Nuclear Energy in India : Updates

Every year, government to roll out one Nuclear reactor: DAE
The government has decided to commission a nuclear reactor every year to boost commercial use of civil nuclear energy.

A 700-MW pressurised heavy water reactor at Kakrapar nuclear plant in Gujarat is likely to be commissioned by April, Shri Krishna Gupta, a senior official of the department of atomic energy, said on Tuesday.

"Kakrapar-3 is likely to be commissioned in mid-2020. Kakrapar-4 by mid-2021 and RAPP-7 by mid-2022 in Rajasthan’s Rawatbhata,” he said. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd’s (NPCIL’s) 22 reactors with installed capacity of 6780 MW are operational, he said. The DAE official said, “Kaiga-1 (KGS-1) reactor has set 962 days of continuous and non-interrupted operation, which is a world record.” He said Tarapur atomic power reactors — Units 1 and 2 — completed 50 years of operation this year. The two boiling water reactors — the first in the country — were commissioned in October 1969.

Gupta said, “Seven cancer hospitals are being set up across the country, where we are making use of spin-off technologies for tuberculosis and oral cancer detection.”
Every year, government to roll out one Nuclear reactor: DAE
 
Every year, government to roll out one Nuclear reactor: DAE
The government has decided to commission a nuclear reactor every year to boost commercial use of civil nuclear energy.

"Kakrapar-3 is likely to be commissioned in mid-2020. Kakrapar-4 by mid-2021 and RAPP-7 by mid-2022 in Rajasthan’s Rawatbhata,” he said. Nuclear Power Corporation of India

Every year, government to roll out one Nuclear reactor: DAE
Ahh... The irony of it. These reactors should have been operational like yesterday.
It takes such a thick skin to spin the inordinate delays as rolling out reactors (I don't know, what it mean to ROLL OUT reactor - it isn't ford model t after all, but given the press in India, nothing much to be expected) one per year.

Anyways better now than never.
Any news on ghavpp in Haryana and the second location in rajasthan for proposed phwr 700?
 
Energy-starved Africa looks to India for nuclear reactors

Updated: 18 Nov 2019, 12:59 AM IST, by Utpal Bhaskar
  • India’s civilian nuke programme catches fancy of African nations amid fall in hydel capacity
  • Climate change has affected Africa’s conventional hydropower generation capacity
b62a5ebc-fc94-11e9-9dfa-3d415efc973c_1574018562771_1574018805897.jpg

While hydropower generation has witnessed a decline leading to lower supply of electricity in African nations, India’s pressurized heavy water reactor’s unit size is well-suited to meet their small demand load.(HT)

NEW DELHI : As part of India’s strategy to expand its footprint in Africa, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is exploring supply of small nuclear power reactors to the electricity-starved countries.

Interestingly, India’s civilian nuclear power programme has caught the fancy of African countries because climate change has impacted their conventional hydropower generation capacity, which was primarily dependent on the Nile, the Niger, the Congo and the Zambezi river systems.

While hydropower generation has witnessed a decline leading to lower supply of electricity in African nations, India’s pressurized heavy water reactor’s (PHWR’s) unit size are well-suited to meet their small demand load.

“Due to weather anomalies, the African countries can’t depend on hydropower generation to meet their growing electricity demand. Given that their demand load is small, our pressurized heavy water reactors of 220MW unit size fits the bill. The African countries are interested in these nuclear power reactors. These are initial feelers," said a senior Indian government official, requesting anonymity.

The Indian government’s move comes at a time when China has made major forays into Africa since 2004-05. In recent years, China has also tried to co-opt African countries into its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a programme to invest billions of dollars in infrastructure projects, including railways, ports and power grids, across Asia, Africa and Europe.

New Delhi is opposed to the BRI, which seeks to invest about $8 trillion in infrastructure projects across Asia, Europe and Africa, as it says the initiative lures countries into debt traps, and does not respect sovereignty or address environmental concerns.

India’s strategy is to negate the growing influence of strategic rival China in the region. New Delhi has also extended a $10-billion concessional line of credit (LOC) for the African continent.

Of India’s fleet of 22 commercial nuclear power reactors with an installed capacity of 6,780 megawatts (MW), which are run by state-run Nuclear Power Corp. of India Ltd, or NPCIL, there are 14 units of 220MW PHWRs, making it one of the largest fleets of such reactors.

“Most of our older plants have the 220MW PHWR units. NPCIL has amply demonstrated its expertise in the design, construction, and operation of PHWRs with unprecedented levels of efficiency and safety. Our PHWRs are also economical, as compared to others, as they are one-and-a-half to two times expensive than our reactors. We are exploring African countries to help meet their demand," the official added.

A senior NPCIL executive, who also requested anonymity, confirmed the interest by African countries.

New Delhi’s support to the freedom movements in many African countries, had earned it considerable political clout in the region, but its popularity started dwindling since the 1990s. However, since the middle of the last decade, India has made efforts to remedy that—reworking its ties with Africa through high-level summits and frequent top-level visits.

Queries emailed to the spokespersons of India’s department of atomic energy, NPCIL, and the prime minister’s office on 30 October remained unanswered.

Energy-starved Africa looks to India for nuclear reactors
 
Energy-starved Africa looks to India for nuclear reactors

Updated: 18 Nov 2019, 12:59 AM IST, by Utpal Bhaskar
  • India’s civilian nuke programme catches fancy of African nations amid fall in hydel capacity
  • Climate change has affected Africa’s conventional hydropower generation capacity
b62a5ebc-fc94-11e9-9dfa-3d415efc973c_1574018562771_1574018805897.jpg

While hydropower generation has witnessed a decline leading to lower supply of electricity in African nations, India’s pressurized heavy water reactor’s unit size is well-suited to meet their small demand load.(HT)

NEW DELHI : As part of India’s strategy to expand its footprint in Africa, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is exploring supply of small nuclear power reactors to the electricity-starved countries.

