NPP I and C system modernizations in the Czech Republic. The NPP Dukovany example

There are four units of WWER 440/213 type reactors under operation at Nuclear Power Plant Dukovany site in the Czech Republic. The EEZ utility has decided to include upgrade of existing Instrumentation and Control (I and C) systems as one of the most significant parts of a larger scale modernization project. The original I and C systems designed in the late 70's and early 80's with analogue equipment and relays will be subjected to an integrated modernization programme developed to replace obsolete equipment, to balance operational and maintenance costs, to improve performance and to enhance plant safety. To achieve this objective within next decade, the utility has already started preparatory phase of the overall modernization project, including analytical and planning activities related to the I and C part. (author)