Energy, mass, model-based displays, and memory recall [PWR operation]

The operation of PWR within the framework of the conservation laws for energy and mass is discussed. These conservation laws, which are the basis of the Rankine heat-engine cycle, are used to generate a computer-graphic icon of the heat-engine cycle in terms of temperature-entropy coordinates for water. This icon then serves as a model-based display of the plant process. A human user is then able to exercise a plant monitoring strategy based on the conservation laws. The model-based display consists of a process icon and a system icon. The theoretical basis of the process icon rests with the fundamental laws of thermodynamics. The system icon synthesizes the operation of plant water systems that interact with the process. The results of an analysis on a PWR utilizing the fundamental laws of thermodynamics identify the main variables for evaluating the process. A computer´s synthesis of these process variables results in an articulation of the process in the form of a real-time model (on a cathode-ray tube) of the cycle