Computerized Fault Diagnostics in a Nuclear Reactor via Analytic Redundancy

Computer-aided diagnostic techniques are successfully applied to on-line signal validation in an operating nuclear reactor. To avoid installation of additional redundant sensors for the sole purpose of fault isolation, a real-time model of nuclear instrumentation and the thermal-hydraulic process in the primary coolant loop is developed and experimentally validated. The model provides analytically redundant information sufficient for isolation of failed sensors as well as for detection of abnormal plant operation and component malfunctioning.