Interestingly, India’s civilian nuclear power programme has caught the fancy of African countries because climate change has impacted their conventional hydropower generation capacity, which was primarily dependent on the Nile, the Niger, the Congo and the Zambezi river systems.

While hydropower generation has witnessed a decline leading to lower supply of electricity in African nations, India’s pressurized heavy water reactor’s (PHWR’s) unit size are well-suited to meet their small demand load.

“Due to weather anomalies, the African countries can’t depend on hydropower generation to meet their growing electricity demand. Given that their demand load is small, our pressurized heavy water reactors of 220MW unit size fits the bill. The African countries are interested in these nuclear power reactors. These are initial feelers," said a senior Indian government official, requesting anonymity.

The Indian government’s move comes at a time when China has made major forays into Africa since 2004-05. In recent years, China has also tried to co-opt African countries into its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a programme to invest billions of dollars in infrastructure projects, including railways, ports and power grids, across Asia, Africa and Europe.

New Delhi is opposed to the BRI, which seeks to invest about $8 trillion in infrastructure projects across Asia, Europe and Africa, as it says the initiative lures countries into debt traps, and does not respect sovereignty or address environmental concerns.

India’s strategy is to negate the growing influence of strategic rival China in the region. New Delhi has also extended a $10-billion concessional line of credit (LOC) for the African continent.

Of India’s fleet of 22 commercial nuclear power reactors with an installed capacity of 6,780 megawatts (MW), which are run by state-run Nuclear Power Corp. of India Ltd, or NPCIL, there are 14 units of 220MW PHWRs, making it one of the largest fleets of such reactors.

“Most of our older plants have the 220MW PHWR units. NPCIL has amply demonstrated its expertise in the design, construction, and operation of PHWRs with unprecedented levels of efficiency and safety. Our PHWRs are also economical, as compared to others, as they are one-and-a-half to two times expensive than our reactors. We are exploring African countries to help meet their demand," the official added.

A senior NPCIL executive, who also requested anonymity, confirmed the interest by African countries.

New Delhi’s support to the freedom movements in many African countries, had earned it considerable political clout in the region, but its popularity started dwindling since the 1990s. However, since the middle of the last decade, India has made efforts to remedy that—reworking its ties with Africa through high-level summits and frequent top-level visits.

Queries emailed to the spokespersons of India’s department of atomic energy, NPCIL, and the prime minister’s office on 30 October remained unanswered.

Energy-starved Africa looks to India for nuclear reactors
Wow... For once I'm impressed that our fascination with everything small, light (lca, luh, alh etc) has found a niche. With established vendors providing reactors of capacity around 1000 to 1600 MWe, the smaller sized reactors from them a distant memory, our reactors are the best choice available. Add to that our mastery of the tech and operations cycle and our reactors are running for decades, none can beat us here.

Does the Nuclear Suppliers Group permit india selling reactors and other tech abroad?
 
Does the Nuclear Suppliers Group permit india selling reactors and other tech abroad?
Since India is not a part to it they can neither facilitate nor block such a deal. But they will try to scuttle it by questioning safety and stuff. We do have a lot of experience with us on running reactors. Let's see.
OTOH, if we manage to succeed in securing an export order we will have a newer, formidable point for our admission onto the NSG as a nuclear power. A lot of the members of the NSG don't know a fraction of what we know of running reactors.
 
Since India is not a part to it they can neither facilitate nor block such a deal. But they will try to scuttle it by questioning safety and stuff. We do have a lot of experience with us on running reactors. Let's see.
OTOH, if we manage to succeed in securing an export order we will have a newer, formidable point for our admission onto the NSG as a nuclear power. A lot of the members of the NSG don't know a fraction of what we know of running reactors.
True that.
Considering safety, the slightly positive void coefficient of PHWR ( in general for any pressure tube type reactors ) might throw a spanner in the works. Remember Canadians tried all the tricks in the book to get Candu certified in USA, but..

I sincerely wish we pull it off. And what a sight it would be to see those know-nothings pontificating about nuclear proliferation and such eating the humble pie
 
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Major shift: PMO mulls to open gates for FDI in nuclear power

IANS | January 12, 2020, 09:26 IST
73210315.cms

Mumbai: In a bid to make India a global player in nuclear power sector, the Modi government is contemplating to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the nuclear power area.

The decision, likely to be considered by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), would be a paradigm shift in India's nuclear power policy, and subsequently open the gates for multinational companies to invest in the country's nuclear energy projects.

After deliberations with the PMO, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has sought legal opinion from the Union Law Ministry on whether foreign investment can be allowed in the nuclear power sector, if the FDI policy is amended.

"The department (DAE) proposes to submit a report for consideration to the PMO after seeking guidance from the Atomic Energy Commission for amending the policy," says the letter by Joint Secretary, DAE (Anushakti Bhawan), dated January 8 this year.

The letter, reviewed by IANS, further reveals that DAE's view is clear on private equity in nuclear power sector.

"DAE's stand is that the Atomic Energy Act in no way prohibits private sector participation in nuclear power projects," the letter adds.

An official of the DAE explained the department's stand in simpler words: "The Act allows private investment. However, the FDI policy of the government does not permit foreign investment in nuclear projects. Once the FDI policy is amended, it would open doors for more funds in the nuclear power sector."

Sources said that several foreign companies, including Westinghouse Electric Company (WEC) and GE-Hitachi of the US, Electricite de France (EDF) of France and Rosatom of Russia have expressed keen interest in participating in India's nuclear power projects.

