Study of fuzzy logic in safety and control systems in nuclear power plants

Abstract

Safety and control systems in Nuclear Power Plants are essentially run without intelligent systems. As nuclear industry starts to become more advanced and vendors are starting to manufacture more advance products, old structures and systems in place will eventually become obsolete needing alternatives to resolve discrepancies. Control System is considered as one protective layer with plant safety systems. Research demonstrates that intelligent control systems improve safety performance of power plants. This research studies fuzzy logic control (i.e. intelligent control system), its methodology, design and applicability to safety related systems in Nuclear Power Plant. Study further investigates fuzzy logic control approach and how it impacts improving safety related system performance. Critical system parameters and trends were studied, research plan developed and results recorded using Matlab & Simulink applications. Two case studies selected demonstrate proposed fuzzy logic with effective results. First study demonstrates how implementing fuzzy logic improves operability of self-contained pneumatic assemblies that impact improving breathing air system performance. Second study demonstrates how fuzzy logic implementation can improve instrument air compressor performance with early detection of solenoid valve failures. Both studies reveal that using fuzzy logic results in better control, precision and performance in maintaining safety related systems and encourages its use to many other applications.