Nuclear Steam Emission Control System Simplification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing safety control systems for steam atmospheric emission systems in nuclear power plants are complex and difficult to update, lacking a simplified structure that meets the triple redundant configuration and independent control principles.

Innovation Solution

A safety-level functional control system with three independent control columns, each comprising a first control sub-column for MSRIV and a second control sub-column for MSRCV, where MSRIV is connected to multiple first control sub-columns for simultaneous signal receipt and MSRCV is connected to a single second control sub-column for independent operation, utilizing PID and polyline function algorithms for automatic adjustments and manual control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If four independent control columns are used to process control functions of MSRIV and MSRCV, then the control function is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into three independent control columns, each containing a first control sub-column for MSRIV and a second control sub-column for MSRCV. This segmentation maintains functional independence while reducing the total number of control columns from four to three, thereby simplifying the overall system structure while preserving control reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each control column is designed to be multi-functional, capable of processing both MSRIV and MSRCV control functions simultaneously. The first control sub-column handles MSRIV control while the second control sub-column handles MSRCV control within the same independent control column, allowing any one of the three control columns to potentially handle both valve types, thus reducing redundancy without compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple control columns are used for redundant control, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety functionVSAvoidcontrol operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is divided into three identical, independent control columns with standardized interfaces and functions. Each column contains the same types of control sub-columns (first for MSRIV, second for MSRCV), making them interchangeable and easier to operate. The segmentation into standardized modules simplifies operator training and reduces operational complexity while maintaining redundancy for safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If three independent control columns with standardized sub-columns are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system structureVSAvoidsafety-level functional control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Within each control column, specific local functions are assigned to specialized sub-columns: the first control sub-column is dedicated to MSRIV control logic and signaling, while the second control sub-column is dedicated to MSRCV control. This local specialization ensures that each valve type receives dedicated control attention, maintaining reliability even with the reduced overall system complexity of three columns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates built-in redundancy where any one of the three control columns can potentially handle both MSRIV and MSRCV control functions. This prior cushioning design ensures that if one control column fails, the remaining columns can compensate, maintaining safety-level functional control while allowing the system to operate with fewer total columns, thus reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3904640B1Safety-level functional control system and method for steam atmospheric emissions system of nuclear power plant
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 CHINA NUCLEAR POWER DESIGN COMPANY
  • EP3904640B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The present invention provides a safety-level functional control system and method for a steam atmospheric emission system of a nuclear power plant. The safety-level functional control system includes three independent control columns, wherein each MSRIV is connected to a first control sub-column in the three independent control columns, each MSRCV is connected to a second control sub-column in one independent control column, and different MSRCVs are connected to different second control sub-columns. While meeting the triple redundant configuration of the steam atmospheric emission system, the safety-level functional control system of the present invention also meets the design principles of the three independent control columns, which simplifies the number of control columns of the control system, and reduces the complexity of the structure of the control system. The control function has a more centralized design, the failure of any independent control column will at most lead to the loss of an opening function of one emission loop in the steam atmospheric emission system, and an isolation function of the steam atmospheric emission system will remain unaffected and be highly reliable.