As per government sources, these MNCs are interested to invest in various areas such as technology, supplies or as contractors and service providers. However, these foreign companies can't yet invest in the country's increasing number of nuclear power projects, as the FDI policy does not permit them to do so.

In India, nuclear power is the fifth largest source of electricity after coal, gas, hydro-electricity and wind power. Till last year, India had 22 nuclear reactors installed in seven nuclear power plants spread across the country.

The nuclear power plants have total installed capacity of 6780 MW. Sources said that if FDI is allowed in the nuclear power sector, it would witness a very large scale expansion.

Major shift: PMO mulls to open gates for FDI in nuclear power - ET EnergyWorld
 
Major shift: PMO mulls to open gates for FDI in nuclear power

IANS | January 12, 2020, 09:26 IST
73210315.cms

Mumbai: In a bid to make India a global player in nuclear power sector, the Modi government is contemplating to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the nuclear power area.

The decision, likely to be considered by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), would be a paradigm shift in India's nuclear power policy, and subsequently open the gates for multinational companies to invest in the country's nuclear energy projects.

After deliberations with the PMO, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has sought legal opinion from the Union Law Ministry on whether foreign investment can be allowed in the nuclear power sector, if the FDI policy is amended.

"The department (DAE) proposes to submit a report for consideration to the PMO after seeking guidance from the Atomic Energy Commission for amending the policy," says the letter by Joint Secretary, DAE (Anushakti Bhawan), dated January 8 this year.

The letter, reviewed by IANS, further reveals that DAE's view is clear on private equity in nuclear power sector.

"DAE's stand is that the Atomic Energy Act in no way prohibits private sector participation in nuclear power projects," the letter adds.

An official of the DAE explained the department's stand in simpler words: "The Act allows private investment. However, the FDI policy of the government does not permit foreign investment in nuclear projects. Once the FDI policy is amended, it would open doors for more funds in the nuclear power sector."

Sources said that several foreign companies, including Westinghouse Electric Company (WEC) and GE-Hitachi of the US, Electricite de France (EDF) of France and Rosatom of Russia have expressed keen interest in participating in India's nuclear power projects.

As per government sources, these MNCs are interested to invest in various areas such as technology, supplies or as contractors and service providers. However, these foreign companies can't yet invest in the country's increasing number of nuclear power projects, as the FDI policy does not permit them to do so.

In India, nuclear power is the fifth largest source of electricity after coal, gas, hydro-electricity and wind power. Till last year, India had 22 nuclear reactors installed in seven nuclear power plants spread across the country.

The nuclear power plants have total installed capacity of 6780 MW. Sources said that if FDI is allowed in the nuclear power sector, it would witness a very large scale expansion.

Major shift: PMO mulls to open gates for FDI in nuclear power - ET EnergyWorld

Sure shot way to terminate barc design for ever. Are we Indians hell bent on destroying the last vestige of indigenous expertise in such a critical area?
Other than providing capital for establishing us or European or russian pwr which relieves NPCIL of the burden, what are we gaining?

Expertise in design? Construction? Project management? Operations? I see none.

The Chinese are to be admired in such matters. Instead of getting trapped in the cycle to be on the good books of the white, ( gora) that destroys whatever little one had achieved, they double down on the indigenous effort to the point of perfecting and exporting it.

This govt in particular, lacks strategic vision, inability to differentiate between pros and cons of globalisation and opening up and a utter disregard for throttling various measures to maximize national gain. Which I hate to add the Chinese have amply demonstrated and ended up occupying the almost the entire production value of chain of almost all things manufactured. Seeing the fate of train 18 and railways, now this.. i just couldn't help but put out my rant.
 
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Sure shot way to terminate barc design for ever. Are we Indians hell bent on destroying the last vestige of indigenous expertise in such a critical area?
Other than providing capital for establishing us or European or russian pwr which relieves NPCIL of the burden, what are we gaining?

Expertise in design? Construction? Project management? Operations? I see none.

The Chinese are to be admired in such matters. Instead of getting trapped in the cycle to be on the good books of the white, ( gora) that destroys whatever little one had achieved, they double down on the indigenous effort to the point of perfecting and exporting it.

This govt in particular, lacks strategic vision, inability to differentiate between pros and cons of globalisation and opening up and a utter disregard for throttling various measures to maximize national gain. Which I hate to add the Chinese have amply demonstrated and ended up occupying the almost the entire production value of chain of almost all things manufactured. Seeing the fate of train 18 and railways, now this.. i just couldn't help but put out my rant.



Relax bro, you can sit for 2-3 more decades before something actual happens on ground. The FDI for FMCG is still stuck, forget Nuclear power. And even if FDI comes, it will not be related to nuclear fuel, nuclear reactor or the design, it will be related to electrical grid and switch systems, or like turbines and generator.
 
Relax bro, you can sit for 2-3 more decades before something actual happens on ground. The FDI for FMCG is still stuck, forget Nuclear power. And even if FDI comes, it will not be related to nuclear fuel, nuclear reactor or the design, it will be related to electrical grid and switch systems, or like turbines and generator.
Electrical island is already a done deal. Nothing new about it. IIRC trombay latest reactors , the gen was bhel in assoc with Alstom?? Or is it the new 700 mwe ones?
 
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Electrical island is already a done deal. Nothing new about it. IIRC trombay latest reactors , the gen was bhel in assoc with Alstom?? Or is it the new 700 mwe ones?

yes, 2 x700MW gen are already in Karakpur, and I read 2 more to come same capacity. But nothing related to reactor or fuel. That's a totally different area.
 
Indian Envoy To Russia Says Countries Could Build Nuclear Power Plants In Africa & Middle East

By Vusala Abbasova; January 26, 2020
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Varma believes the two sides could also launch projects in Africa using the experience they gained from joint work on Rooppur, which is being built by Russia’s Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation and costing over $13 billion.

