Nuclear Plant Control Systems Research Articles

Systems of Regulatory Documents Governing the Development and Implementation of Digital Monitoring and Control Systems for Nuclear Plants

Systems of Regulatory Documents Governing the Development and Implementation of Digital Monitoring and Control Systems for Nuclear Plants

An intelligent nuclear reactor core controller for load following operations, using recurrent neural networks and fuzzy systems

In the last decade, the intelligent control community has paid great attention to the topic of intelligent control systems for nuclear plants (core, steam generator…). Papers mostly used approximate and simple mathematical SISO (single-input–single-output) model of nuclear plants for testing and/or tuning of the control systems. They also tried to generalize theses models to a real MIMO (multi-input–multi-output) plant, while nuclear plants are typically of complex nonlinear and multivariable nature with high interactions between their state variables and therefore, many of these proposed intelligent control systems are not appropriate for real cases. In this paper, we designed an on-line intelligent core controller for load following operations, based on a heuristic control algorithm, using a valid and updatable recurrent neural network (RNN). We have used an accurate 3-dimensional core calculation code to represent the real plant and to train the RNN. The results of simulation show that this intelligent controller can control the reactor core during load following operations, using optimum control rod groups manoeuvre and variable overlapping strategy. This methodology represents a simple and reliable procedure for controlling other complex nonlinear MIMO plants, and may improve the responses, comparing to other control systems.

Method for Fault Diagnosis of Digital Control Systems in Nuclear Power Plant

This paper presents a method for localizing faulty components of control systems by replaceable parts such as print boards and cables, in a large scale plant like a nuclear power plant. Most of today's control systems form a distributed configuration including many digital controllers interconnected by data communication networks. Usually, to localize the faulty components in nuclear plant control systems, suspected faulty components are narrowed down by executing manual tests to examine whether the objects are normal or abnormal based on design documents and personnel know-how, besides the use of self-diagnosis functions built into the control systems. In the present method, procedures of various tests including the know-how and checking of self-diagnosis functions are provided as knowledge of tests. The test to be executed is determined by considering failure probabilities of objects, and easiness and effectiveness of testing. Then, the suspects are narrowed down sequentially based on the test result. In checking feasibility of this diagnosis method for a simulated control system, intended faults are satisfactorily localized. This method is confirmed to be practicable for diagnosis of large scale digital control systems.

Method for fault diagnosis of digital control systems in nuclear power plant.

This paper presents a method for localizing faulty components of control systems by replaceable parts such as print boards and cables, in a large scale plant like a nuclear power plant. Most of today's control systems form a distributed configuration including many digital controllers interconnected by data communication networks. Usually, to localize the faulty components in nuclear plant control systems, suspected faulty components are narrowed down by executing manual tests to examine whether the objects are normal or abnormal based on design documents and personnel know-how, besides the use of self-diagnosis functions built into the control systems. In the present method, procedures of various tests including the know-how and checking of self-diagnosis functions are provided as knowledge of tests. The test to be executed is determined by considering failure probabilities of objects, and easiness and effectiveness of testing. Then, the suspects are narrowed down sequentially based on the test result. I...

Advanced control rooms for boiling water reactors: The Nuclenet control complex

Nuclear power plants are progressing rapidly to provide reliable and inexpensive power in increasingly large blocks. These power plants are an extensively engineered product involving a complex array of systems and subsystems, all of which must be monitored and controlled. The complexity of these systems and their interface to other systems is now placing a severe burden on the operator. The operator of today must interface with thousands of control and display devices to monitor and control the plant. He must continuously monitor and analyze, on a selective basis, numerous variables in order to effectively control the plant. During abnormal operations, the operator must assimilate information from the vast amount of data available to him and correctly interpret and respond to the abnormal condition within a short period of time. The human capability to perform under these circumstances is rapidly becoming a critical factor in plant operations and control systems design. The General Electric Company, having been in the forefront of nuclear plant control systems design since the introduction of nuclear power to industry, has recognized this and for the past several years has been developing advanced control systems to improve the operator's interface with the plant. This paper describes the first generation of our advanced control systems and previews the next generation of designs. It discusses the design criteria used, a detailed description, and the associated benefits and advantages of what the General Electric Company calls the Nuclenet Control Complex.