Nuclear Power Plant Project Research Articles

Exploring expert confidence in cost estimates for nuclear power engineering, procurement and construction projects - a survey of nuclear industry experts

Nuclear power is currently undergoing a renaissance because of increasing energy demand and the ability of nuclear power to provide low-emissions, base-load power supply. However, the industry has been historically plagued with considerable technology deployment risks, with project cost and schedule overruns presenting a significant risk to nuclear plant investors. Considerable uncertainties exist with new nuclear power deployment, and there is a lack of a standardised industry approach to characterising, assessing and acting on these uncertainties to limit the variability on eventual project performance. This study identifies the major causes of risks in nuclear power plant deployment projects, and the role of project risk-management, as defined as the framework for creating awareness, assessment and action on risk. The study is performed through both a literature review of nuclear power plant project risk documentation, interviews with subject matter experts and a survey of a cross section of nuclear industry experts.

2-D numerical simulation of radionuclide transport in the lower Yangtze River

The assessment of the radiological impact of the liquid discharges from nuclear power plants is a major issue for the environmental protection. In this study, a numerical model for the radionuclide transport in the aquatic environment is built, based on the hydrodynamic equations, including the complete set of Saint-Venant equations, the sediment transport equations, with consideration of several different particle sizes and the deposition and erosion of the suspended sediments, and the radionuclide transport equations. The exchanges of radionuclides between water, suspended matter and bed sediments are described in terms of kinetic transfer coefficients. The model is used to simulate the transport of the radionuclides discharged from a planned nuclear power plant project to be sited along the lower Yangtze River. From the model results, one may see the detailed temporal-spatial evolution of the radionuclide contamination in the solution, in the suspended matter and in the bed sediments. The model can be used as a basic tool for studying the environmental impacts of the liquid discharges from nuclear facilities on a river system.

Poland ―Nuclear Power Plant Project with Some Uncertainties

Poland ―Nuclear Power Plant Project with Some Uncertainties

Research on least squares adjustment of high precision network of triangulateration

AbstractThe Helmert method has been widely used in data processing for high precision network which consists of different types of observations. For triangulaterations, the analyses show that the iterative calculation cannot be achieved smoothly while applying the initial coordinates of the unknown points, which come from the direct field observations. One reason lies in that model errors may arise from the non-linear observation functions’ linearisation using Taylor’s theorem. While that problem could be avoided when using the traditional adjustment solutions of the unknown points as the initials in high precision networks. Moreover, if enough redundant observations have been measured, improved two-time-weighting estimation (ITTWE) will solve the problem more conveniently and efficiently, from which weight matrix determined by the posteriori estimation of the electric distance measurement instrument. The data processing results from a real nuclear power plant project show consistency between Helmert and ...

Shrinkage Cracking Resistance Property of Self-Compacting Concrete

Based on the project requirement of a nuclear power plant, using the method of free shrinkage test and ring cracking test, shrinkage cracking resistance property of grade C35 and C50 self-compacting concrete (SCC) with the optimized mix proportion was studied. The test results between SCC and ordinary vibrated concrete afforded by nuclear power plant project with the same grade were compared. The results indicated that the shrinkage cracking resistance property of SCC is prior to the ordinary vibrated concrete with the same strength grade. This kind of SCC can satisfy the nuclear power plant project, also the test results can be a reference of SCC design theory.

Lithuania―New Nuclear Power Plant Project among Four Countries

Lithuania―New Nuclear Power Plant Project among Four Countries

Rock damage control in bedrock blasting excavation for a nuclear power plant

Drill and blast is a major method for bedrock excavation in nuclear power plant engineering. Under blasting excavation, blast-induced vibration propagates in rock mass and induces damage to surrounding rock. Studying the characteristics of wave propagation and blast-induced damage to rock mass is most important to restrict the damage extension. In the present paper, in support of the bedrock blasting excavation for the Linao Nuclear Power Plant project (LNPP), the site seismic survey and sonic wave test are presented to study the characteristics of wave propagation and the blast-induced damage for rock mass. The explosive load, rock damage characteristics and peak particle velocity (PPV) attenuation law are also investigated by numerical simulation using commercial software. It can be seen that the numerical simulation results agree well with that obtained by site monitoring. Based on the site monitoring and the numerical simulation, the relationship between PPV at 30 m away from the charge hole and the damage depth of rock mass is established. A simple method based on safety threshold of vibration velocity for rock mass to restrict the damage depth of rock mass under blasting excavation is presented. According to the damage controlled method and the presented safety threshold of vibration velocity for rock mass, the remained bedrock can be simply and effectively protected during blasting excavation.

