Potential application of electrical signature analysis methods for monitoring small modular reactor components

Brian Damiano, Howard D. Haynes, Raymond W. Tucker

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Electrical signature analysis (ESA) is a remote monitoring technology that should be strongly considered as a diagnostic tool for small modular reactor (SMR) components. The need for condition monitoring of SMR components and systems is further increased by their relatively long fuel cycles, and because fewer opportunities will exist to perform maintenance inspections. Two SMR components are believed to be particularly good candidates for ESA: the control rod drive mechanisms (CRDMs) and the reactor coolant pumps (RCPs). Several examples are provided that demonstrate the application of ESA methods to other electromechanical components having similar operational features. ESA takes advantage of the inherent abilities of electric motors, generators, and solenoids to sense variations in equipment performance and condition, and then to act as transducers by providing corresponding variations in their electrical signals. On that basis, ESA is expected to provide the sensitivity and selectivity needed to characterize CRDM and RCP operational behavior, diagnose component condition, and identify specific subcomponent areas suffering from wear or other degradation. Based on our experience, other flow system abnormalities that influence pump behavior should also be detectable using ESA methods. Once fully developed for these applications, we believe the diagnostic and prognostic information generated by ESA can provide several direct benefits such as increased levels of availability and reliability, minimized unexpected failures, and reduced maintenance operating costs.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication7th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Plant Instrumentation, Control, and Human-Machine Interface Technologies 2010, NPIC and HMIT 2010
Pages179-189
Number of pages11
StatePublished - 2010
Event7th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Plant Instrumentation, Control, and Human-Machine Interface Technologies 2010, NPIC and HMIT 2010 - Las Vegas, NV, United States
Duration: Nov 7 2010Nov 11 2010

Publication series

Name7th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Plant Instrumentation, Control, and Human-Machine Interface Technologies 2010, NPIC and HMIT 2010
Volume1

Conference

Conference7th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Plant Instrumentation, Control, and Human-Machine Interface Technologies 2010, NPIC and HMIT 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLas Vegas, NV
Period11/7/1011/11/10

Keywords

  • Analysis
  • Diagnostics
  • ESA
  • Electrical
  • Signature

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