Updated NRC Research Plan for Digital System Safety in Nuclear Power Plants and Other Facilities

摘要

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has recognized that improvements in digital technology can offer nuclear power plants enhanced operational performance, reliability, and safety. However, it also recognizes several technical issues associated with digital I&C systems that have the potential to impact plant safety. The NRC's experience in licensing analog I&C systems is being used to address digital I&C technical issues. However, many new issues arise because of the differences in the way digital and analog I&C systems are designed, operated, and fail. As the nuclear industry moves into a more competitive environment, and licenses are extended from 40 to 60 years, many plants will look to digital I&C systems as a way to reduce operating costs and improve safety. In the early 1990's, the NRC began developing guidance to support the review of digital systems in nuclear power plants. The Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES) commissioned the National Academy of Sciences' National Research Council to review issues associated with the use of digital I&C systems. The National Research Council issued its report and made several recommendations including a recommendation to develop a research plan that would balance short-term regulatory needs and long-term anticipatory research needs.