On-Line Data Acquisition and Processing System for the HTGR

The standard design for all advanced High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) nuclear power plants includes an integrated instrumentation system using a digital-computer-based Data Acquisition and Processing (DAP) system. This integrated-systems approach to instrumentation and controls improves plant availability and efficiency of operation. The computer system does not perform any control or safety functions but audits both of these functions automatically and independent of the operator and the plant protection system. The DAP system informs the operator whether the limits exceeded are safety or operation related. In addition to monitoring the important safety and control parameters, checking alarm limits, summarizing normal values, and formatting useful operator messages, the DAP system analyzes and evaluates the plant operating status. Operator error is reduced because the operator is less occupied with routine data analysis and therefore has more time to observe and direct his attention to the overall plant operation. The operator can readily obtain instantaneous information in one central location, and thus the need for roving data collection is minimized. This paper briefly describes the DAP system configuration, system hardware, software, and major functions. The man/machine interface during plant operation is described in more detail. The paper concludes with the suggestion that this system is adaptable to the evolution of control philosophy.