SCORPIO-VVER Core Monitoring
and Surveillance System
with Advanced Capabilities
Jozef Molnar, Radim VockaNuclear Research Institute Rez plc
NUSIM 201028th – 29th April 2010
Častá – Papiernička, Slovakia
Nuclear Research Institute Řež plc
Czech Republic
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SCORPIO-VVER The Developers
The original version of the SCORPIO system was developed for the western type of PWR reactors.
long history, starting from 1987 (Ringhals 2),
more than 9 PWR units (Sweden, UK, USA).
The first version of the SCORPIO-VVER Core Monitoring System for Dukovany NPP (VVER-440 type of reactor, Czech Republic) was developed in 1998 in co-operation between:
IFE Halden, Norway,
Nuclear Research Institute Řež plc, Czech Republic
Škoda JS a.s., Czech Republic
Chemcomex Praha a.s., Czech Republic
For SCORPIO-VVER implementation at Bohunice NPP in Slovakia (2001) the system was enhanced with startup module KRITEX in co-operation with:
VUJE a.s., Slovak Republic
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Czech Republic
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SCORPIO-VVER basisSurveillance of reactor CORe by PIcture On-line display
consists of autonomous modules,
for communications the Software Bus
communication package is used,
the MMI is developed using the
ProcSee GUI Management System,
support different user logins with
difference rights and presented
information details,
uses the plant’s own in-core and ex-
core measurements,
servers with more then 74thousand
parameters on the system output.
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Czech Republic
The SCORPIO-VVER core monitoring
system:
PCI-Margin CalculationPES(1.4)
PCI-Margin CalculationPES(1.4)
PCI-Margin CalculationPES
(Predictive) (2.4)
PCI-Margin CalculationPES
(Predictive) (2.4)
LimitChecking andThermal Margin Calc.
(Predictive) (2.3)
LimitChecking andThermal Margin Calc.
(Predictive) (2.3)
LimitChecking andThermal MarginCalculation(1.3)
LimitChecking andThermal MarginCalculation(1.3)
3D Power DistributionDetermination
(1.2)
3DPower DistributionDetermination
(1.2)Predictive Simulator
(2.1)
Predictive Simulator(2.1)
Strategy Generator(2.2)
Strategy Generator(2.2)
Plant Measurements InputData(1.1A, 1.1B)
Plant Measurements InputData(1.1A, 1.1B)
Core Follow System Core Predictive System
Logging(1.6)
Logging(1.6)
Primary CoolantMonitoring, PEPA(Predictive) (2.5)
Primary CoolantMonitoring, PEPA(Predictive) (2.5)
ModuleAdministatorModuleAdministator
MMIOperator/Reactor Physicist/System Supervisor
MMIOperator/Reactor Physicist/System Supervisor
Primary CoolantMonitoring, PEPA
(1.5)
Primary CoolantMonitoring, PEPA
(1.5)
Entry
Reloaddata
Reactivity MeasurementModule , KRITEX
(1.7)
Reactivity MeasurementModule , KRITEX
(1.7)
Reload TransitionModule , RELOAD
(2.6)
Reload TransitionModule , RELOAD
(2.6)
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SCORPIO-VVER basisSurveillance of reactor CORe by PIcture On-line display
The system operates in two modes:
the core follow mode - the present core state is
evaluated by a method combining the instrumentation
signals and the theoretical calculation. The operator
obtains relevant information on core status through
the MMI in the form of well arranged screens
containing trend curves, core map pictures, diagrams
and tables displaying relevant information on the core
state including margins to Technical Specifications.
the predictive mode - the operator can visualize the
core characteristics during the transients forecasted
for coming hours or days. Quick forecasts realized by
the strategy generator could be deeply analyzed by
the predictive simulator. Similarly as in the core follow
mode, characteristics of the evaluated states can be
compared against Technical Specifications, and the
predicted behaviour of the core can be analyzed
through the number of dedicated screens.
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Czech Republic
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SCORPIO-VVER basisMain features of the system
Maintaining the communication with plant data sources and data acquisition.
Validation of plant measurements and identification of sensor failures.
Calibration of temperature measurement sensor and evaluation of isothermal state.
On-line 3D power distribution calculation with pin power reconstruction, based on the validated outlet temperature from thermocouples, SPND measurements and from the results of core Simulator.
On-line core simulation based on two-group 3D coarse mesh calculation code (based on Moby-Dick code).
Limit checking and thermal margin calculation allowing for surveillance of VVER core limits such as DNBR, Sub-cooling margin, FdH and other peeking factors, etc.
SPND monitoring, evaluation, interpretation and transformation to linear power.
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Czech Republic
The SCORPIO-VVER system includes following main features:
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SCORPIO-VVER basisMain features of the system cont.
Integrated module for monitoring fuel performance, conditional power distribution.
Integrated module for monitoring of coolant activity for identification of fuel failures.
Convenient monitoring and prediction of approach to criticality during reactor start-up.
