L-3 MAPPS has been awarded a contract from Romania’s Nuclearelectrica SA (SNN) for replacing the Cernavoda unit 1 digital control computer (DCC) central processing unit (CPU) equipment and to provide a desktop simulator to validate DCC software. Project work is proceeding immediately and the new DCCs are expected to be in service during summer 2010.
“By updating the computers on the unit 1 DCCs, we will bring the architecture of the computers to the same revision and superior performance as those on Cernavoda Unit 2,” said Ionel Bucur, director of CNE Cernavoda. “L-3 MAPPS has been a reliable supplier since 1984 and we are pleased to extend our cooperation with them.”
“This new project with L-3 MAPPS is the start of SNN’s improved life management program for the control computers at both units,” added Sorin Ghelbereu, technical manager of CNE Cernavoda. “This program will enhance the safety and availability of our station.”
“Cernavoda plays a significant role in supplying electricity in Romania and L-3 is proud to continue its role as key supplier for Cernavoda’s DCC and simulator projects,” said Michael Chatlani, vice president, marketing and sales, L-3 MAPPS Power Systems and Simulation.
Using SSCI-890 technology, L-3’s DCC CPUs will replace three SSCI-125 computer systems currently in use at Cernavoda. Prior to the unit 1 CPU replacement, another DCC system will be supplied to serve as a test bed for DCC hardware integration and software validation. The desktop simulator, which will run the full Cernavoda unit 1 plant simulation, will include a DCC emulator for the purpose of integrated plant software testing and verification.
Nuclearelectrica is a Romanian state-owned company, which operates the only nuclear power plant in Romania. The electricity annually generated by the Cernavoda units 1 and 2 represents approximately 18% of the overall electricity production of Romania. Units 1 and 2 have been in commercial operation since December 1996 and October 2007, respectively. Both units are 706 MWe CANDU* units.
L-3 MAPPS, a division of the L-3 Marine and Power Systems group, has over 25 years of experience in pioneering technological advances in the marine automation field and over 35 years of experience in delivering high-fidelity power plant simulation to leading utilities worldwide. In addition, the company has more than three decades of expertise in supplying plant computer systems for Canadian heavy water reactors. L-3 MAPPS also provides targeted controls and simulation solutions to the space sector.