Over the past several years Palo Verde Generating Station (PVGS) has experienced obsolescence, equipment reliability, and operational impacts due to aging analog non-safety control systems. The Strategic Modernization Program (SMP) was initiated to drive replacement and digitization of these antiquated control systems over several individual project phases. The Ovation™ Distributed Control System (DCS) was selected as the common platform for all phases, allowing for greater accessibility, standardization, and efficiency throughout the life cycle of the program.
The second phase of SMP spearheaded the replacement of both the Control Element Drive Mechanism Control System (CEDMCS) and the Rod Drive Power Supply (RDPS). These systems were upgraded to the Westinghouse Advanced Rod Control Hybrid (ARCH) and Next Generation Rod Drive Power Supply. The replacement of the original Combustion Engineering rod control design was prioritized in Phase II due to an increasing number of consequential plant events including dropped rods and reactor trips.