A test device for a nuclear power plant reactor protection system

By designing a test device for nuclear power plant reactor protection systems, automated testing based on the NASPIC platform was achieved, solving the problems of complex and time-consuming manual operation and human error, and improving test efficiency and safety.

CN122266833APending Publication Date: 2026-06-23CNNC LONGYUAN TECH CO LTD +1

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CNNC LONGYUAN TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2024-12-19
Publication Date
2026-06-23

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Abstract

The application relates to a channel precision, response time and protection setting value automatic testing device of a nuclear power plant reactor protection system based on a NASPIC platform, and particularly relates to a nuclear power plant reactor protection system testing device. Field instruments or sensors are simulated, signals are injected into a NASPIC platform safety level DCS system port, corresponding output signals of the safety level DCS system are collected, data of a safety level DCS engineer station are acquired, comparison or logical operation is carried out, and a corresponding test report is generated. The application realizes a reactor protection system regular test automatic testing technology based on the NASPIC platform, can greatly shorten a test time, improve work efficiency and reduce human errors.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automatic testing device for channel accuracy, response time, and protection settings of a nuclear power plant reactor protection system based on the NASPIC platform, specifically to a testing device for a nuclear power plant reactor protection system. Background Technology

[0002] NASPIC is a safety-grade DCS platform independently developed by CNNC (China National Nuclear Corporation), suitable for the digital control of various reactors. Safety-grade DCS systems are typically used in reactor protection systems, performing critical functions such as emergency shutdown and dedicated safety facility activation to ensure the safe and stable operation of the reactor. To verify the normal functioning of the reactor protection system, nuclear power plants need to periodically perform a series of tests, such as reactor protection system channel accuracy (T1 test), protection system response time test, and protection system parameter and setpoint confirmation test. Before the development of this invention, there was no automated testing device for the periodic testing of reactor protection systems on the NASPIC platform; the above tests were performed manually. Personnel followed test procedures to perform status checks and settings, signal injection, parameter measurement and recording, and report compilation. The operation process was complex, involved many personnel, was time-consuming, and carried the risk of human error. To solve these problems, an automated testing device for reactor protection systems suitable for the NASPIC platform was developed, which can significantly shorten testing time, improve work efficiency, and reduce human error. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a test device for a nuclear power plant reactor protection system, which solves the technical problems of T1 test, response time test, and automatic test of protection settings for reactor protection systems based on the NASPIC platform, improves the efficiency of periodic test implementation, and reduces human error.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] A test device for a nuclear power plant reactor protection system simulates field instruments or sensors, injects signals into the port of the NASPIC platform safety-grade DCS system, simultaneously collects the corresponding output signals of the safety-grade DCS system, acquires data from the safety-grade DCS engineer station, performs comparisons or logical operations, and generates a corresponding test report.

[0006] The hardware consists of hardware boards and computer hardware configuration. The hardware boards are used to connect with the DCS system, realize signal input and output acquisition, and complete signal interaction with the DCS system. The computer hardware configuration meets the operating environment of the host computer software. The engineer station software communicates with the DCS system via network to enable control and monitoring of the DCS system. The host computer software manages the test project and displays the test results in a visual manner, which facilitates data analysis and human-computer interaction for engineers.

[0007] The test device chassis consists of a cabinet and a top cover. The chassis dimensions are 470mm*366mm*225mm. The chassis includes an outer frame, external interfaces, internal component mounting structure, and a keyboard.

[0008] The internal hardware of the test device chassis includes a main control module, a conditioning module, an adapter module, a power supply module, and a backplane. The power supply module supplies power to the other modules; the adapter module serves as the input terminal for signals from the external DCS system, realizing signal acquisition and channel switching functions; the conditioning module converts the input signals, and finally the main control module processes the data and communicates with the host computer; the backplane contains input / output ports and a power supply interface.

[0009] T1 Test Procedure: The output module of the hardware board outputs a signal to the security-grade DCS cabinet conditioning card, and obtains the return value of the security-grade DCS engineer station MTS through network communication. The deviation between the output signal value of the test device and the return value of the MTS is calculated with an accuracy of 0.1%, and a test report is generated.

