On-line control systems in nuclear power plants

The author demonstrates the development of process control systems to their present-day sophisticated state in German nuclear power plants, complete with the gradual penetration of digital devices into information systems, process control systems and, eventually, into safety control systems, while pointing to the benefits offered by the German framework conditions and the new options and potentials, and difficulties, offered by qualification. Preliminary studies and experience indicate that advanced on-line process control systems can be expected to improve maintenance, operation and health monitoring/failure diagnosis at almost identical equipment spendings and space requirements while maintaining the same level of safety or even producing a higher one. (orig.)