Nuclear Engineering and Technology (Jul 2021)
Study on analog-based ex-core neutron flux monitoring systems of Korean nuclear power plants for digitization
Abstract
The analog-based Ex-core Neutron Flux Monitoring System (ENFMS) in Korean Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) has been performing its intended functions successfully for a long time. On the other hand, the primary concern with the extended use of analog systems is the aging effect, such as mechanical failures, environmental degradation, and obsolescence. The transition to a digital-based Man-Machine Interface Systems (MMIS) in Korea and other countries has been accelerating, but some systems are still analog-based IC systems, such as the ENFMS in APR1400 NPPs. Digitalized ENFMS can become a reality using computers and microprocessors owing to the progress in digital electronics and information technology. This paper presents the result of the first phase of the research on the digitalization of the ENFMS signal processing electronics for NPPs operated or produced in Korea. It has two main parts: (1) review engineering bases of ex-core neutron flux monitoring system, including nuclear engineering, instrumentation techniques, and analog and digital signal processing techniques, and (2) analysis of analog signal processing electronics of ENFMS for OPR1000 and APR1400 power plants. They are prerequisite to the second phase of the research which is the detailed implementation of the digitalization.