A new governance approach for multi-firm projects: Lessons from Olkiluoto 3 and Flamanville 3 nuclear power plant projects

We analyze governance in two contemporary nuclear power plant projects: Olkiluoto 3 (Finland) and Flamanville 3 (France). We suggest that in the governance of large multi-firm projects, any of the prevalent governance approaches that rely on market, hierarchy, or hybrid forms, is not adequate as such. This paper opens up avenues towards a novel theory of governance in large projects by adopting a project network view with multiple networked firms within a single project, and by simultaneously going beyond organizational forms that cut across the traditional firm–market dichotomy. Our analysis suggests four changes in the prevailing perspective towards the governance of large projects. First, there should be a shift from viewing multi-firm projects as hierarchical contract organizations to viewing them as supply networks characterized by a complex and networked organizational structure. Second, there should be a shift in the emphasis of the predominant modes of governance, market and hierarchy towards novel governance approaches that emphasize network-level mechanisms such as self-regulation within the project. Third, there should be a shift from viewing projects as temporary endeavors to viewing projects as short-term events or episodes embedded in the long-term sphere of shared history and expected future activities among the involved actors. Fourth, there should be a shift from the prevailing narrow view of a hierarchical project management system towards an open system view of managing in complex and challenging institutional environments.

Main control system verification and validation of NPP digital I&C system based on engineering simulator

Abstract Full-scope digital instrumentation and controls system (I&C) technique is being introduced in Chinese new constructed Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), which mainly includes three parts: control system, reactor protection system and engineered safety feature actuation system. For example, SIEMENS TELEPERM XP and XS distributed control system (DCS) have been used in Ling Ao Phase II NPP, which is located in Guangdong province, China. This is the first NPP project in China that Chinese engineers are fully responsible for all the configuration of actual analog and logic diagram, although experience in NPP full-scope digital I&C is very limited. For the safety, it has to be made sure that configuration is right and control functions can be accomplished before the phase of real plant testing on reactor. Therefore, primary verification and validation (V&V) of I&C needs to be carried out. Except the common and basic way, i.e. checking the diagram configuration one by one according to original design, NPP engineering simulator is applied as another effective approach of V&V. For this purpose, a virtual NPP thermal-hydraulic model is established as a basis according to Ling Ao Phase II NPP design, and the NPP simulation tools can provide plant operation parameters to DCS, accept control signal from I&C and give response. During the test, one set of data acquisition equipments are used to build a connection between the engineering simulator (software) and SIEMENS DCS I/O cabinet (hardware). In this emulation, original diagram configuration in DCS and field hardware structures are kept unchanged. In this way, firstly judging whether there are some problems by observing the input and output of DCS without knowing the internal configuration. Then secondly, problems can be found and corrected by understanding and checking the exact and complex configuration in detail. At last, the correctness and functionality of the control system are verified. This method is also very convenient for expansion to other type digital I&C V&V. This paper is mainly focused on V&V of closed-loop control systems in full-scope DCS and several detailed reactor control (RRC) systems, including pressurizer pressure and water level control, steam generator water level control. The V&V works were carried out by applying engineering simulator. This paper describes the structure and function of the simulator, V&V procedure, results analysis and problems identified. Through the actual on-line virtual closed-loop testing on Ling Ao Phase II NPP project, many problems of DCS configuration were found and solved. And it proved that V&V based on engineering simulator enables significant time saving, improves economics and safety in the phase of engineering debugging.

The licensing of new nuclear power plants in Europe

- After an introduction dealing with the nuclear Renaissance in Europe and the specific situation of Germany and of Italy, the article focuses on the question of licensing processes for new reactors. New nuclear power plant projects involve a substantial investment and electric utilities will only take this decision if the licensing and regulatory risk can be adequately managed. Licensing processes should be predictable and efficient in order to give sufficient assurance to applicants. The article discusses "best practice in licensing" by giving some examples of suitable licensing processes of other countries. It also highlights international initiatives aimed at harmonizing safety requirements for new reactors and a multinational cooperation in reactor design review. These issues should be carefully considered by any country wanting to get new nuclear started.JEL classification: L52, L50, L78, L71, L94Key words: Nuclear, licensing, public policy

A real options approach to investing in the first nuclear power plant under cost uncertainty: comparison with natural gas power plant for the Tunisian case

This paper uses a real options approach to present a method for evaluating the first Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) investment in Tunisia in 2020. The evaluating model integrates the value of real options: option to wait in the standard discount cash flow analysis. According to the IAEA (2007), starting the first stage of a nuclear power programme makes it possible to construct the first NPP in second time. This study considers that the economic worth of the NPP investment depends on the production cost of the natural gas power plant. This study assumes that the profit realised by the NPP project, defined as the difference between natural gas and nuclear production costs, represented the cash flow of the NPP investment. However, the value of this cash flow is uncertain. This is an investment choice problem under uncertainty. The analysis proposes the optimal investment strategy in NPP project for the Tunisian government. Furthermore, the threshold value of investment cash flow defining the timing of starting NPP construction is calculated. [Received: July 10, 2008; Accepted: November 23, 2008]

