L-3 MAPPS has been awarded a contract from Nucleoeléctrica Argentina (NA-SA) to replace the Embalse nuclear power plant’s digital control computer (DCC) systems hardware. Four DCC systems will be delivered to NA-SA under the contract. The first system will be used as a testing and training platform and is due to be installed in early 2013. Three other redundant DCC systems for plant operations are expected to enter service in mid-2014.
DCC systems are used to monitor and control the major reactor and power plant functions at CANDU* nuclear power plants. The new DCC systems will feature the latest SSCI-890 CPUs and modern VME-based replacements for the existing Ramtek display system, and will replace the Varian 73 computer systems and related equipment.
“L-3 MAPPS is committed to working with NA-SA on the Embalse plant,” said Michael Chatlani, vice president of marketing and sales for L-3 MAPPS Power Systems and Simulation. “Along with the full-scope simulator we are currently developing, the replacement DCC systems will help improve plant operations.”
“In support of the Embalse plant refurbishment project, NA-SA is pleased to work with knowledgeable industry partners like L-3 MAPPS,” said Rubén Semmoloni, Embalse nuclear power plant life-extension project director, NA-SA.
The Embalse nuclear power station is one of two operational nuclear power plants in Argentina. It is located on the southern shore of a reservoir on the Rio Tercero, near the city of Embalse in Córdoba Province, 110km southwest of Córdoba City. The single unit at Embalse is a CANDU pressurized heavy water reactor with a net output of 600MWe, which went into commercial operation on 20 January 1984. Embalse also produces the cobalt-60 radioisotope, which is used for medical and industrial applications. With the current plant refurbishment plans, the station’s life is expected to be extended for another 25 years.
* CANDU is an acronym for CANada Deuterium Uranium and is a registered trademark of Atomic Energy of Canada. The CANDU system is a design that uses deuterium oxide (heavy water) as the moderator and coolant, and natural uranium as fuel.