Distributed Control System Implementation in Nuclear Power Plants Worldwide: a Literature Survey

Abstract

Nuclear Power Plant control systems based on conventional control technology face a serious problem of obsolescence. With nuclear power plant life extension and new builds expanding globally, new control techniques are expected to be implemented. The Distributed Control System (DCS) architecture has been attracting more and more attention. Currently, there are a lot of discussions and plans for this replacement in the nuclear industry around the world. Various countries are at different stages in this replacement process. In this paper, the network architecture, risk assessment, reliability analysis and cost of DCS will be explored and discussed.