The strategies and pitfalls when embarking on a nuclear power plant project

One of the most difficult and critical processes to be developed and implemented when newcomers decide to embark on a nuclear power programme is related to the education and manpower development to face the massive challenge of implementing a nuclear power plant. This area of human resources is of fundamental importance for the success of any programme of such a magnitude. Although some interested parties can declare that a 'turnkey' type of contract encompasses and resolves all personnel-related matters, international experience demonstrates that this assertion is not absolutely true. Decision makers must be reminded that a nuclear power plant does not come from a shelf and buying one is not like buying a car, where we simply turn the key and the car is ready for use. This kind of contract (the best option for a newcomer) does not eliminate the need of the host country to form their own personnel and this should be done from the very beginning, when the decision to construct a nuclear power programme is taken by the responsible persons. The best way to develop this human resources capability is to request international experience support from the vendors and international consulting and engineering companies with sound and proven experience in this field. What is important is that there is no need to 'reinvent the wheel' for acquiring a road map for this objective. To ask for technical support for this development is a sobering attitude that should be pursued by decision makers. Certainly, the costs associated with an early deployment of this technical support will turn out to be a sound investment, owing to the considerable savings it will bring to the buyers during all phases of the development and construction of the first nuclear plant.

Dimensions of distance in a project network: Exploring Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant project

This paper proposes that many of the challenges of implementing large multi-firm projects are captured in the multi-dimensional concept of distance between firms in a large project’s actor network. This paper develops a distance framework that includes three dimensions: firm attributes describing actors’ characteristics, network attributes describing the distance in the relationships among the actors in the whole project network, and project practices increasing or decreasing distance among project network’s actors. Empirical evidence is drawn from the project network of Olkiluoto 3, a nuclear power plant currently being built in Finland. This paper elaborates the distance framework by suggesting content for the framework that describes distance in Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant project. By addressing projects as multi-firm enterprises with specific distance characteristics, our research opens up a path towards novel management of a project that engages several firms in its sphere of governance.

Investigation of data communication systems in lungmen nuclear power plant project

This paper presents an engineering insight of the data communication systems (DCSs) in the Lungmen Nuclear Power Plant Project (LMNPP), in which multiplexing network techniques and software application are used extensively for plant protection, control, and monitoring. The failure modes and effects resulting from using fiber-optical cables for data transmission present potential safety concerns. Issues on coordination and interfaces among the various designers and manufacturers of the instrumentation and control (I&C) systems are evaluated. Furthermore, the network real-time performance, including data flow response time, network data link volume, and loading analysis in normal operation, transient, emergency conditions are studied. The results with specific recommendations and precaution measures are identified.

奇跡の海・周防灘からの報告：上関原発建設計画浮上から22年目の現状

奇跡の海・周防灘からの報告：上関原発建設計画浮上から22年目の現状

Politicians, Interest Groups, and Regulators: A Multiple-Principals Agency Theory of Regulation, or "Let Them Be Bribed"

Politicians, Interest Groups, and Regulators: A Multiple-Principals Agency Theory of Regulation, or "Let Them Be Bribed"

Technology '88: power and energy

The difficulties that continued to beset utilities with nuclear power plant projects during 1987 are reviewed. Other developments discussed are the growing controversy over deregulation of the electric utility industry, research on automated power switching systems, garbage burning as an energy source, and controversy over some of Brazil's planned hydroelectric plants. An expert opinion is offered by Wallace B. Behnke, vice chairman of Commonwealth Edison Co., who examines the complex issues confronting the utilities.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>

Investigations Concerning Nuclear Energy in the Combined Production of Electricity and Heat in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area

The possibility of producing the base load of both electricity and district heat for the Helsinki Metropolitan Area (HMA) utilizing nuclear energy has been investigated since 1968. At every stage of the study, it has been concluded that district heating utilizing nuclear power in combined electricity and heat productions is the most economical way of heating the main part of the HMA. The studies have dealt with the economy of energy production and heat transmission as well as nuclear safety. According to the latest results, the optimum of the heat output of a 1000-MW(electric) unit is approximately 800 MW if the plant is situated 50 km away from the heat load center. For further studies and realization of the plans, the cities of the HMA and the state-owned power company, the Imatra Power Company, have formed a common company for the nuclear power plant project.