Modernization project of the rod control system and in-core instrumentation system for 34 units of the 900 MW French EDF fleet

Rolls-Royce and Cegelec, in partnership, carry out a unique and considerable modernisation project of two Instrumentation and Control (I and C) systems for the entire 900 MWe fleet of Electricite De France (EDF). Both rod control (RCS) and reactor in-core measurement (RIC) systems are to be modernised in the frame of the third ten-year renovation of all 34 reactor units over 9 power plants. The RCS contributes to the control of nuclear power by actuating control rod drive mechanisms that allow insertion or withdrawal of control rods. The RCS has also monitoring functions such as controlling the actual rods' position as well as the functional consistency between commands and actual positions. The RIC system measures in-core neutron flux, providing useful information to the control room as well as to the reactor unit computer for further processing. The renovated systems shall replace the existing ageing analog technology by modern digital technology based on PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) in the case of power subassemblies of RCS. Both systems rely for certain functions on a common network linking the RCS and RIC networks, improving operations and maintenance thanks to a powerful Man Machine Interface at the different locations of the systems with an extensive suite of tools and diagnostic menus. The project whose design phase started in July 2006 is now in its deployment phase after the successful site implementation of both systems at the first units of Tricastin and Fessenheim power plants, respectively in August 2009 and February 2010. The deployment shall continue with the other 32 units until 2020. Rolls-Royce has a broad range of civil nuclear expertise, including work related to licensing and safety reviews, engineering design, supply chain management, manufacturing, installation and commissioning of the nuclear island systems and equipment, as well as operational management through life support. Cegelec, with more than 30 years of experience, has built up extended capabilities in instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants. A recognized expert in industrial automation, Cegelec is supported by experienced teams in the nuclear process in general and in revamping instrumentation and control systems in particular. (authors)