors influencing the quality and accuracy of DNI products under clear-sky and total-sky conditions. The spatial distribution of DNI across China is complex, showcasing DNI values ranging from 25.82 W/m2 to 194.22 W/m2, with an average value of 98.08 W/m2 over 41-year. This dataset is a valuable resource for analyzing regional climate change, photovoltaic applications, and solar energy resources assessment.

Numerical Investigation of Air Natural Convection in the AP1000 Passive Containment Cooling System Following LBLOCA Using ANSYS FLUENT

The innovative design of the AP1000 power plant has various layers of passive safety systems aiming to enhance reactor safety during normal and transient conditions. The passive containment cooling system (PCCS) is a safety-related system capable of removing heat from the steel containment vessel (SCV) to the atmosphere and preventing the containment from exceeding the design pressure and temperature following a postulated design-basis accident. The PCCS heat removal mechanisms include condensation on the internal SCV surface, heat conduction, natural convection, evaporation of water film, and radiative heat transfer. In two basic postulated scenarios, the reactor decay heat can ultimately be removed from the SCV only by air natural convection. The first scenario occurs 72 h following a large-break loss-of-coolant accident (LBLOCA) when the passive containment cooling water storage tank becomes unavailable. The second scenario occurs following a postulated loss of shutdown decay heat removal event. Hence, investigating the thermal-hydraulic behavior of the containment under transient conditions is essential to ensure its safety and integrity. In this study, a simplified three-dimensional model using ANSYS FLUENT is developed to investigate the cooling capability of air natural convection outside the SCV during a LBLOCA event. Because of the lack of experimental data, code-to-code validation was performed using the actual results of AP1000 alongside other research findings. The results show good agreement with available data, which can be used for future research.

A safe reinforcement learning algorithm for supervisory control of power plants

Traditional control theory-based methods require tailored engineering for each system and constant fine-tuning. In power plant control, one often needs to obtain a precise representation of the system dynamics and carefully design the control scheme accordingly. Model-free Reinforcement learning (RL) has emerged as a promising solution for control tasks due to its ability to learn from trial-and-error interactions with the environment. It eliminates the need for explicitly modeling the environment’s dynamics, which is potentially inaccurate. However, the direct imposition of state constraints in power plant control raises challenges for standard RL methods. To address this, we propose a chance-constrained RL algorithm based on Proximal Policy Optimization for supervisory control. Our method employs Lagrangian relaxation to convert the constrained optimization problem into an unconstrained objective, where trainable Lagrange multipliers enforce the state constraints. Our approach achieves the smallest distance of violation and violation rate in a load-follow maneuver for an advanced Nuclear Power Plant design.

Incorporating public perception of Renewable Energy Landscapes in local spatial planning tools: A case study in Mediterranean countries

The European energy transition requirements have been posing many questions on the deployment of renewable energy sources. The development of renewable energy infrastructures entails landscape transformations affecting the perceived landscape quality and local acceptance. Sustainable energy spatial planning considers environmental, cultural, ecological needs but often neglect community perception of landscape transformations including both the physical landscape structures and the meanings associated to them. To address this issue, the paper aims to explore public perception and incorporate it in the planning tools. The research draws on a survey of residents of Arcos de la Frontera, Spain, conducted with the visual Q methodology, and on structured interviews with local experts. A selection of 36 different photovoltaic applications in urban and rural areas was evaluated by 21 citizens. The analysis identified four distinct viewpoints on photovoltaic applications in urban and rural landscapes. Local experts provided feedback on the current local spatial planning tools and on their consideration of landscape transformations. Considering both citizens and experts, we provided landscape integration strategies linked to siting and landscape design of solar power plants to be included in urban planning tools.

Preface

This volume contains the invited lectures and general progress reports presented at 2024 3rd International Symposium on New Energy Technology Innovation and Low Carbon Development (NET-LC 2024). The Conference was held via hybrid form in Guangzhou, China from 29th to 31st March 2024. The motivation for NET-LC 2024 was the need for a detailed consideration of the research and development of new energy and low carbon technologies. The topics of the papers collected in this Proceedings cover but are not limited to the following areas: Renewable Energy Systems, Energy Storage Technology, Energy Materials, Electrical Batteries and BMS, Motor System Modeling and Analysis, Smart Grids, New Energy Vehicles, etc. We hope that this volume will be an important resource of information about the latest progress in new energy and low carbon technologies and will be useful, first of all, for students, but also for researchers and professionals in relevant industries. The Conference was attended by over 300 delegates from Malaysia, USA, India, Denmark, Turkey, South Korea, China, and other countries. It mainly featured opening speech, keynote speeches, oral presentations, poster presentations, closing speech, academic investigation, allowing for a relaxed discussion of research results and facilitating productive academic atmosphere. In the Conference, we had two renowned professors acting as keynote speakers to deliver speeches and share expertise insights based on their own researches for all participants to learn from. Lim Boon Han, Professor of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, focusing on high-resolution solar irradiance and its applications to optimize PV power plants design in the tropics, shared his study Bifacial PV System in the Tropics with us. And next, Omid Mahian, Professor of Ningbo University, China, and reviewer for over 100 international journals, having published more than 200 SCI papers, made a report on Nanoparticles and Thermal Systems. While sharing their research experiences and professional insights, they interacted with the participants and answering their questions. And all the speeches were well received, triggering heated discussion. We would like to thank the invited speakers for their participation at NET-LC 2024 and for their efforts writing contributions for this paper volume. We also express our gratitude to the expert reviewers for their careful choice of the conference contributions and enormous effort. Special thanks to the Program Committee members for their efforts in preparing and making the Program. Acknowledgement also to the editors and related staff of Journal of Physics: Conference Series for their time and support in publishing this paper volume. We firmly believe that this successful conference will stimulate further development of the interdisciplinary research fields of energy. The Committee of NET-LC 2024 List of Committee member is available in this Pdf.

Integrating reliability analysis into MBSE for FPGA-based safety critical I&C system design in nuclear power plants

Abstract With the widespread application of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology in the instrumentation and control (I&C) systems of nuclear power plants (NPPs), its design reliability has become the key to ensuring the subsequent safe operation of NPPs. However, the traditional document-based design method is no longer sufficient to meet the current design needs of complex systems, and there is a lack of research related to the reliability and security analysis of FPGA-based systems. Therefore, the overall goal of this study is to integrate reliability analysis into the model-based systems engineering (MBSE)-based design of FPGA-based I&C systems. Based on the typical application characteristics of the FPGA, a digital design framework for FPGA-based systems is proposed to realize a traceable design process from requirements to implementation. Subsequently, a model-based forward comprehensive reliability analysis method is proposed, which uses a SysML-based mapping mechanism to integrate Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) methods into the design process, so as to comprehensively identify and analyze failure modes from systems to components and optimize and improve system design. Finally, the proposed method is applied to the analog output design of FPGA-based systems. The proposed method can provide guidance for improving the reliability of FPGA-based DI&C systems and provide theoretical basis for the further engineering application.