Communication Networks and their Applications in Control Systems of Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract

Distributed control over networks offer many advantages over traditional point-to-point control techniques such as reduced wiring and easier maintenance. One of the major concerns when deploying distributed control systems is the data quality when they are passed through a common communication channel. Many network protocols in process control systems are available, with their respective advantages and disadvantages. They have been implemented in many applications, including safety-critical ones. This paper provides a literature survey on several commercially available network protocols. Research conducted to compare their performances is presented. Distributed control system designs for Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) are discussed. Moreover, wireless control technologies and their applicability in NPPs are discussed.