Computerized data collection devices exist and are being used in various applications at some NPPs for systems and equipment not instrumented in the control room. However, current applications in the nuclear power industry are rather sporadic and not exploiting the full potential of the technology. For example, several different NPPs use such systems for single-purposes such as trends in equipment performance. In the proposed research, needs and system requirements will be defined for an integrated, real-time data collection and analysis system for plant equipment and human actions that include links to risk models of the plant and key systems. The system will support many concurrent regulatory and commercial applications, including: risk-based decision making and inspections; risk-based technical specifications; support of the maintenance rule; and plant availability improvement. In the proposed research, APG would apply knowledge of PRA, HRA and NPP safety and reliability to define thea) needs and scope of the data collection and analyses,b) viability of an integrated program to accomplish various risk-based applications,c) software required for the application(s); and d) suitability of using a personal-computer (PC) environment versus larger systems.
Anticipated Results:If the project is successfully carried out through Phases II and II, the potential benefits are many for the nation. A utility will be more able to produce electrical power more safely, more reliably and less costly. The operating utility can apply the envisioned database to a) make risk-based decisions and b) link to plant and system logic models to assess current availability and safety margins. The Federal Government can use the approach to support risk-based inspections and regulations, thus making such activities more cost-effective.