Russia and India may team up to construct nuclear power plants in Africa and the Middle East, according to India’s ambassador to Russia, building on their current experiences in Bangladesh.

“There are also good prospects for cooperation of Russia and India in nuclear energy in third countries,” Ambassador Venkatesh Varma told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.

“We are already working under the scheme in Bangladesh,” Varna added, referring to the current construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant, called Rooppur. “Now Russia is also pretty active in the construction of nuclear power plants in the Middle East and Africa. That opens a new pathway of cooperation for us.”

Varma believes the two sides could also launch projects in Africa using the experience they gained from joint work on Rooppur, which is being built by Russia’s Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation and costing over $13 billion.

“Russia already has agreements in this field with a number of African countries,” Varma said. “Ethiopia is one of them, and there are some countries in the Middle East.”

“It will be Russian projects but with Indian cooperation. The discussions are still at a preliminary stage, but we hope that this will be a new area of cooperation. It is related to the success of the Indo-Russian cooperation in Bangladesh,” Varma added.

The first two units at Rooppur is scheduled for commissioning in 2023, while the second unit is expected to start operations the following year.

As one of the world’s largest producers of nuclear energy, Russia is a key partner for India, whose relationship with the post-Soviet country dates to the 1960s. The first jointly constructed plant was Kudankulam in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, which has two 1,000-megawatt (MW) pressurized water reactor units based on Russian technology.

In 2008, the two countries signed an agreement for the construction of four additional units at Kudankulam and on developing new sites. In conjunction with Kudankulam, India agreed to identify a second site to expedite the possibility of further cooperation with Russia and also agreed to set up more than 20 Russian-designed nuclear units in India within the next 20 years.

India’s interest in Russia’s nuclear capabilities stems from Russia’s experiences in nuclear engineering and its advanced nuclear technology. Russia’s state-owned nuclear body, Rosatom, ranks third in the world in terms of nuclear power generation. The energy giant is also the global leader in the simultaneous implementation of nuclear power plant units, holding the world’s largest portfolio of foreign construction projects.

According to the World Nuclear Association, Rosatom’s ten operating nuclear power plants operate 35 reactors totaling 26,983 megawatts (MW) of power. What is the largest electricity generating company in Russia produces 18.7 percent of the country’s total electricity.

Indian Envoy To Russia Says Countries Could Build Nuclear Power Plants In Africa & Middle East
 
Indian Envoy To Russia Says Countries Could Build Nuclear Power Plants In Africa & Middle East

By Vusala Abbasova; January 26, 2020
View attachment 13576
Varma believes the two sides could also launch projects in Africa using the experience they gained from joint work on Rooppur, which is being built by Russia’s Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation and costing over $13 billion.

Russia and India may team up to construct nuclear power plants in Africa and the Middle East, according to India’s ambassador to Russia, building on their current experiences in Bangladesh.

“There are also good prospects for cooperation of Russia and India in nuclear energy in third countries,” Ambassador Venkatesh Varma told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.

“We are already working under the scheme in Bangladesh,” Varna added, referring to the current construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant, called Rooppur. “Now Russia is also pretty active in the construction of nuclear power plants in the Middle East and Africa. That opens a new pathway of cooperation for us.”

Varma believes the two sides could also launch projects in Africa using the experience they gained from joint work on Rooppur, which is being built by Russia’s Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation and costing over $13 billion.

“Russia already has agreements in this field with a number of African countries,” Varma said. “Ethiopia is one of them, and there are some countries in the Middle East.”

“It will be Russian projects but with Indian cooperation. The discussions are still at a preliminary stage, but we hope that this will be a new area of cooperation. It is related to the success of the Indo-Russian cooperation in Bangladesh,” Varma added.

The first two units at Rooppur is scheduled for commissioning in 2023, while the second unit is expected to start operations the following year.

As one of the world’s largest producers of nuclear energy, Russia is a key partner for India, whose relationship with the post-Soviet country dates to the 1960s. The first jointly constructed plant was Kudankulam in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, which has two 1,000-megawatt (MW) pressurized water reactor units based on Russian technology.

In 2008, the two countries signed an agreement for the construction of four additional units at Kudankulam and on developing new sites. In conjunction with Kudankulam, India agreed to identify a second site to expedite the possibility of further cooperation with Russia and also agreed to set up more than 20 Russian-designed nuclear units in India within the next 20 years.

India’s interest in Russia’s nuclear capabilities stems from Russia’s experiences in nuclear engineering and its advanced nuclear technology. Russia’s state-owned nuclear body, Rosatom, ranks third in the world in terms of nuclear power generation. The energy giant is also the global leader in the simultaneous implementation of nuclear power plant units, holding the world’s largest portfolio of foreign construction projects.

According to the World Nuclear Association, Rosatom’s ten operating nuclear power plants operate 35 reactors totaling 26,983 megawatts (MW) of power. What is the largest electricity generating company in Russia produces 18.7 percent of the country’s total electricity.

Indian Envoy To Russia Says Countries Could Build Nuclear Power Plants In Africa & Middle East
No specifics on co-op in what elements? Sounds more like sweet nothings. Even in rooppur nothing concrete yet has come out iirc. Till then we are bound to see somany of these feel good articles. Even more if and when we are pitching our phwr to African nations... Haven't we already started on that front? May be we have made some movement ?
 
Even more if and when we are pitching our phwr to African nations... Haven't we already started on that front? May be we have made some movement ?
Nothing that is available in public suggests anything concrete. It will take years for anything to be signed, if at all. Right now its diplomatic feelers nothing else.
 
