A Method for Incorporating Thermal Performance Characterization Tools With Real-Time and Historic Plant Data 

Author: Michael L. Morgan, Jr. 

This paper establishes a method for integrating real-time and historic plant data into thermal performance characterization tools. Many nuclear plants utilize data collection software that integrates with off the shelf spreadsheet programs. It is shown here that standard heat balance and condenser performance models can be constructed within the spreadsheet programs to utilize plant data in an effort to develop a strong understanding of overall Balance of Plant (BOP) performance. This method also allows the user to create operational scenarios to predict performance and to illustrate the potential for gain in electrical generation.