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Outage Interval Optimization
Outage Interval Optimization
Outage Interval Optimization
Performance enhancing special projects
CANDU nuclear power plants have proven that they can operate regularly on two-year outage cycles. Due to the nature of the CANDU design, refuelling does not create any impediment to even longer outage durations. The Canadian fleet of CANDU plants has been operating for many years, accumulating operating experience and reliability data that can be used to investigate longer outage durations.
In this work, a comprehensive methodology was applied and consisted of a cost/benefit analysis, a technical assessment of the systems and programs that would be affected by optimizing outages, a review of the regulatory requirements and an assessment of how the current work commitments would be impacted.
The application of the outage optimization methodology showed that three-year outage intervals are achievable and can provide increased plant reliability and financial savings. The benefits provided by implementing outage interval optimization, along with the flexibility for outages provided by the CANDU design, can set the bar for a new industry standard and an excellent outlook for improved operation.
For more information view Outage Interval Optimization - Challenging the Status Quo presented by Angela Vieira, Edward J. Panyan and Jacques Plourde (OPG) at International Youth Nuclear Congress 2006, Stockholm, Sweden, June 18-23, 2006.