Instrumentation & Control Technologies and Continuous Process Optimization
Nuclear power plants (NPPs) rely on instrumentation and control (I&C) systems extensively for performing protection, control, monitoring and display functions. I&C systems are installed throughout the plant and are vital parts of both normal and emergency operations. Although analog I&C and measurement systems provided the above functions satisfactorily in the past, NPPs are facing challenges in several I&C areas with ageing and obsolete components and equipment. With license renewals and power uprates, the long-term operation and maintenance of obsolete I&C systems may not be a cost-effective and reliable option. The effort needed to maintain or increase the reliability and useful life of existing I&C systems may be greater in the long run than that of modernizing I&C systems or replacing them completely with new digital systems. The increased functionality of the new I&C systems can also open up new possibilities to better support the operation and maintenance activities in the plant.
Modernization projects of I&C systems are part of a wider concept of continuous process improvement. The management of nuclear power plant operations to achieve and maintain superior operating performance is a continuing long term challenge. The concept of continuous process improvement has proven to be a major contributor to increased efficiency and competitiveness. There have been remarkable improvements in the operating performance of many NPPs within the last several years due to an increased focus on enhanced management and engineering tools.
Current Activities
Preparing a TECDOC on “On-line Monitoring for NPPs; Part 1: Instrument channel performance monitoring”
Preparing a TECDOC on “On-line Monitoring for NPPs; Part 2: Process and Component Condition Monitoring and Diagnostics”
Preparing a TECDOC on “The Role of I&C Systems in Power Up-Rating Projects in Nuclear Power Plants”
Preparing a TECDOC on “Implementing and Licensing Digital I&C Systems and Equipment in NPPs” and holding a Technical Meeting in 2007
Preparing a TECDOC on “Avoiding Common-Cause Failures in Digital I&C Systems of NPPs” and holding a Technical Meeting in 2007
Preparing a TECDOC on “Integration of Analog and Digital I&C Systems in Hybrid Main Control Rooms in NPPs” and holding a Technical Meeting in 2007
Preparing a TECDOC on “Testing the Dynamic Response and Effectiveness of Reactor Protection Systems and Their Instrumentation”
Holding a Technical Meeting on “Increasing Power Output and Performance of Nuclear Power Plants by Improved I&C Systems”, May 29-31 2007, Prague, Czech Republic
Holding a Technical Meeting on “Lessons Learned from Large Modernization Projects in I&C Systems” in 2007
Consulting with Member States and holding a regular meeting of the Technical Working Group on NPP Control and Instrumentation (TWG - NPPCI), May 23-25, 2007, Vienna, Austria
Providing technical support for Regional and National Technical Cooperation Projects by implementing workshops, training course, expert missions, and scientific visits
Developing guidelines on proactive management monitoring and holding a technical meeting in 2007
Preparing a TECDOC on “Constructive relationship between all the NPP stakeholders: regulatory, utility and supplier organizations”
Developing a comprehensive standardized set of economic performance indicators for worldwide application (including testing these indicators) and of a set of benchmark processes
Recent Achievements
Technical Meeting on the Impact of Modern Technology on Nuclear Power Plant I&C Systems (2005)
Draft TECDOC on Indicators for Management of Planned Outages in Nuclear Power Plants
Draft TECDOC on Management of Continual Improvement for Facilities and Activities
Draft TECDOC on Integrated approach to optimise operation and maintenance costs of nuclear plants
Draft TECDOC on Nuclear Power Plant Outage Management Strategies