[0010] Response time test scheme: The input and output modules of the hardware board are combined to output signals to the safety-grade DCS cabinet conditioning card. At the same time, the status signal of the NO contact of the safety-grade DCS cabinet relay is detected. The time difference between the output signal of the test device and the action of the relay contact signal is calculated, which is the response time with an accuracy of 1ms, and a test report is generated.

[0011] Protection setting test scheme: The input and output modules of the hardware board are combined, and the test script outputs a simulated ramp signal with each change of ≤0.1% to the safety-grade DCS cabinet conditioning card. At the same time, the state of the NO contact of the safety-grade DCS cabinet relay and the changes of the output module of the test device are detected. The protection setting value, i.e. the output value of the test device when NO is closed, is calculated with an accuracy of 0.1%, and a test report is generated.

[0012] The host computer software is structured in three layers: application system, application services, and data center. The application system includes an administrator station and a tester station. The administrator station manages and maintains system data and tasks, including user login, user management, test case management, hardware I / O configuration, graphical reports, database management, and log management. The tester station controls equipment and performs data analysis, including user login, scheduling management, data tracking, network monitoring, network management, data analysis, and data processing. The application services include transmission services, message services, process services, monitoring services, alarm services, and batch interface services. The data center stores data units in groups within the database, including personnel information, engineering point tables, engineering wiring tables, network point tables, test case tables, test result tables, status information, log information, process flow tables, and a configuration equipment library.

[0013] The client machine of the experimental device is connected to the database server to complete interactive operations with users and collect user information.

[0014] By sending requests to the server, the database information is processed. The server coordinates and manages access to the database, performs retrieval and sorting of the database, and is responsible for the security control of the database.

[0015] From a database application perspective, for an application, global public data is stored on the server, while each client stores its own private data. Users can query their own data or query global data based on their permissions.

[0016] The basic operating relationship of the experimental device's application system is manifested in a request / response mode. When a user needs to access the server, the client sends a request message, the server accepts the request message and performs a response operation, then executes the corresponding service and sends the execution result back to the client, which further processes it before submitting it to the user.

[0017] The beneficial effects achieved by this invention are as follows:

[0018] This invention implements an automated testing technology for periodic testing of reactor protection systems based on the NASPIC platform, which can greatly shorten testing time, improve work efficiency, and reduce human error. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the experimental setup.

[0020] Figure 2.1 This is a schematic diagram of the chassis structure;

[0021] Figure 2.2 This is a front view of the computer case.

[0022] Figure 2.3 This is a view of the back of the chassis;

[0023] Figure 2.4 This is a schematic diagram of the chassis interfaces;

[0024] Figure 2.5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the chassis;

[0025] Figure 2.6 This is a diagram of a keyboard.

[0026] Figure 3 For the hardware architecture of the experimental device;

[0027] Figure 4 For host computer software architecture;

[0028] Figure 5This is a diagram of the network topology scheme for the experimental setup;

[0029] Figure 6 A software system architecture diagram;

[0030] Figure 7 Here is a flowchart for system response time testing;

[0031] Figure 8 Flowchart for channel accuracy testing;

[0032] Figure 9 Flowchart for protecting setpoint test;

[0033] In the diagram: 1. Top cover; 2. Cabinet; 3. Keyboard panel; 4. Right cover; 5. Cabinet corner; 6. Front cover; 7. Left cover; 8. Cabinet bottom plate; 9. Rear cover and circuit board cover; 10. Network port and USB interface; 11. Grounding post; 12. Power interface; 13. Handle; 14. Circuit board frame; 15. Cabinet fan; 16. Corner protector; 17. 24V and 48V power supply; 18. Step-down module; 19. Circuit board power supply; 20. Motherboard; 21. Motherboard fan; 22. Power plug; 24. Switch button; 25. Keyboard; 26. Touch screen. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0035] The nuclear power plant reactor protection system test device (hereinafter referred to as the test device) of the present invention simulates field instruments or sensors, injects signals into the safety-grade DCS system port of the NASPIC platform, collects the corresponding output signals of the safety-grade DCS system, and obtains data from the safety-grade DCS engineer station, compares or performs logical operations, and generates corresponding test reports.