Predictive capabilities and strategy planning, offering the possibility to check the consequences of operational maneuvers in advance, prediction of critical parameters and end of fuel cycle detection, etc.
Automated transition between cycles (fuel reload).
Logging functions with archive for all calculated and main measured data.
User definable printer output for protocols and forms.
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Czech Republic
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SCORPIO-VVERImplementation and upgrade history
First implementation at Dukovany NPP in Czech Republic:
completed in 1998, migrated to all 4 units.
Dukovany’s short upgrade history:
2000, Upgrade-1, system maintenance and system tuning.
2003, Upgrade-2, adjusting the physical modules to EDU’s requirements.
2004, Upgrade-3, adaptation to use the Gd2 fuel type, moving to 42 axial layers.
2005, Upgarde-4, system adaptation to work with the upgraded I&C system.
2007- 12/2009, Upgrade-5, improvements in operation support tools, implementation of SPNDs to the 3D Power Reconstruction, support of new GD2+ and Gd2M fuel, support the up-rated reactor thermal power, upgrade of the system HW.
First implementation at Bohunice NPP V2 in Slovak Republic:
completed in 2001, migrated to 3. and 4. unit.
Bohunice’s short upgrade history:
2006, Upgrade-1, adaptation to use the Gd2 fuel type, moving to 42 axial layers, improvements in SG, implementation of online shape function generation.
2008-6/2009, Upgrade-2, adaptation to the new I&C, improvements in limit checking (online SDM calculation) and 3D Power Reconstruction method, improvements in Strategy Generator, support the up-rated reactor thermal power.
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Czech Republic
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SCORPIO-VVER upgrades: The most important upgrade features
The most important improvements in the area of neutron physics, core
thermal analysis and operation support are:
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Czech Republic
Moving to the 42 axial nodes across the whole
system (2004).
Implementation of new cross section library to
support mixed reactor core with differences in
axial geometry of used fuel types and
enhancement of Core Simulator boundary
conditions model, to properly address the “wild”
geometry in axial direction (2004).
Adjusting the thermohydraulic and neutron-
physical models regarding to the Gd2 fuel needs
(2004).
Support up to 5 types of FAs and 2 types of SPND
(Posit, IST) (2004).
Extension of form functions for pin-wise
reconstruction to improve pin-power prediction in
control rod coupler region (2004).
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SCORPIO-VVER upgrades: The most important upgrade features cont.
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Czech Republic
System adaptation to the new upgraded digital
I&C unit system (2005).
Integration of the SCORPIO-VVER system and
it’s workstation into the plant redundant in-core
system (2005).
Implementation of new On-Line form function
generation to module RECON (2006).
New design of the Strategy Generator with
advanced predictions (2007).
Adaptation of the system to support the new up-
rated reactor thermal power (2008).
Adding new online SDM calculation function into
to system (2008).
Implementation of the new 3D power
reconstruction with SPND interpretation (2009).
Extending the limit checking to the “full core”
checking (2009).
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SCORPIO-VVER upgrades: The most important upgrade features cont.
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Czech Republic
The control of margins to
the technical spec.:
Extended to full core – all
FA is controlled
individually in core
The limits are definable up
to 59 FA (1/6 symmetry)
4 limited parameters are
controlled – Kr, qlin, Tout-fa,
dTfa
2 additional parameters
are monitored – dTsat,
DNBR
New MMI are developed
to present the limited and
controlled parameters in
core.
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SCORPIO-VVERFuture challenges and plans
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Czech Republic
2011-2012 Planned Upgrade 3 for Bohunice NPP (Slovak republic):
system modification to support for new fuel types,
enhancements in limit checking and control,
improving the system redundancy and system integration into to the plant in-core
system.
Conquering of new territorial:
Adaptation and implementation of the SCORPIO-VVER Core Surveillance and
Core Monitoring System to the Reactor Training Simulator (full-scope simulator)
for reactor physicist in Slovak Republic.
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SCORPIO-VVERExperiences and support
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Czech Republic
More than 12 years of operation history:
on 6 unit of VVER-440 type of reactors,
at two different NPPs,
in two different countries,
with different regulatory bodies for nuclear safety,
helps to the SCORPIO-VVER developer team put the system to very high level of
quality, accuracy and reliability.
Based on more than 12 years of operation experience:
The system developer team is ready to respond to all needs of the NPP’s, solve
the difficulties and answer all questions in local language of NPP operators.
All system documentations and user guides are maintained in 3 different
languages: English, Czech and Slovak and the team ready to support other
languages too.
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SCORPIO-VVER Conclusions
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Czech Republic
Since the first installation the SCORPIO-VVER system has a remarkable operating history and experience.
The SCORPIO-VVER core monitoring system with its flexible and modular framework successfully responses to the plant operating needs and advances in nuclear fuel cycle strategies and fuel design.
Modular framework allows for easy modifications of the system and implementation of new methods in physical modules.
Even if the system is installed only on VVER-440 reactors, it could be adapted for needs of other VVER type of reactors and to needs of educations and training centers too.