Kalinin Nuclear Plant Upgrades “Brain” of Its Third Power Unit
Engineers replaced critical equipment, including the plant’s digital memory and shared display screens
Engineers have completed a major upgrade of the automated process control system at the third power unit of Kalinin Nuclear Power Plant. The modernization focused on the upper-level block systems SVBU (Systems of the Upper Block Level) – the station’s operational “brain.” These systems visualize data, transmit commands and store key technological parameters. The information was provided to IT Russia by the press service of Rosatom.
Integrating Platforms From Different Generations
Engineers replaced several critical components, including parameter recording systems – effectively the plant’s “digital memory” – as well as shared monitoring screens used by control room teams. The main task was to configure software code so that the new digital modules could interact seamlessly with existing subsystems.
The team successfully integrated platforms from different technological generations and replaced the equipment without slowing operational processes.
Engineers also replaced gateway hardware and updated the software used for vibration monitoring and diagnostics of the main circulation pump. This upgrade improved the precision of monitoring key mechanisms.
Continuity and Expertise
Commissioning the new equipment on the power unit took about a month and a half. The unit reached nominal power a week ahead of schedule. According to Rosatom, this was made possible by technological continuity and the deep expertise of the development team, many of whom helped create the first version of the SVBU system more than 20 years ago.
Earlier, engineers upgraded a reconnaissance robot used at Kola Nuclear Power Plant.
