Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has developed a digital twin of the Korean Man-Machine Interface System (MMIS) for the APR1400 Advanced Power Reactor following four years of research. A digital twin is a convergence technology that creates a twin of a real object in virtual space and synchronises real-world data to solve problems. The MMIS digital twin implements the safety and non-safety system controllers of NPPs identical to actual equipment through full virtualisation, which is more advanced than existing object-based twins.
KHNP said, using this newly developed technology, it is possible to perform simulation of all processes from power plant construction to operation. In the construction phase, design verification can be performed, and in the operation phase, it can assist in performing root cause analysis when events such as failures occur. Using the MMIS digital twin, various scenarios possible in a power plant can be simulated to test various control systems. Problem-solving ability and maintenance efficiency can be improved through smart engineering functions, real-time monitoring of controllers, and data analysis functions.
This Korean MMIS digital twin technology is expected to greatly contribute to the reliability and safety of nuclear power generation. KHNP has completed construction of its Innovative MMIS Centre (IMC) at its Central Research Institute in Daejeon. The centre is equipped with MMIS digital twin virtualisation facilities. It is expected to be the basis for the MMIS digital twin simulator included in the Czech NPP construction project, for which KHNP has been selected as the preferred bidder.
KHNP Research Institute Director Ho-cheol Shin said: “Our Korean MMIS digital twin for APR1400 will further enhance the safety of nuclear power plants, and it is expected to also further increase our export competitiveness.”
Four APR1400 units are operating in South Korea – Saeul 1&2 (formerly Shin Kori 3&4) and Shin Hanul 1&2. Two APR1400s are under construction at Saeul (units 3&4) and construction permits were granted in September for APR1400 units at Shin Hanul 3&4. In addition, four APR1400 units are operating at the Barakah NPP in the UAE. KHNP is the preferred bidder for up to four units in the Czech Republic at the Dukovany and Temelin NPPs.
Researched and written by Judith Perera
