Post-Shutdown Reactor Module Monitoring With Real-Time Safety Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring a subcritical nuclear reactor after shutdown is complex due to the need for continuous and simultaneous monitoring of multiple parameters, including heat, radioactivity, and pressure, which poses safety and asset protection challenges, especially as the number of reactors in a power plant increases.
Innovation Solution
A human systems interface (HSI) with user interfaces (UIs) is provided to streamline the monitoring of post-shutdown power-generation module (PGM) parameters, offering real-time indicators and alerts for safety and asset protection criteria, allowing operators to address deviations through protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous and simultaneous monitoring of multiple parameters (heat, radioactivity, pressure) is implemented after reactor shutdown, then safety and asset protection are improved, but operator diligence and monitoring complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into multiple specialized sensors (temperature sensors, radiation detectors, pressure sensors) that each monitor specific parameters independently. This segmentation allows the complex monitoring task to be divided into manageable components, reducing the cognitive load on operators while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
A computer system acts as an intermediary between the various sensors and the operator. The computer receives data from multiple sensors, processes it, and presents integrated safety information to the operator, thereby reducing monitoring complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety surveillance.
2Productivity
If the number of reactors in a power plant is increased to improve productivity, then energy output increases, but the demand for operator diligence and monitoring requirements grow proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is designed with universal functionality that can surveil multiple reactors simultaneously through standardized sensor arrays and a centralized computer system. This multi-functional approach allows the same system architecture to monitor any number of reactors, enabling plant expansion without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data from multiple reactors is constantly monitored, analyzed, and fed back to operators in real-time. This automated feedback mechanism reduces the need for constant operator attention while maintaining safety across all reactors.
3Reliability
If comprehensive parameter monitoring is implemented to ensure safety criteria are met, then asset protection is improved, but the time and resources required for monitoring increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes predetermined safety thresholds and alert protocols before reactor shutdown. When parameters approach these pre-set limits, the system automatically generates alerts, allowing operators to take preventive action before safety criteria are violated, thereby protecting assets without requiring continuous intensive monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system performs self-surveillance through automated sensor arrays and computer-based data processing. The system independently tracks parameters, compares them against safety criteria, and generates alerts without requiring constant operator intervention, thus reducing monitoring time while maintaining comprehensive asset protection.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments are directed to providing a user interface (UI) that streamlines and simplifies the process of monitoring critical power-generation module (PGM) parameters after a PGM assembly is shutdown. The UI displays, in real-time, indicators corresponding to one or more post-shutdown PGM parameters. The UI provides indications of whether the post-shutdown PGM parameters meet post-shutdown criteria of the PGM assembly. When a post-shutdown PGM parameter does not meet the post-shutdown criteria, a user alert is provided to the user. A protocol may additionally be provided to the user. In some embodiments, the protocol may enable the user to return the PGM assembly to a condition that satisfies the post-shutdown criteria. The protocol may be a safety protocol and/or an asset protection protocol.