A Proposal for a Unified Model on Nuclear Power Plant Life Management

In recent years many electric utilities and nuclear power plants adopted policies for improved coordination of both safety and non-safety programs, called plant life management (PLIM), also in view on plant life extension programs, but mainly for an optimisation of operating costs. The implementation of PLIM programs has followed many different approaches, being intrinsically dependent on the national regulatory framework and technical traditions. In Countries with some experience, the PLIM program proved very convenient, especially when coupled with Maintenance, Surveillance an Inspection (MS&I) optimization: average savings are reported in the range of 20-30% of total (maintenance) costs. A unified European model for PLIM was developed at the JRC-Institute for Energy with the support of a network of stakeholders (SENUF), and validated at some EU nuclear plants. This paper provides a summary of the model features, the result of its validation at some plants and summarises the perceived scientific/technological challenges for the FP7 on which JRC proposes to focus, based upon its competencies and skills, having in mind both the European and world-wide context and its potential evolution.

CONTRI Paolo; 

2010-05-31

International Association for Structural Mechanics in Reactor Technology

JRC52073

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC52073,