Palo Verde full-range feedwater control system operating experience
High and low steam generator level trips are significant contributors to plant unavailability during low-power operation. This is caused by the destabilizing characteristics of the steam generation process and the lack of accurate steam flow and feed flow indications. The process is further complicated by simultaneous change of plant parameters like steam flow and primary power which affect the steam generators' response. To eliminate this problem, the Arizona Public Services' Palo Verde Nuclear Power Station has installed Combustion Engineering's Full-Range Feedwater Control System. This system has been designed to automatically control steam generator level at low powers, high powers, during feedwater valve transfers, and during the post-trip steam generator refill mode. The control system has passed all acceptance tests during startup warranty tests and is currently in commercial operation at Palo Verde Unit 1. Operating experience with the system in automatic has allowed operation of Unit 1 during 1985 without any reactor trips associated with steam generator level control. This has contributed to scram reduction and improvement of plant availability. The operating experience associated with the system is outlined in this paper.
- Research Organization:
- Combustion Engineering, Inc.
- OSTI ID:
- 6892276
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-861102-
- Journal Information:
- Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 53; ISSN TANSA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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210200* -- Power Reactors
Nonbreeding
Light-Water Moderated
Nonboiling Water Cooled
AVAILABILITY
BOILERS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY TRANSFER
ENRICHED URANIUM REACTORS
FEEDWATER
FLUID MECHANICS
HEAT TRANSFER
HYDRAULICS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
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OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
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PWR TYPE REACTORS
REACTOR SHUTDOWN
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SCRAM
SHUTDOWNS
STEAM GENERATORS
THERMAL REACTORS
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WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS