Envisaged role of expert systems in control and instrumentation of Indian PHWRs

The control and instrumentation hardware in Indian PHWRs is on the verge of undergoing a transition from conventional hard wired systems to distributed computer networks for monitoring and control. The new systems will have more sophisticated data acquisition systems for gathering larger amount of information and presenting in flexible formats suitable for operator comprehension. Implementation of knowledge based systems to process this vast amount of information and provide timely and relevant messages to control room operators are known to be of great help to them especially during plant upset or accidental conditions. Attempts are therefore being made to initiate development of such knowledge based systems even while the hardware and software for computer based control systems are being developed. This has been the result of the realisation that achievement of plant safety and good availability hinges as much on operator reliability and good man-machine interface as on the plant design. (author). 8 refs