Robust growth in the nuclear power industry is anticipated as surging global demand for electricity converges with the desire to minimize carbon emissions. There are currently 439 nuclear power plants (NPP) in the commercial global fleet and by some estimates another 222 projects are in various stages of development. For both existing and new plant designs there are increasing needs for the application of advanced online surveillance, diagnostic and prognostic techniques to continuously monitor and assess the health of NPP systems and components. The added effectiveness of such programs has the potential to enable holistic plant management, and minimize exposure to future and unknown risks. This article makes the case for the use of a prognostic approach.
Revised: March 22, 2011 |
Published: February 1, 2011
Citation
Bond L.J., and P. Ramuhalli. 2011.Proactive Degradation Management.Nuclear Engineering International 56, no. 679:28-31.PNNL-SA-76612.