Framatome is to upgrade a component of the instrumentation and control at Exelon’s Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant (Credit: Framatome)Framatome has recently signed a contract to upgrade a component of the instrumentation and control (I&C) system for the two units of Exelon’s Calvert Cliffs nuclear power plant in the USA.

The new component, Framatome’s latest digital control element drive control system (DCEDCS), provides simplified maintenance, streamlined system configuration and overall operational reliability.

“Through our work with Exelon at Calvert Cliffs, our team is supporting the continued operation of a plant that provides more than 80% of Maryland’s carbon-free electricity,” said Frédéric Lelièvre, senior executive vice president of Sales, Regional Platforms and the I&C Business Unit at Framatome. “Our digital control element drive control system allows customers to benefit from the latest technology as they efficiently and reliably manage key plant systems.”

Framatome will provide design, fabrication, assembly, documentation, installation and testing for the new DCEDCS at Calvert Cliffs 1&2. The upgrade also includes cybersecurity solutions from Framatome subsidiary FoxGuard Solutions and training simulator upgrades from Framatome subsidiary CORYS.

The DCEDCS, a component of the plant’s overall I&C system, powers the control rod drive mechanisms insert and remove these rods from the reactor those mechanisms. It runs on the Triconex triple modular redundant control platform, providing maximum availability.

The Calvert Cliffs NPP has two pressurised water reactors with a total installed capacity of nearly 1800MWe.


Photo: Framatome is to upgrade a component of the instrumentation and control at Exelon’s Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant (Credit: Framatome)