[0036] The testing device is an integrated industrial control system consisting of device hardware, engineering workstation software, and host computer software. It supports the acquisition and output of signals such as digital signals, analog signals, RTDs, and thermocouples. It can automatically test the accuracy, response time, and protection settings of safety-grade DCS channels, and supports automatic execution of test cases, calculation, result judgment, data statistical analysis, waveform recording, and automatic report generation. Its schematic diagram is shown below. Figure 1 As shown.

[0037] The device hardware consists of hardware boards and computer hardware configuration. The hardware boards are mainly used to connect with the DCS system, realize signal input and output acquisition, and complete signal interaction with the DCS system; the computer hardware configuration is the hardware configuration to meet the operating environment of the host computer software.

[0038] The engineer station software communicates with the DCS system via network to enable forced monitoring and surveillance of the DCS system.

[0039] The host computer software manages the test project and displays the test results in a visual manner, which facilitates data analysis and human-computer interaction for engineers.

[0040] The testing device is a portable all-in-one machine, including a chassis, hardware boards, human-machine interface, test cables, etc.

[0041] The test apparatus chassis mainly consists of two parts: the housing and the top cover. A schematic diagram of the chassis is shown below. Figure 2.1 As shown. The chassis dimensions are 470mm (width) * 366mm (depth) * 225mm (height).

[0042] The chassis structure design mainly includes the outer frame structure design, the external interface structure design, the internal component mounting structure design, the keyboard mounting structure design, the circuit board mounting structure design, and the top cover structure design. A front view of the chassis is shown below. Figure 2.2 The back of the chassis is shown in the picture. Figure 2.3 The chassis interface diagram is as follows: Figure 2.4 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the chassis is shown below. Figure 2.5 Keyboard diagram as follows Figure 2.6 As shown.

[0043] The internal hardware of the test apparatus chassis includes a main control module, a conditioning module, an adapter module, a power supply module, and a backplane. The power supply module provides power to the other modules; the adapter module serves as the input terminal for external DCS system signals, enabling signal acquisition and channel switching; the conditioning module converts the input signals, and finally, the main control module processes the data and communicates with the host computer; the backplane contains input / output ports and power supply interfaces for easy wiring; its hardware architecture is as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0044] Overall technical solution of the experimental device:

[0045] T1 Test Procedure: The test device outputs signals to the security-grade DCS cabinet conditioning card through the output module of the hardware board, and is capable of obtaining the return value of the security-grade DCS engineer station (MTS) through network communication. It calculates the deviation between the output signal value of the test device and the return value of the MTS with an accuracy of 0.1% and generates a test report.

[0046] Response time test scheme: The test device combines the input and output modules of the hardware board to output signals to the safety-grade DCS cabinet conditioning card. At the same time, it detects the status signal of the NO contact of the safety-grade DCS cabinet relay. The time difference between the output signal of the test device and the action of the relay contact signal is calculated, which is the response time with an accuracy of 1ms, and a test report is generated.

[0047] Protection setting test scheme: The test device combines the input and output modules of the hardware board. The test script outputs a simulated ramp signal with each change of ≤0.1% to the safety-grade DCS cabinet conditioning card. At the same time, it detects the state of the NO contact of the safety-grade DCS cabinet relay and the changes of the output module of the test device, calculates the protection setting (the output value of the test device when NO is closed) with an accuracy of 0.1%, and generates a test report.

[0048] The test setup interacts with the DCS cabinet via hardwiring for input / output signals and with the DCS cabinet via an optoelectronic switch for network data exchange. Human-computer interaction is achieved through the host computer software. The key aspect of the test setup is the host computer software design, whose architecture is as follows: Figure 4 As shown. Field network data output is achieved by reading the communication points of the NASPIC engineering station. Since the target power plant's NASPIC engineering station lacks secondary interface functionality, data exchange cannot be performed using the test equipment's host computer software. Therefore, it is necessary to expand the secondary interface functionality of the NASPIC engineering station to satisfy both on-site safety-level DCS communication and host computer software secondary interface calls. The field network topology is as follows. Figure 5 As shown.

[0049] The key technology of the experimental setup lies in the design of the host computer software. This software consists of a three-layer structure: application system, application services, and data center. These three layers work together to complete the testing tasks. The software architecture is as follows: Figure 4 As shown.

[0050] The application system mainly includes two subsystem modules: the administrator station and the tester station.

