Alarm filtering system-a design tool (power station computer control)

An approach to power plant alarm filtering using alarm relationships is briefly discussed. The industrywide need for this capability is described and the development environment is presented. The use of this tool during the design process is explored and various design considerations are examined. A typical alarm design development is outlined and the integration of a human alarm filtering system (AFS) into this development cycle is introduced, considering elements such as human factors, alarm hierarchy, logic structure, and usefulness. The AFS is utilized to examine typical alarm patterns and alarm relationships for continuity and diversity. The concept of implied but hidden plant states is defined and developed. Integration of the AFS with a simulator or mockup is briefly discussed as a method of design verification prior to implementation.<>