Simulator Validation of Calculation Code in REDNET Upgrade System

Abstract

The reactor data network (REDNET) is a computer-based data acquisition, display and archival system which acquires data from the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor’s "fuelled sites", and several experimental loop facilities in support of CANDU technology development (e.g., fuel, fuel behaviour, and materials research programs). The system supports the processing of data collected for subsequent display at the respective experimental facilities, and in the NRU control room.REDNET was installed in the 1980s based on the 1970s computer technology. The computer hardware is obsolete and spare parts are either extremely hard to find or are now unavailable. The Upgrade system is intended to replace the REDNET and eliminate the risk of losing the data acquisition of important experimental data needed in support of the CANDU Fuel Development Program. An important goal of the Upgrade system is to improve the accuracy in the measurement and calculation of thermal power.Calculations in REDNET are performed in FORTRAN code with some in-house macros. The same calculations are re-implemented in the Upgrade system in structured-text and function-block languages. To ensure that there is no deviation or loss of accuracy in the calculations of the Upgrade system compared to those in REDNET, software validation is performed on calculation code in the Upgrade system.The validation consists of a two-stage and three-point check (at ~0%, 50% and ~100% signal level) process for every data type and data point in the Upgrade system.This paper presents the purpose, the major tools and process, and the results of the validation. It is concluded, based on the validation results, that the Upgrade system achieves at least the same, and in many cases better, accuracy in all the calculations.