Study on Optimization of I and C Architecture for Research Reactors Using Bayesian Networks

The optimization in terms of redundancy of modules and components in Instrumentation and Control (I and C) architecture is based on cost and availability assuming regulatory requirements are satisfied. The motive of this study is to find an optimized I and C architecture, either in hybrid formation, fully digital or analog, with respect to system availability and relative cost of architecture. The cost of research reactors I and C systems is prone to have effect on marketing competitiveness. As a demonstrative example, the reactor protection system of research reactors is selected. The four cases with different architecture formation were developed with single and double redundancy of bi-stable modules, coincidence processor module, and safety or protection circuit actuation logic. The architecture configurations are transformed to reliability block diagram (RBD) based on logical operation and function of modules. A Bayesian Network (BN) model is constructed from RBD to assess availability. The cost estimation was proposed and reliability cost index RI was suggested