4. Qualification of programmed systems. Trends

It would not be premature to speak of feedback, even for a young stage such as N4, given the probationary nature of the commissioning period for control systems. Many commissioning tests are in fact more demanding for programmed systems than operation under real conditions.

All systems revealed teething problems, which were understandable for such a first (new 1,450 MW process, first computerized control system for a nuclear power plant in the world). Our methodology for dealing with anomalies revealed during validation and commissioning enabled us to iron out these faults, making this first installation a success in every respect. The feasibility of a fully computerized control system has now been established, and its benefits for operation have been proven.

Similarly, a number of digital reactor protection systems have been implemented,...