I and C modernization for VVER reactors

Many countries of the former Eastern Bloc are now looking westward for the introduction, absorption, and widespread application of modern technology in many areas. One such area is the nuclear power industry, where an infusion of western technology is desired to improve both plant production economics and long term plant safety. Modern digital I and C systems are sought for upgrading the existing Soviet designed reactor plants to levels of safety and reliability consistent with western standards. This paper describes the functional and physical design of the distributed microprocessor based protection, control and plant information systems to be used in Czechoslovakia for the modernization of the Temelin units (VVER-1,000). The modernization incorporates not only new hardware, but also a new functional design based on a safety analysis performed to western standards. The new systems will reduce the maintenance requirements and costs and provide such enhancements as online testability and automated surveillance testing. The technology is directly applicable to both new reactor designs under construction and to retrofits for the older reactors. It is expected to find many applications in eastern and central Europe as well as in the former Soviet Union for improving the safety and reliability of their vital nuclear power stations