Contract from Romania’s Nuclearelectrica SA (SNN) to replace the Cernavoda Unit 1 digital control computer (DCC)
– By Abby Gessner –
L-3 MAPPS has been awarded a contract from Romania’s Nuclearelectrica SA (SNN) to replace 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 up and running 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 & sales, L-3 MAPPS Power Systems and Simulation.
Using SSCI-890 technology, L-3's DCC CPUs will replace three SSCI-125 computer systems at Cernavoda that are currently in use. Prior to the replacement of Unit 1 CPU, 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, operating the only nuclear power plant in Romania. The electricity annually generated by the Cernavoda Units 1 and 2 represents approximately 18 percent 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 & Power Systems group, has over 25 years of experience in revolutionizing technological advances in the marine automation field and over 35 years of experience in delivering high-fidelity power plant simulation to leading utilities worldwide. Additionally, the company has more than three decades of expertise in supplying plant computer systems for Canadian heavy water reactors. L-3 MAPPS provides targeted controls and simulation solutions to the space sector as well.
To learn more about L-3 MAPPS, please visit the company’s Web site at www.L-3com.com/MAPPS.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs over 64,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in aircraft maintenance and modernization, C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and government services. L-3 is leading provider of high technology products, subsystems and systems as well. The company reported 2008 sales of $14.9 billion.
To learn more about L-3, please visit the company’s Web site at www.L-3com.com.