Development of Digital Twins of PWR Steam Generators: Description of Two Maintenance-Oriented Use Cases

Abstract

Physical modelling computation, virtual reality, instrumentation and data analysis have shown great progress in the past years. Thus, the integration of all these disciplines in one unique tool seems now achievable. Within this frame, this communication aims at discussing the extension of the Digital Twin concept to the PWR Steam Generators. Operating steam generators communicate some information on their health status during inspection outages, and some other during operation. As, generally speaking, a SG fully satisfies its role of safely produce steam, the goal of an in-service DT is to optimize both the maintenance and the operation, namely: provide the best preparation for next outages, avoid SG-caused unscheduled outages and obtain the best performances. Some general features are outlined with respect to the different roles of Digital Twins both in design and operation. Then the vision of the R&D Division of EDF Company is given for the developed Steam Generators Digital Twin. Two use cases are presented focusing on maintenance. The first one is about chemical cleaning schedule including how the Digital Twin contributes to the prediction of shell side deposit, and the second one is about periodic hydraulic test preparedness, including how the digital twin contributes to the prediction of crack sizes.