Back-fitting a fully computerized alarm system into an operating Westinghouse PWR: a progress report

Westinghouse and the utility Nordostschweizerische Kraftwerke AG (NOK) of Baden, Switzerland, are currently engaged in back-fitting a fully computerized control room alarm system into each of the two Beznau units. These units are two-loop, 350 MWe PWRs. The new alarm system is part of a utility program to replace the original plant computer system with a facility-wide, distributed computer network. Based upon interviews and ongoing reviews with plant operators and operations personnel, the alarm system is being tailored to meet the needs of the Beznau control room.<>