Economy analysis model of Life Cycle Management for SSCs at nuclear power plants

In order to ensure that the reliability and safety of nuclear power plants remain within acceptable limits and to achieve a cost-effective investment, based on the economic analysis method, an economic analysis model of Life Cycle Management (LCM) for the Systems, Structures and Components (SSCs) at nuclear power plants is established. A main transformer of a nuclear power plant in operation is made as an example, the 60-year LCM alternatives for the main transformer are given. According to the proposed model and various economic data input, the preventive maintenance costs, corrective maintenance costs, loss production costs, net present value of total benefit and total investment of all LCM alternatives are output, and ultimately the net present value index is calculated to determine the advantages and disadvantages of various alternatives and identify the best alternative. The results provide a basis for decision making for the major equipments LCM and life extension plans in nuclear power plants.