Yangjiang NPP’s indigenous RGL system passes FAT

The sophisticated equipment of the rod position indicating and control system (RGL), independently developed by the CGN Research Institute, has successfully passed the factory assembly/acceptance test (FAT) and will be used for Unit 5 of the Yangjiang Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

Experts and representatives from China Nuclear Power Engineering Co Ltd, CGN Research Institute, and various nuclear power bases took part in this test, inspecting its performance and quality strictly according to relevant standards and requirements.  

All examiners agreed to give a “pass” rating to CGN’s indigenous RGL system as it not only met international standards but also made improvements for operability and maintainability, especially facilitating maintenance personnel to work on the system. 

It symbolizes that CGN is capable of independently designing and manufacturing a gigawatt-level RGL system, which will lay a solid base for future equipment supply.

The RGL system, also known as the reactor rod control system, is used to withdraw, hold, or insert the rod cluster control assembly (RCCA) through supplying the sequence current for the control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) to perform the startup, shutdown, or power operations for the reactor.

The long-term monopoly by foreign counterparts has meant imported equipment costs a large sum of money and further restricts the progress of China’s NPP construction.

Meanwhile, due to its deficit in core technology, corresponding technical services and supply of spare parts has also been the exclusive realm of foreign companies, which jacks up the cost of NPP’s operation and maintenance. 

The approval given to CGN’s indigenous system will improve the localization of the gigawatt-level NPP, shorten its construction cycle, and provide technical support for its operation and maintenance.

Furthermore, this acceptance will boost the development of supporting industries, and prompt China to play an active role in the global economy.

Once the RGL system is able to be made in China, it will bring in billions of output value in the medium and long term.