Control and safety computers in CANDU power stations

CANDU stations, as well as others, are now using computer-based logic for safety as well as control functions. In CANDU plants these new safety-related applications incorporate the experience that has been gained using computers for overall plant control. This movement to use computers in special safety systems has been based on the expectation of reducing costs, plus improving the production and safety reliability of the system. At the present time, a comprehensive system that uses computers for all shutdown functions is being designed. It is anticipated that it will fulfil specific expectations and continue the good operating results experienced to date with similar computer applications. It is also expected that the CANDU plants will continue to expand use of computers in all aspects of plant control, and that previous experience will be fully utilized in future designs based upon remote data acquisition systems and data highway technologies