Research
Devry University
(ECET402 Mechatronics)
Professor: David Lieberman
Narada Bush
Research Paper
Control System for a Nuclear Reactor Power Plant
Dec 17, 2012
Table of Contents
Introduction........................................................................... 3
Control System for a Nuclear Reactor Power Plant.......... 4 Nuclear Reactions in the Power Plant..................... 4 Control Systems......................................................... 5 Human Interface with Control Systems.................. 7 Redundancy of the Control System.......................... 7
Summary and Conclusion..................................................... 8
Works Cited............................................................................ 9
Introduction Controls systems for nuclear reactor power plants ensure that the nuclear reaction remains within safe limits. The control system involves the mechanical systems and the procedures necessary for maintaining the heat generated by the nuclear reaction at appropriate levels. The control system is also critical for shutting down the reaction for maintenance and refueling and in the event of an emergency such as a rupture in a cooling pipe. Because of the significant damage that a nuclear reactor accident or incident can cause, the control system used in the power plant is important for the safety of workers and the population living near the power plant. This paper will initially provide an overview of the way a nuclear reactor produces energy, and the different types of reactors. The paper will then discuss the operation of the control system as well as importance of the design for ensuring automatic shutdown of processes. The paper will also discuss the interface between the control system and the human operators and the importance of redundancy in the control system. The paper will end with a brief summary and conclusion.
(ECET402 Mechatronics)
Professor: David Lieberman
Narada Bush
Research Paper
Control System for a Nuclear Reactor Power Plant
Dec 17, 2012
Table of Contents
Introduction........................................................................... 3
Control System for a Nuclear Reactor Power Plant.......... 4 Nuclear Reactions in the Power Plant..................... 4 Control Systems......................................................... 5 Human Interface with Control Systems.................. 7 Redundancy of the Control System.......................... 7
Summary and Conclusion..................................................... 8
Works Cited............................................................................ 9
Introduction Controls systems for nuclear reactor power plants ensure that the nuclear reaction remains within safe limits. The control system involves the mechanical systems and the procedures necessary for maintaining the heat generated by the nuclear reaction at appropriate levels. The control system is also critical for shutting down the reaction for maintenance and refueling and in the event of an emergency such as a rupture in a cooling pipe. Because of the significant damage that a nuclear reactor accident or incident can cause, the control system used in the power plant is important for the safety of workers and the population living near the power plant. This paper will initially provide an overview of the way a nuclear reactor produces energy, and the different types of reactors. The paper will then discuss the operation of the control system as well as importance of the design for ensuring automatic shutdown of processes. The paper will also discuss the interface between the control system and the human operators and the importance of redundancy in the control system. The paper will end with a brief summary and conclusion.
Cited: 1. Knief, Ronald. Nuclear Systems: Elements of Thermal Design. Washington DC: Taylor and Francis, 1992. 2. Kothare, Mayuresh, Bernard Mettler, Manfred Morari, P. Bendotti, and C. Falinower. "Level Control in the Steam Generator of a Nuclear Power Plant." IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology, 8.1 (2000): 55-69. 3. Lillington, John. The Future of Nuclear Power. San Diego CA: Elsevier, 2004. 4. Schreiber, Richard. "Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRS)." In Kenneth Kok (Ed.) Nuclear Engineering Handbook (pp. 9-92). Boca Raton FL: CRC Press, 2009. 5. Theriault, Kevin. "Boiling Water Reactors BWS." In Kenneth Kok (Ed.) Nuclear Engineering Handbook (pp. 85-140). Boca Raton FL: CRC Press, 2009. 6. Wood, J. Nuclear Power. Herts UK: Institute of Engineering and Technology, 2007. 7. Yamamori, Toshiharu, Takashi Ichikawa, Satoshi Kawaguchi, and Hiroyuki Honma. "Recent Technologies in Nuclear Power Plant Supervisory and Control Systems." Hitachi Review, 49.2 (2000) 61-65.