| | November 20229 The ideal DCS will easily interface with current legacy systems and have a rejuvenating effect on them, adding new capabilities and efficiencies as if those systems were also upgraded. With the installed systems' newly expanded capabilities and enhanced human-machine interface, the updated software will simplify engineering and enrich the user experience, while providing new data that will safely drive measurable operational improvements.Using virtualization to mitigate hardware and software compatibility challengesWhen seeking to maximize the return on existing plant assets, server virtualization is worthy of consideration. In server virtualization, advanced software, replicates the operation of a physical CPU, hard drive, and network controller, creating a virtual machine/computer. Like its physical counterpart, each virtual machine runs its own operating system and applications. This helps to avoid challenges that may arise in the event new hardware is incompatible with a plant's older software.With this approach, multiple operating systems run simultaneously on a single physical device. Server virtualization also supports automatic replication with virtual machine backups created and synchronized to a backup host automatically. This means active virtual machines can be moved from one host to another without disruption. In addition, loads can be shifted dynamically--workloads, entire virtual machines, and virtualized storage resources can be automatically and instantly relocated to safe areas of the network if problems arise. Virtual systems can also be monitored and maintained from a single, secure location, anywhere in the plant. Virtualization makes it easier to focus expert attention on emerging plant issues. They can be located and resolved more easily, using an offline shadow system that mirrors the live production system. And, in the project execution phases, engineers located anywhere in the world can collaborate on optimizing performance and maintenance of the systems. Workstation and server hardware can be replaced independently without affecting the software hosted by the virtual machine. From a cost and space savings perspective, the amount of servers and workstations can be drastically reduced by consolidating multiple applications into single virtual machines.The ability to host multiple virtual machines on a single control processor can significantly reduce the risk associated with project delivery cycles. Virtualization decouples system hardware from system design, and from the geographic locations of engineering experts, making last-minute changes easier to implement. Virtualization technology also means software and operating systems need not be tied to specific hardware. As a result, the burden on the team declines as the system evolves. Maintenance and troubleshooting can also be more quickly addressed by system experts within the virtual environment.Supporting workforce recruitment and alignment effortsRecent graduates are entering the nuclear workforce in increasing numbers, armed with the theoretical and practical know-how to manage new technologies that harness the massive amounts of data digital I&C systems can provide. In fact, many new engineers and technicians expect to be working on the latest platforms they've been using at universities and technical schools. Many advanced reactors boast these modern systems and control rooms and, as a result, utilities planning to operate these technologies will likely be able to attract the best and brightest candidates. Upgrading legacy I&C systems to an innovative DCS will not only enhance plant safety and operations, but it also allows operators to take full advantage of the sophisticated skills the next generation offers. These young professionals are also key to unlocking the not-yet-completely-realized benefits of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Upgrading in today's competitive marketplaceWith today's increasing energy marketplace competitiveness, extracting additional value from existing control systems is crucial to helping plants do more than just keep up--it's vital to remaining competitive. Historically, the DCS has been limited to controlling the efficiency and safety of non-safety-related nuclear power plant control systems, such as feed water and balance of plant control, without being able to measure and control other critical operating variables in real time, especially profitability. Newer systems increase the value process controllers can generate, primarily by making the real-time profitability of the operation more visible. They allow the next-generation workforce to evaluate the real-time performance of plant operations directly at the equipment level and empower them to more easily identify the impact their actions and decisions have on the maintenance of the operations they control. By providing far more visibility into the performance and health of every plant asset, the system allows the team to understand the impact their maintenance has on the long-term operations, and business leaders to understand the impact their decisions have on the future of the plant in real time. With advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning, exponential growth potential can be unleashed through modernization of plant I&C systems
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