India’s digital transition

5 March 2020

Future Indian pressurised heavy water reactors will benefit from upgraded digital instrumentation and control systems and instrumentation, Saurav Jha explains.
NEI_p22_0220.jpg


INDIA’S DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY (DAE) is no stranger to the benefits of digitalisation of instrumentation & control (I&C) for its reactor fleet. Eight-bit or 16-bit microprocessor-based controls were introduced for main equipment back in the late 1980s and networking was emphasised in the 1990s, but India was also a relatively early mover in the progressive deployment of field- programmable gated array (FPGA) and application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) equipment. The digital evolution of I&C systems deployed in Indian nuclear reactors is supported indigenous research and development (R&D). Full-scope simulators were used to test the I&C systems before deployment.

The newer reactors operated by DAE’s main utility, the Nuclear Power Cooperation of India (NPCIL), have I&C architectures built around programmable logic controllers ultimately slaved to mosaic-based control rooms via computerised operator information systems (COISs) and control panels. Reactors currently under construction, and those planned for the future, will all have distributed I&C architecture based on high-integrity real-time embedded systems using standardised FPGA/ASIC hardware. This I&C architecture would typically include large screen displays and screen-based controls as the human-machine interface, with enhanced safety and cybersecurity features.

This embedded I&C setup has grown out of the experience at Tarapur 3&4, the first medium-sized Indian PHWR built. Commissioned in the first decade of the 2000s, Tarapur 3&4 were the first Indian PHWRs to have fully computerised key safety systems.

In a typical PHWR (or Candu) of contemporary design, the main control equipment for automated plant control, including automatic safe shut down, are: reactor protection system; (RPS), reactor regulating system (RRS); coolant channel temperature monitoring system; process control; safety interlocks; the fuel handling system; and the electrical SCADA.

Tarapur 3&4 were the first IPHWRs to boast a fully computerised reactor protection system, to offer better reliability and maintainability than in previous plants. Each reactor has two diverse RPS or shutdown systems, which are configured as triplicated alarm units in order to handle three-channel inputs and generate trip outputs. Operator interface is via redundant display units that communicate with each other on isolated serial links but the trip generating function is kept independent of the display units or the communication between them. Diagnostic routines monitor the system and the detection of any failure will result in the outputs being driven to trip condition. The process control system used in Tarapur 3&4 is a microcomputer-based fault-tolerant real-time system based on dual-processor hot-standby architecture as a defence- in-depth measure. It uses dual-redundant optical fibre ethernet networks for data communication.

At 540MWe Tarapur 3&4 were also considerably larger than the 220MWe (initially 235MW) versions that had preceded them, so they required more input-output signals and reactivity control devices. These in turn necessitated the development of a new multi-nodal system architecture for the regulating system, which relies entirely on digital communication. Configured as a functionally partitioned distributed control system with nine nodes, this incorporated new functions such as zonal control of neutron flux, shutoff rods withdrawal on startup and step back. Linked by dual redundant high-speed ethernet, these nodes work independently while performing their functions. There are two operator consoles from where power manoeuvring and manual operation of reactivity devices are carried out.

The RRS also includes a new reactivity device in the form of a liquid zone containment system (LZCS). Owing to its novelty in India, a LZCS test setup was installed at the Reactor Control Division of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Trombay, for design validation and integrated testing with RRS algorithms. DAE considers this test set-up to have contributed significantly to cost savings in the construction of Tarapur 3&4, by reducing overall commissioning time.

DAE sets great store by the use of simulators for development and training. A case in point is using real-time dynamic simulators for the fuel handling system. From Tarapur 3 onwards this is software-driven with minimal use of hardware, so a premium has been placed on debugging the control software by using PC-based dynamic simulators developed specifically for the purpose that use software models for fuelling machine components. Such custom simulators have also been developed and deployed by DAE for FHS-related training purposes as well.

Beginning with Tarapur 3&4, the coolant channel temperature monitoring system (CCTMS) in IPHWR designs has incorporated a new function in the form of automatic reactor set-back (reduction of reactor power output). The CCTMS receives inputs from resistance temperature detectors mounted on each of the 392 channel outlets connected to two identical and independent computer systems. In line with the philosophy of integrating plant wide data at a single location, the CCTMS sends the data to the reactor parameter display system, which acts as one of the gateways to COIS. The CCTMS has additional features, such as checking irrational low limit, dynamic alarm generation, online setback test, switching of failed RTDs between installations and ethernet connectivity.

Standardising electronics

The four 700MWe PHWRs currently under construction in India have essentially the same I&C architecture as Tarapur 3&4, with a measure of increased complexity due to the addition of a regional overpower protection system to the protection system and the interleaving of the primary heat transporters. What is most notable is that various digital boards employed in the computer systems have their controllers and sequencers implemented on field programmeable gated arrays. For example, the fuel handling system in the IPHWR-700, which is designed to perform all the operations in auto mode from the main control room, has its manual and safety logic implemented using FPGAs in order to reduce wiring density. Similarly, on the digital communications side for these reactors, Ethernet 802.3 MAC protocol has been implemented in a FPGA.

DAE was subject to sanctions regimes in the past, and it has long emphasised the use of FPGAs in its embedded systems, since they can mitigate the effects of obsolescence in an environment where there might be constraints on microprocessor imports. While that might have been the strategic reason for using FPGAs, the fact that they also improve the reliability of a system by reducing component count was very much kept in mind. The advantages of using FPGAs — they are smaller, dissipate less power and are more reliable (with fewer external connections) – along with giving a ‘proprietary’ touch to the instruments developed have all been contributing factors in DAE’s attraction to FPGAs.

DAE has developed a variety of input-output (I/O) boards with on-board intelligence implemented in FPGA. The components used on these boards are low voltage with higher density and low power consumption. They also have extensive diagnostic and self-test features built in.

