Automated Surveillance Testing in Digital Reactor Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The periodic surveillance testing in digital reactor protection systems is time-consuming and prone to errors due to its complex structure and manual operation, leading to increased costs and reduced efficiency compared to analog systems.
Innovation Solution
An automated periodic surveillance testing method and apparatus that integrates self-diagnosis, on-line state diagnosis, and automatic logic testing to minimize testing time and reduce manual intervention, utilizing a three-step test and diagnosis function and automatic test report systems to detect faults and record results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual periodic surveillance testing is performed in digital reactor protection systems, then testing completeness can be achieved, but time consumption increases significantly and human errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis through built-in diagnostic functions that automatically test protection channels without external intervention. The digital reactor protection system monitors its own operational status, detecting faults and abnormalities autonomously, thereby eliminating the need for manual testing while maintaining comprehensive coverage of all test items.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical testing operations are replaced by automated digital testing mechanisms. The system uses software-based automatic logic tests and electronic self-diagnosis functions to substitute human operators, achieving faster execution speed and eliminating human error while maintaining testing thoroughness.
2Reliability
If digital reactor protection system structure is made more complex with increased test items, then system safety coverage is improved, but testing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system is designed with multi-functional capabilities that allow a single integrated platform to perform multiple testing functions simultaneously. The automatic logic test and self-diagnosis mechanisms can evaluate various protection channels, sensor inputs, and logic functions through unified software routines, reducing operational complexity despite increased safety coverage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous monitoring and on-line state diagnosis that operates constantly without interruption to reactor operations. This eliminates the need for periodic shutdowns or manual testing sequences, maintaining comprehensive safety coverage while keeping the system operating continuously at full capacity.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual channel detour testing is performed, then systematic testing of each channel is achieved, but operational disruption and time loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs systematic channel-by-channel testing through programmed sequences without requiring operators to manually detour or reconfigure channels. The automatic logic test function iterates through all protection channels in a predetermined sequence, maintaining systematic coverage while eliminating manual intervention and operational disruption.
4Productivity
If automated testing functions are implemented, then testing time is reduced and human error is minimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages existing self-diagnosis capabilities already present in the digital reactor protection architecture, eliminating the need for separate automated testing equipment. The built-in diagnostic functions utilize the same processing units and logic circuits that perform normal protection functions, achieving automation without adding significant hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an automated periodic surveillance testing method and apparatus in a digital reactor protection system, which unites a passive testing means such as a self-diagnosis or an on-line state comparison with an active testing means such as an automatic logic test and the like in the digital reactor protection system. Accordingly, a device self-diagnosis, an on-line state diagnosis, and an automatic logic test are used as the automated periodic surveillance testing method in the digital reactor protection system. Thus, the time consumed in a periodic surveillance test can be minimized, thereby saving reactor operating costs, and excessive manpower can be avoided, thereby decreasing potential human errors. Also, a channel detour time at which one of multiple channels is detoured can be minimized based on the automated periodic surveillance test in the digital reactor protection system, thereby enhancing stability.