Russian Monitoring System Detects Potential Failures at Nuclear Power Plants in Advance
A diagnostic monitoring system for electrical equipment has entered operation at the Rostov nuclear power plant. Built on Russian-developed software, the system is designed to identify emerging problems at an early stage, before they escalate into failures.
What the Monitoring System Does and Why It Matters
A nuclear power plant relies on hundreds of electric motors and actuators. They open and close valves, pump coolant, and drive auxiliary equipment. Any failure can force a reactor unit shutdown or require urgent and costly repairs.
The IK EPO-M monitoring system tracks how electric current flows through these motors. Under normal operating conditions, the current follows a stable, predictable pattern. When a malfunction begins to develop, both the shape and magnitude of the current change. The system detects these deviations earlier than they become visible to operators or result in an equipment failure.
A key feature of the solution is that all operations related to current data – measurement, processing, and analysis – are handled by a single integrated system. Previously, engineers relied on several separate instruments and software tools, transferring data manually between stages, which increased the risk of errors. With the new approach, data is collected and analyzed in a unified workflow, significantly reducing the likelihood of mistakes.
Equipment Diagnostics as a Safety Imperative
Every component at a nuclear power plant operates under demanding conditions. Temperatures are high, mechanical loads are substantial, and motors and actuators are subject to repeated start-stop cycles. Despite this, equipment must remain reliable for years.
A failure of a single component can disrupt the operation of the entire plant. For example, a malfunction in a cooling circuit pump motor could create a potentially dangerous situation. This is why engineers must be alerted to developing issues as early as possible.
The monitoring system signals early signs of degradation, giving specialists time to plan maintenance in advance rather than respond to emergencies. This approach improves overall plant reliability and strengthens safety margins.
Developer and Deployment Background
The system was developed by the Volgodonsk Engineering and Physics Institute, which is part of the National Research Nuclear University. The institute is located in Volgodonsk, the same city that hosts the Rostov nuclear power plant.
The university trains specialists for the Rostov plant and other facilities in Russia’s nuclear sector. Its researchers have a clear understanding of the real-world challenges faced by engineers and operators, allowing the system to be designed specifically around practical operational needs.
Domestic Software and Independence From Imports
The IK EPO-M system runs on Russian-developed software and a domestic operating system. For critical infrastructure, this is a significant factor. If a foreign software vendor were to withdraw support or impose restrictions, a plant could be left with an inoperable system. Any required modifications would also depend on approval from an external supplier.
Domestic solutions avoid these risks. Russian engineers can introduce changes directly, respond quickly to issues, and adapt the system to new operational tasks.
In recent years, Russia’s nuclear industry has been actively transitioning to domestic software platforms. The IK EPO-M system is part of this broader shift and represents another step toward greater digital and technological sovereignty.
