Design and development of a real-time monitoring system for TMSR molten salt pumps

BackgroundThe molten salt pump (MSP) is a crucial component in thorium-based molten salt reactor (TMSR) loop systems, driving the circulation of molten salt in the primary loop. The safety and economy of reactor operation relies on the safety and reliability of MSP operation. State monitoring of MSP is an effective method for ensuring the safe operation of the system.PurposeThis study aims to design and develop a real-time monitoring system for timely detection of abnormalities in MSP and system operation, providing a basis for condition-based maintenance, the state monitoring and abnormal signal localization of a MSP system.MethodsBased on the Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) and Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM), a desktop application for the real-time monitoring system of MSP was developed. The system comprised various modules, including monitoring model management, real-time monitoring and alarm, abnormal signal localization, and log query. Based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and contribution analysis, a method for state monitoring and anomaly signal localization was implemented.ResultsThe relevant operating parameters of MSP are centrally monitored by this proposed system, and the current operating status of the equipment is displayed in real time. Signal parameters that may cause abnormalities can be quickly identified after an abnormality occurs.ConclusionsThe monitoring system of this study provides necessary information to operators and is thus helpful for operators in making operational decisions. Compared with traditional distributed control system (DCS) threshold alarms, the timeliness and effectiveness of monitoring are improved. This study lays the foundation for the implementation of intelligent operational support applications.