While the I&C architecture of IPHWR-700s will resemble that of the PHWR-540s, much more futuristic systems can be expected on planned reactors such as the thorium-based 300MWe advanced heavy water reactor (AHWR). AHWR control and monitoring will use fully computer-based operator interfaces, except for safety systems, for which control and monitoring is performed from dedicated hardwired panels. AHWR’s I&C architecture will be based on extensive use of pre-configured programmable controllers and networking. This is expected to lead to greater uniformity in hardware and software, and will ease commissioning and servicing requirements.

In particular, a seven-layered advanced operator interface system (AOIS) has been developed which will acquire complete plant information in real time from computer-based front-end systems and present it to operators throughout the plant in a composite manner. AOIS will collect data from safety, non-safety and safety- related systems, segregating them at the data concentrator and SCADA server levels to improve overall reliability. An integrated test station comprising full-scale prototypes of AHWR I&C systems is currently operational at BARC. It is the latest of DAE’s full-scope simulators meant for testing and validating control algorithms using ‘hardware in loop’ simulations.

Software

Software reliability is key to embedded I&C systems performing safety critical functions. DAE has long been refining its verification & validation methodology, using techniques such as static analysis and assertion-based verification of safety critical software.

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board’s (AERB’s) regulatory framework has evolved alongside with the development of I&C software in India. Domestic standards and guidelines developing safety-critical software have also emerged. AERB’s safety classifications and the process standards (D-25) guide the development of I&C software in India’s nuclear sector. Alongside D-25, IEC60880 standard is also followed throughout the development of I&C software.

Developments in instrumentation

Any control system is only as good as the instrumentation providing feedback. IPHWRs typically have a whole host of instrumentation and actuators deployed including thermocouples, RTDs, pressure gauges and transmitters, flow gauges and transmitters, self-powered neutron detectors, ion chambers, BF3 counters, potentiometers, linear variable differential transformers, rotary variable differential transformers etc.

IPHWR-700s for instance feature 102 vanadium neutron detectors, which are used by the flux mapping system, which informs the zonal flux mapping function of the RRS. FMS periodically acquires neutron flux signals sensed by the in-core neutron detectors, computes the neutron flux profile and average thermal power in each of the fourteen zones and sends the zone power correction factors to the reactor regulating system to compute flux tilts. The system also delivers information on burn-up and build-up history. To speed up the response time of the vanadium detectors, BARC has developed an on-line DSP-based algorithm which reduces response time from five minutes to 40 milliseconds. This algorithm is coded to an FPGA which is fitted on a ‘piggyback board’ inside the SPND amplifier. (BARC has also developed Inconel 600 SPND as an alternative to cobalt detectors for in-core neutron monitoring.)

In recent years, DAE has developed LOCA-qualified absolute pressure sensors with remotely mounted electronics.

These pressure sensors are located inside the containment, connected to the electronics module outside the containment through a long-screened cable. This arrangement ensures that only the pressure sensors, designed to withstand and operate under a steam water mixture at 180°C temperature, 10 bar pressure and high gamma radiation, and the electronics module will encounter any accidental ambient conditions.

Several 10B lined ionisation chambers with and without gamma compensation have also been developed, with cylindrical and parallel plate electrode geometry. These detectors were developed after extensive studies on the optimisation of neutron and gamma sensitivities, the voltage and current characteristics and the response of the detectors as a function of neutron flux. Alongside the above, gamma-compensated boron-lined ionisation chambers employing the parallel plate electrode geometry with specially designed springs and ceramic spacers have been developed for the first time, for use in future LWRs. These are mechanically rugged and designed for continuous operation up to 300°C with linearity of better than 10% over a flux range of 104 nv (one thermal neutron per square centimetre per second) to 1011 nv. These detectors have been successfully integrated with hanger assemblies and qualified for shock, vibration and LOCA conditions.

Author information: Saurav Jha is an author and commentator on energy and security, based in New Delhi

India’s digital transition - Nuclear Engineering International
 
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India’s digital transition
INDIA’S DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY (DAE) is no stranger to the benefits of digitalisation of instrumentation & control (I&C) for its reactor fleet. Eight-bit or 16-bit microprocessor-based controls were introduced for main equipment back in the late 1980s and networking was emphasised in the 1990s, but India was also a relatively early mover in the progressive deployment of field- programmable gated array (FPGA) and application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) equipment. The digital evolution of I&C systems deployed in Indian nuclear reactors is supported indigenous research and development (R&D). Full-scope simulators were used to test the I&C systems before deployment.

The newer reactors operated by DAE’s main utility, the Nuclear Power Cooperation of India (NPCIL), have I&C architectures built around programmable logic controllers ultimately slaved to mosaic-based control rooms via computerised operator information systems (COISs) and control panels. Reactors currently under construction, and those planned for the future, will all have distributed I&C architecture based on high-integrity real-time embedded systems using standardised FPGA/ASIC hardware. This I&C architecture would typically include large screen displays and screen-based controls as the human-machine interface, with enhanced safety and cybersecurity features.

This embedded I&C setup has grown out of the experience at Tarapur 3&4, the first medium-sized Indian PHWR built. Commissioned in the first decade of the 2000s, Tarapur 3&4 were the first Indian PHWRs to have fully computerised key safety systems.

In a typical PHWR (or Candu) of contemporary design, the main control equipment for automated plant control, including automatic safe shut down, are: reactor protection system; (RPS), reactor regulating system (RRS); coolant channel temperature monitoring system; process control; safety interlocks; the fuel handling system; and the electrical SCADA.

Tarapur 3&4 were the first IPHWRs to boast a fully computerised reactor protection system, to offer better reliability and maintainability than in previous plants. Each reactor has two diverse RPS or shutdown systems, which are configured as triplicated alarm units in order to handle three-channel inputs and generate trip outputs.

