Cable Aging and Detection
Goal
Electrical cables deliver power, transmit sensor signals and enable control of critical components throughout the nuclear reactor plant. Cable performance must be assured for safety-critical systems. As plants age beyond their original design life, cable monitoring and an effective cable management program are increasingly important to assure continued safe plant operation. This research area aims to support industry efforts to improve cable programs based on informed and directed research.
Outcome
Research to predict, measure and mitigate cable aging will support subsequent license renewal, increase reliability, and reduce operating and maintenance costs in long-term operation through advanced cable aging management.
Planned Major Accomplishments
- Develop a predictive understanding of cable system component degradation behavior under extended service conditions that enables more focused inspections, more optimized material replacement decisions, and better-informed regulations.
- Construct models of cable system aging that predict performance with aging and facilitate cable health interpretation using non-destructive test data from in-service cables.
- Evolve cable condition monitoring tools and develop in-situ mitigation strategies for optimized and cost-effective cable aging management.
