L-3 MAPPS has secured an order from New Brunswick (NB) Power Nuclear for new digital control computer (DCC) central processing units (CPUs) at the Point Lepreau Generating Station. In addition, L-3 MAPPS will supply a new DCC test system based on the design of a unit that L-3 MAPPS developed for CANDU. DCC systems are used to monitor and control the major reactor and power plant functions at CANDU nuclear power plants.
“The Point Lepreau project is the first of the world’s fleet of CANDU six reactors to undergo a refurbishment of this nature, and replacement of the DCC CPUs is necessary to operate the DCCs for the extended life of the plant,” said Herb Thompson, technical specialist supervisor of computer design at the Point Lepreau Generating Station.
“L-3 MAPPS has been involved with Point Lepreau Generating Station operation activities since its inception, and we value their expertise in this field as we extend the life of the plant for another 25 to 30 years,” Mr Thompson added.
“L-3 MAPPS is proud to play a key role in extending the operation of the Point Lepreau Generating Station,” said Michael Chatlani, vice president, marketing and sales, L-3 MAPPS Power Systems and Simulation.
“With refurbishment and upgrade efforts planned or ongoing at several CANDU stations worldwide, we are committed to being a strategic supplier of DCC-related products, services and simulators,” Mr Chatlani added.
Using SSCI-890 technology, L-3’s DCC CPUs will replace four Varian 73 computer systems and related input/output and ancillary equipment currently in use at Point Lepreau. In addition to the test system, L-3 MAPPS will provide spare parts, including circuit boards, power supplies and integrated circuits, to maintain the test system for five years. The products will be delivered to Point Lepreau toward the end of 2009.
The NB Power Group is a New Brunswick-based electricity generation company whose principal business is the generation and sale of electricity in New Brunswick, Canada. The electricity is generated at 16 facilities and delivered to more than 370,000 direct and indirect customers within New Brunswick.