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Instrumentation and control systems

Modernization of the instrumentation and control of the Beznau power plant

A nuclear power plant, like any other industrial facilities, requires means for monitoring and controlling its processes and equipment, called the Instrumentation and Control system.

AREVA designs and supplies instrumentation and control and electrical systems included in the new reactors supply or to be installed in reactors during their modernization programs.

I&C: nuclear plant monitoring

The overall design of the I&C system and associated equipment has to comply with requirements imposed by the process, nuclear safety and operating conditions.

The Instrumentation and Control system comprises several subsystems with their electrical and electronic equipment:

  • sensors which supply measured data – pressure, temperature of the primary circuit, the liquid level … - and transform physical data into electrical signals, 
  • programmable controllers to process those signals, and drive the actuators. These systems, based on a number of input data, provide automatic orders to ensure that process parameters are kept within the range on which the safety is based or to trigger protection actions such as reactor trip.
  • monitoring and control means for use by the plant operators (control panels, alarms ...). In the control room, are centralized sufficient and relevant information and remote control means to monitor the plants.

       
I&C architecture:  a several level structure
Inside the overall I&C architecture, each system is characterized depending on its functions (measurement, actuation, automation, man-machine interface) and its role in safety or operation of the plant. They are categorized into classes in accordance with their importance to safety.

  • Level 0 – The Process interface comprises the sensors, and the switchgears which supply measured data for control, surveillance and protection systems and for information of the control room staff.
  • Level 1 – The “system automation” encompasses I&C systems to perform reactor and turbo-generator protection, reactor control, surveillance and limitation functions, safety and process automation.
  • Level 2 – The “process supervision and control” (level 2) consists of:
    • the workstations and panels located in the Main Control Room, the Remote Shutdown Station and the Technical Support Centre, which are also called the Man-Machine Interface (MMI),
    • the I&C systems which act as link between the MMI and the «system automation” level.

I&C and Electrical systems

Beyond the design, planning, purchase and implementation of new systems, AREVA also addresses interface management, which is of key importance to process engineering projects and modernization programs.
AREVA also offers operator support for licensing and certification activities.

Instrumentation and control

  • The leading TELEPERM XS digital system platform is used to manage security and control systems. The quality of TELEPERM XS for all safety-related systems has been demonstrated over the past 10 years in a wide variety of power plants worldwide. TELEPERM XS User Group Meetings are held regularly to facilitate experience sharing.
  • In non-security related areas, AREVA also offers its clients technically and economically optimized solutions. These solutions apply adapted technologies in the context of partnerships with favored suppliers.

Electrical systems

In addition to designing and supplying electrical systems, AREVA offers standard commercial products, such as lighting, alarm systems, physical monitoring and access control equipment that are part of this portfolio of integrated products

Managing system lifecycles

The aging of electrical system and command-control components is a function of the thermal, mechanical and radiological load; this is especially true in close proximity to a reactor.
AREVA has developed a computer-assisted tool called AUREST to calculate the remaining service life of electrical components and control systems. The tool was created to advance plant security and availability. These procedures are based on a quantitative management system that establishes the remaining service life through measurements based on components, qualification parameters and specific algorithms.

THE RENOVATION OF COMMAND-CONTROL SYSTEMS

The renovation of instrumentation and control systems consists essentially of replacing obsolete analogue technology with digital technology. This is a significant part of plant modernizations throughout the world.

Several projects are currently in progress:

  • Finland: Lovisaa
  • Russia: Kola3
  • United States: Oconee
  • Czech Republic: Dukovany
  • Several clients in Germany

Electrical systems are also well represented, whether they be successfully completed as in South Africa (Koeberg); in progress, such as those in Belgium and China; or signed contracts, as in China for emergency diesel generators.