EMC & Wireless Implementation in Nuclear Power Plants

EMC & Wireless Implementation in Nuclear Power Plants

Wireless sensors, communications networks, alarm and monitoring systems are increasingly being deployed in Nuclear Power Stations.

To address the increased potential for interference to critical plant systems, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has issued Revision 4 of EPRI Guide TR-102323, governing the measurement and limits for EMC performance. This guide reflects the latest efforts to harmonize the testing of safety critical systems in nuclear power stations with the current state-of-the-art. In addition, a guidance update is provided to support introduction of wireless equipment into nuclear power plants.  Technology advances demand that wireless connectivity be introduced in a manner to minimize compatibility issues in sensitive plant systems.

The suite of tests has been refined over the years and now is more closely aligned with IEC 61000-4-x test standards.  Updates included clarification of many test methods and using some MIL-STD-461 test methods to supplement the IEC requirements.

The following elements of the new standard will be discussed:

•  EMC equipment qualification tests requirements and methods
  • Test planning
• Installation practices to ensure EMC
  • Facility mapping
• Understanding wireless transmitter approvals
  • Understanding the FCC Grant
  • Measurements and Limits
  • Antenna and field strength

Who Should Attend

Nuclear system design engineers, nuclear power plant I&T personnel, regulatory compliance managers and planners involved with equipment specifications for nuclear environments.

The Presenters

Michael Violette, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Washington Laboratories, Ltd.. Mike has twenty five years of experience in FCC, CE, IC testing and certification. Mike is a professional engineer, and an iNARTE Certified EMC Engineer. He currently is on the Board of Directors of ACIL and RABQSA. He has presented numerous live and webinar events on technical, measurement and regulatory requirements for electronic devices. Mike is a Notified Body for the Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive (RTTED) and EMC Directive.

Steven G. Ferguson is Executive V.P. at Washington Laboratories, Ltd (WLL) and has been working in EMC, Safety, MIL-STD, Nuclear, Energy and related compliance engineering and test for over 35 years at test laboratories and manufacturers. His work includes designing products, developing procedures, performing tests and advising developers on routes and techniques for attaining product compliance.  He has been directly involved with EMC design and compliance evaluation for many systems including several power plants (facilities and equipment qualification), hospitals, presidential aircraft, the Space Shuttle and Hubble Space Telescope.  He presents various courses on EMI/EMC compliance including EMC for Nuclear Power Facilities, Architectural Shielding and a hands-on course MIL-STD-461 testing  at the WLL facility in Maryland and on-site for multiple government and industrial clients.  His work also includes EMC, Environmental and Safety evaluations for commercial, military and medical devices and training of hundreds of personnel on test and evaluation techniques.  He has authored several papers on equipment qualification and evaluation techniques with presentations at many conferences.  He is a member of the TR-102323 Working Group and supported preparation of Revision 4.

Registration is Closed