[0051] Administrator station: Implements system data and task management and maintenance functions, mainly including modules such as user login, user management, test case management, hardware I / O configuration, graphical reports, database management, and log management;

[0052] Tester station: Enables equipment control and data analysis functions, mainly including modules such as user login, scheduling management, data tracking, network monitoring, network management, data analysis, and data processing.

[0053] The main service functions of the application service include transmission service, message service, process service, monitoring service, alarm service, batch interface service, etc.

[0054] The main function of a data center is to group and store data units in a database, such as personnel information, engineering point tables, engineering wiring tables, network point tables, test case tables, test result tables, status information, log information, process flow tables, and configuration equipment libraries.

[0055] Overall software design:

[0056] The client machines in the experimental setup are connected to the database server, enabling interaction with users, collecting user information, and processing database information by sending requests to the server. The server coordinates and manages database access, performs retrieval and sorting of data, and is responsible for database security control. From a database application perspective, for an application, globally shared data is stored on the server, while each client stores its own private data. This allows users to query their own data and, with appropriate permissions, access global data. Therefore, the basic operational relationship of the experimental setup's application system follows a "request / response" pattern. When a user needs to access the server, the client sends a "request" message. The server accepts the "request" message, performs a "response" operation, executes the corresponding service, and sends the execution result back to the client for further processing before submitting it to the user.

[0057] Example 1: Design of Automatic System Response Time Testing Function

[0058] The automatic response time test function can simulate normal reactor power operation, non-shutdown, shutdown and other tests and special operating conditions. By simulating and collecting step changes in signals, it automatically calculates the response time ΔT (ΔT = T1 - T0) between system signals.

[0059] The response time supports sampling period designs of 0.1ms, 0.2ms, 0.5ms, and 1ms, with a sampling resolution of 0.1ms.

[0060] The response time test supports functions such as test script editing, script execution, normal distribution statistics, confidence analysis, and response reporting. It features comprehensive signal types, high time accuracy, a user-friendly interface, and ease of operation.

[0061] The response time can record the trigger signal and protection function output signal waveforms for each test step, and supports time resolution settings. Test data and analysis results can generate test reports in PDF / Excel format to facilitate in-depth analysis and processing of test results by users.

[0062] Its characteristics can be summarized as follows:

[0063] The sampled value of each signal is recorded in real time, and the experimental curve is plotted.

[0064] The current graphic can be edited, including free markings, color changes, etc., to facilitate the production of test reports;

[0065] It can automatically generate PDF test reports and Excel test reports;

[0066] The test report automatically labels the curves, making the test report production fully automated.

[0067] After each protection function response time test is completed according to the set steps, the testing device can automatically collect test data and generate a test record. The test record information includes: protection function name, test execution time, trigger conditions, response time for each trigger, maximum response time, minimum response time, average response time, and judgment result.

[0068] It supports exporting test data results, and can attach the waveform of each response time, test data statistics and test data analysis results to the test report and export them in Excel or PDF file format. It also supports report printing function. The test process is shown in the figure below.

[0069] Example 2: Channel Accuracy Test Function Design

[0070] The test device outputs signals from the hardware board to the DCS cabinet conditioning card in the form of engineering quantities and physical quantities. It also has the ability to obtain the return value of the DCS engineer station MTS through network communication, calculate the deviation between the output signal value and the return value with an accuracy of 0.1%, generate a test report and record it. The test process is shown in the figure below.

[0071] Example 3: Design of Protection Setting Test Function

[0072] The test device supports output ramp signals. The test device sends ramp signals to the cabinet conditioning component (each change is ≤0.1% step simulated ramp). Then the test device tests the input signal value at the moment when the DCS cabinet relay output contact operates. This is the protection action value.

[0073] The test device imports the test script and executes it step by step. Each input change value increases by 0.1% or decreases by 0.1% sequentially, thereby verifying the set value (protection setting value) and hysteresis of the threshold function module. Finally, when the relay output contact actuates, the protection action value at this time is recorded to verify whether the deviation between the protection action value and the set value (protection setting value) is within the hysteresis range, and a corresponding report is generated. The test process is shown in the figure below.