Operator interface is via redundant display units that communicate with each other on isolated serial links but the trip generating function is kept independent of the display units or the communication between them. Diagnostic routines monitor the system and the detection of any failure will result in the outputs being driven to trip condition. The process control system used in Tarapur 3&4 is a microcomputer-based fault-tolerant real-time system based on dual-processor hot-standby architecture as a defence- in-depth measure. It uses dual-redundant optical fibre ethernet networks for data communication.

At 540MWe Tarapur 3&4 were also considerably larger than the 220MWe (initially 235MW) versions that had preceded them, so they required more input-output signals and reactivity control devices. These in turn necessitated the development of a new multinodal system architecture for the regulating system, which relies entirely on digital communication. Configured as a functionally partitioned distributed control system with nine nodes, this incorporated new functions such as zonal control of neutron flux, shutoff rods withdrawal on startup and step back. Linked by dual redundant high-speed ethernet, these nodes work independently while performing their functions. There are two operator consoles from where power manoeuvring and manual operation of reactivity devices are carried out.

The RRS also includes a new reactivity device in the form of a liquid zone containment system (LZCS). Owing to its novelty in India, a LZCS test setup was installed at the Reactor Control Division of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Trombay, for design validation and integrated testing with RRS algorithms. DAE considers this test set-up to have contributed significantly to cost savings in the construction of Tarapur 3&4, by reducing overall commissioning time.

DAE sets great store by the use of simulators for development and training. A case in point is using real-time dynamic simulators for the fuel handling system. From Tarapur 3 onwards this is software-driven with minimal use of hardware, so a premium has been placed on debugging the control software by using PC-based dynamic simulators developed specifically for the purpose that use software models for fuelling machine components. Such custom simulators have also been developed and deployed by DAE for FHS-related training purposes as well.

Beginning with Tarapur 3&4, the coolant channel temperature monitoring system (CCTMS) in IPHWR designs has incorporated a new function in the form of automatic reactor set-back (reduction of reactor power output). The CCTMS receives inputs from resistance temperature detectors mounted on each of the 392 channel outlets connected to two identical and independent computer systems. In line with the philosophy of integrating plant wide data at a single location, the CCTMS sends the data to the reactor parameter display system, which acts as one of the gateways to COIS. The CCTMS has additional features, such as checking irrational low limit, dynamic
alarm generation, online setback test, switching of failed RTDs between installations and ethernet connectivity.

Standardising electronics
The four 700MWe PHWRs currently under construction in India have essentially the same I&C architecture as Tarapur 3&4, with a measure of increased complexity due to the addition of a regional overpower protection system to the protection system and the interleaving of the primary heat transporters. What is most notable is that various digital boards employed in the computer systems have their controllers and sequencers implemented on field programmeable gated arrays. For example, the fuel handling system in the IPHWR-700, which is designed to perform all the operations in auto mode from the main control room, has its manual and safety logic implemented using FPGAs in order to reduce wiring density. Similarly, on the digital communications side for these reactors,

Ethernet 802.3 MAC protocol has been implemented in a FPGA.

DAE was subject to sanctions regimes in the past, and it has long emphasised the use of FPGAs in its embedded systems, since they can mitigate the effects of obsolescence in an environment where there might be constraints on microprocessor imports. While that might have been the strategic reason for using FPGAs, the fact that they also improve the reliability of a system by reducing component count was very much kept in mind. The advantages of using FPGAs — they are smaller, dissipate less power and are more reliable (with fewer external connections) – along with giving a ‘proprietary’ touch to the instruments developed have all been contributing factors in DAE’s attraction to FPGAs.

DAE has developed a variety of input-output (I/O) boards with on-board intelligence implemented in FPGA. The components used on these boards are low voltage with higher density and low power consumption. They also have extensive diagnostic and self-test features built in.

While the I&C architecture of IPHWR-700s will resemble that of the PHWR-540s, much more futuristic systems can be expected on planned reactors such as the thorium-based 300MWe advanced heavy water reactor (AHWR). AHWR control and monitoring will use fully computer-based operator interfaces, except for safety systems, for which control and monitoring is performed from dedicated hardwired panels. AHWR’s I&C architecture will be based on extensive use of pre-configured programmable controllers and networking. This is expected to lead to greater uniformity in hardware and software, and will ease commissioning and servicing requirements.

In particular, a seven-layered advanced operator interface system (AOIS) has been developed which will acquire complete plant information in real time from computer-based front-end systems and present it to operators throughout the plant in a composite manner. AOIS will collect data from safety, non-safety and safety- related systems, segregating them at the data concentrator and SCADA server levels to improve overall reliability. An integrated test station comprising full-scale prototypes of AHWR I&C systems is currently operational at BARC. It is the latest of DAE’s full-scope simulators meant for testing and validating control algorithms using ‘hardware in loop’ simulations.

Software
Software reliability is key to embedded I&C systems performing safety critical functions. DAE has long been refining its verification & validation methodology, using techniques such as static analysis and assertion-based verification of safety critical software.

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board’s (AERB’s) regulatory framework has evolved alongside with the development of I&C software in India. Domestic standards and guidelines developing safety-critical software have also emerged. AERB’s safety classifications and the process standards (D-25) guide the development of I&C software in India’s nuclear sector. Alongside D-25, IEC60880 standard is also followed throughout the development of I&C software.

Developments in instrumentation
Any control system is only as good as the instrumentation providing feedback. IPHWRs typically have a whole host of instrumentation and actuators deployed including thermocouples, RTDs, pressure gauges and transmitters, flow gauges and transmitters, self-powered neutron detectors, ion chambers, BF3 counters, potentiometers, linear variable differential transformers, rotary variable differential transformers etc.

