GARDEL

Licensing-Grade Neutronics

GARDEL manages data flow from the plant computer and automatically activates neutronic calculations based on changing reactor conditions. As core conditions change, CMSOps runs the same standard CASMO and SIMULATE methods used throughout the world for core analysis to produce a fine-grained cycle history, accessible to users throughout the plant.

GARDEL continuously compares calculated-to-measured values for core thermal quantities and in-core detector readings, using automatic signal-to-power conversion. These checks provide instant validation of the core model fidelity and provide confidence in the predictive capabilities of the GARDEL system.

The robust methods and self-updating core model result in much higher accuracy than traditional point or one-dimensional models traditionally used for core monitoring and operational support. At any point in the operating cycle, engineers can analyze past operations or make predictive calculations using the real core history, so that the core can be maneuvered with confidence.

Since the GARDEL model always reflects the actual plant operational history, GARDEL can help address emerging issues - such as those identified by SOER 07-01 and INPO’s Zero-Ten PCI initiative.

Built-In Engineering Functions

GARDEL has an easy-to-use graphical interface allowing core support engineers to easily perform accurate, licensing-grade neutronic calculations for improved reactivity management and other important operational support functions.

Periodic and on-event trigger logic initiates 3D calculations to continuously update and present important local and global thermal margin parameters.

GARDEL also contains built-in automatic reporting functions for core follow reports, isotopic data reports, current plant status protocols, etc.

The high degree of automation in the built-in support calculation functions prevent potential user input errors when performing several common reactivity management calculations, including the following:

Automated PWR Functions

Axial Shape Guidance

Projects power and control rod bank position to maintain ASI or AFD and meet boron requirements.

Estimated Critical Condition

Establishes criticality following scram, searching on boron at fixed control rod bank position or searching on control rod bank position at fixed boron.

Reanalysis of Past Operational Events

Allows the user to recalculate past operating event and analyze data down to the pin level.

User-Specified Predictions

Allows the user to create projections of future operations for planning and guidance.

Automated BWR Functions

Shutdown Margin

Determines high worth rod and assesses shutdown margin.

Critical Control Rod Pattern

Searches within a defined sequence to find the critical control rod pattern.

High Notch Worth

Moves through control rod sequences to find high notch worth patterns.

Cold Criticals

Evaluates in-sequence or local criticals using Studsvik’s exclusive temperature dependence and period correction capabilities.

Reanalysis of Past Operational Events

Allows the user to recalculate past operating event and analyze data down to the pin level.

User-Specified Predictions

Allows the user to create projections of future operations for planning and guidance.

Training Simulator Support

The data automatically collected by GARDEL can be exported to an S3R training simulator core model, providing a cycle-specific core model that reflects the actual operating history of the plant.

This automated data collection and cycle-specific core model ensure conformance to training simulator performance objectives, standards, and regulations - including those expressed in 10CFR55.46, SOER 96-02, and the ANSI 3.5 Standard.

Next-Generation Core Monitoring

GARDEL can be deployed throughout your entire organization, allowing view-only displays for operators in the control room, while providing engineers with advanced operational planning functionality.

Administrative controls in GARDEL ensure secure data collection and archival. Only administratively authorized users may access data and automated calculation tools.

Featuring an easy-to-use graphical interface that allows reactor engineers to easily perform accurate, reliable planning calculations, GARDEL offers enhanced reactivity management functions and can support site-wide operations.

Completely independent of fuel vendor, core vendor, and computing hardware, GARDEL can support any existing PWR or BWR and provides the flexibility to change fuel providers without sacrificing accuracy or having to learn new software.

GARDEL hardware is configured by Studsvik to provide performance and high availability through the use of redundant data storage, redundant power systems, and redundant high-speed networking