Claims

1. A test device for a nuclear power plant reactor protection system, characterized in that: Simulate field instruments or sensors, inject signals into the port of the NASPIC platform's safety-grade DCS system, simultaneously acquire the corresponding output signals of the safety-grade DCS system, obtain data from the safety-grade DCS engineering station, perform comparisons or logical operations, and generate corresponding test reports.

2. The test apparatus for a nuclear power plant reactor protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hardware consists of hardware boards and computer hardware configuration. The hardware boards are used to connect with the DCS system, realize signal input and output acquisition, and complete signal interaction with the DCS system. The computer hardware configuration meets the operating environment of the host computer software. The engineer station software communicates with the DCS system via network to enable control and monitoring of the DCS system. The host computer software manages the test project and displays the test results in a visual manner, which facilitates data analysis and human-computer interaction for engineers.

3. The test apparatus for a nuclear power plant reactor protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The test device chassis consists of a cabinet and a top cover. The chassis dimensions are 470mm*366mm*225mm. The chassis includes an outer frame, external interfaces, internal component mounting structure, and a keyboard.

4. The test apparatus for a nuclear power plant reactor protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The internal hardware of the test device chassis includes a main control module, a conditioning module, an adapter module, a power supply module, and a backplane. The power supply module supplies power to the other modules; the adapter module serves as the input terminal for signals from the external DCS system, realizing signal acquisition and channel switching functions; the conditioning module converts the input signals, and finally the main control module processes the data and communicates with the host computer; the backplane contains input / output ports and a power supply interface.

5. The test apparatus for a nuclear power plant reactor protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: T1 Test Procedure: The output module of the hardware board outputs a signal to the security-grade DCS cabinet conditioning card, and obtains the return value of the security-grade DCS engineer station MTS through network communication. The deviation between the output signal value of the test device and the return value of the MTS is calculated with an accuracy of 0.1%, and a test report is generated. Response time test scheme: The input and output modules of the hardware board are combined to output signals to the safety-grade DCS cabinet conditioning card. At the same time, the status signal of the NO contact of the safety-grade DCS cabinet relay is detected. The time difference between the output signal of the test device and the action of the relay contact signal is calculated, which is the response time with an accuracy of 1ms, and a test report is generated. Protection setting test scheme: The input and output modules of the hardware board are combined, and the test script outputs a simulated ramp signal with each change of ≤0.1% to the safety-grade DCS cabinet conditioning card. At the same time, the state of the NO contact of the safety-grade DCS cabinet relay and the changes of the output module of the test device are detected. The protection setting value, i.e. the output value of the test device when NO is closed, is calculated with an accuracy of 0.1%, and a test report is generated.

6. The test apparatus for a nuclear power plant reactor protection system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The host computer software is divided into three layers: application system, application service, and data center. The application system includes administrator station and tester station. The administrator station implements system data and task management and maintenance functions, including user login, user management, test case management, hardware I / O configuration, graphical reports, database management, and log management; the tester station implements device operation and data analysis functions, including user login, scheduling management, data tracking, network monitoring, network management, data analysis, and data processing. Application services include transmission services, messaging services, workflow services, monitoring services, alarm services, and batch interface services; A data center is a database that groups and stores data units, including personnel information, engineering point tables, engineering wiring tables, network point tables, test case tables, test result tables, status information, log information, process flow tables, and configuration equipment libraries.

7. The test apparatus for a nuclear power plant reactor protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The client machine of the experimental device is connected to the database server to complete interactive operations with users and collect user information.

8. The test apparatus for a nuclear power plant reactor protection system according to claim 7, characterized in that: By sending requests to the server, the database information is processed. The server coordinates and manages access to the database, performs retrieval and sorting of the database, and is responsible for the security control of the database.

9. The test apparatus for a nuclear power plant reactor protection system according to claim 8, characterized in that: From a database application perspective, for an application, global public data is stored on the server, while each client stores its own private data. Users can query their own data or query global data based on their permissions.

10. The test apparatus for a nuclear power plant reactor protection system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The basic operating relationship of the experimental device's application system is manifested in a request / response mode. When a user needs to access the server, the client sends a request message, the server accepts the request message and performs a response operation, then executes the corresponding service and sends the execution result back to the client, which further processes it before submitting it to the user.