IPHWR-700s for instance feature 102 vanadium neutron detectors, which are used by the flux mapping system, which informs the zonal flux mapping function of the RRS. FMS periodically acquires neutron flux signals sensed by the in-core neutron detectors, computes the neutron flux profile and average thermal power in each of the fourteen zones and sends the zone power correction factors to the reactor regulating system to compute flux tilts.

The system also delivers information on burn-up and build-up history. To speed up the response time of the vanadium detectors, BARC has developed an on-line DSP-based algorithm which reduces response time from five minutes to 40 milliseconds. This algorithm is coded to an FPGA which is fitted on a ‘piggyback board’ inside the SPND amplifier. (BARC has also developed Inconel 600 SPND as an alternative to cobalt detectors for in-core neutron monitoring.)

In recent years, DAE has developed LOCA-qualified absolute pressure sensors with remotely mounted electronics.
These pressure sensors are located inside the containment, connected to the electronics module outside the containment through a long-screened cable. This arrangement ensures that only the pressure sensors, designed to withstand and operate under a steam water mixture at 180°C temperature, 10 bar pressure and high gamma radiation, and the electronics module will encounter any accidental ambient conditions.

Several 10B lined ionisation chambers with and without gamma compensation have also been developed, with cylindrical and parallel plate electrode geometry. These detectors were developed after extensive studies on the optimisation of neutron and gamma sensitivities, the voltage and current characteristics and the response of the detectors as a function of neutron flux. Alongside the above, gamma-compensated boron-lined ionisation chambers employing the parallel plate electrode geometry with specially designed springs and ceramic spacers have been developed for the first time, for use in future LWRs. These are mechanically rugged and designed for continuous operation up to 300°C with linearity of better than 10% over a flux range of 104 nv (one thermal neutron per square centimetre per second) to 1011 nv. These detectors have been successfully integrated with hanger assemblies and qualified for shock, vibration and LOCA conditions.
India’s digital transition - Nuclear Engineering International
 
Wow... For once I'm impressed that our fascination with everything small, light (lca, luh, alh etc) has found a niche. With established vendors providing reactors of capacity around 1000 to 1600 MWe, the smaller sized reactors from them a distant memory, our reactors are the best choice available. Add to that our mastery of the tech and operations cycle and our reactors are running for decades, none can beat us here.

Does the Nuclear Suppliers Group permit india selling reactors and other tech abroad?
In one of the previous post, it is clearly stated that india can not undertake any nuclear power project in any NSG member country cause it is not a part of NSG. That's why India is participating along with Russia in Bangladesh for creating nuclear power plant.

India will have to make same arrangements in African countries, where Russia will be the main contractor and India will act as a distant partner.
Since India is not a part to it they can neither facilitate nor block such a deal. But they will try to scuttle it by questioning safety and stuff. We do have a lot of experience with us on running reactors. Let's see.
OTOH, if we manage to succeed in securing an export order we will have a newer, formidable point for our admission onto the NSG as a nuclear power. A lot of the members of the NSG don't know a fraction of what we know of running reactors.
I agree with you that since India is not a part of NSG so they can't dictate us but you are forgetting that a deal is done between two countries and if another country is part of NSG that they have to follow guidelines of NSG.
 
India-Argentina Nuclear Cooperation: Fission Molly Project in Mumbai nears completion
With the bilateral trade between India and Argentina doubling for the first time in ten years, the South American nation’s state-owned company INVAP is in the last phase of development of the Fission Molly Project, a molybdenum plant being built in Mumbai. This plant focuses on creating isotopes. Some of the components being used in the Indian power reactors are being manufactured by the same company.

Daniel Chuburu, the outgoing ambassador of Argentina in India told Financial Express Online in a recent interaction, “The state-owned INVAP has designed and built research and radioisotope production reactors worldwide and is eager to continue working side by side with India.”

“Devoted to the design and construction of complex technological systems, the company has more than 40 years of history both in the domestic market and in more than twenty in the international scene. It mainly focuses in the areas of Nuclear, Aerospace, Government & Defense and Industrial and Medical Equipment,” the envoy said.

According to Ambassador Chuburu, “Since both countries have decided to elevate their multi-faceted cooperation to a Strategic Partnership with a focus on key areas like Defence, Pacific Use of Nuclear Energy, Outer Space, Energy & Mining and Agricultural Cooperation, during last year bilateral trade between the two countries reached its historical maximum.”

“Operations between the two countries has totalled $ 3.09 billion, an amount never seen before. This also means that bilateral trade doubled in ten years. For our country, India is the seventh largest partner and there is a shared interest to increase cooperation in the area of technology, especially in the nuclear energy and radar sectors, where Argentina has demonstrated ample experience at the international level,” the outgoing envoy added.

Recently the Indian government had launched an economic stimulus package for the country in the framework of COVID-19. In the Fourth Tranche of the package, called New Horizons of Growth, plans were announced to develop a nuclear research reactor for medical manufacturers, under the modality of public-private partnership (PPP). This is expected to promote the well-being of humanity through accessible treatment for cancer and other diseases in India and neighbouring countries.

How is this important for India and Argentina?
The main objective is to link India’s robust ecosystem of start-ups with the nuclear sector. Technology Development-cum-Incubation Centres will be set up to nurture and encourage collaboration between research facilities and tech-entrepreneurs.

“This would constitute a great opportunity to strengthen the bonds with those countries that have wide experience in the field and share a Strategic Partnership with India,” he added.

India-Argentina Nuclear Cooperation
In 2019, during Argentine President Mauricio Macri’s state visit to Delhi, the two countries agreed to boost cooperation in the nuclear energy sector with the signing of an MoU between India’s Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership and Argentina’s National Atomic Energy Commission.
 
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