Abstract
This paper presents an engineering insight of the data communication systems (DCSs) in the Lungmen Nuclear Power Plant Project (LMNPP), in which multiplexing network techniques and software application are used extensively for plant protection, control and monitoring. The failure modes and effects resulting from using fiber optical cables for data transmission present potential safety concerns. Issues on coordination and interfaces among the various designers and manufacturers of the I&C systems are evaluated. Furthermore, the network real-time performance, including data flow response time, network data link volume and loading analysis in normal operation, transient, emergency conditions are studied. The results with specific recommendations and precaution measures are identified. ©2005 IEEE.