Development of Integrated GHARR‐1 MNSR Monitoring and Control Auxiliary Systems Automation Using WinCC and Industrial Process Modeling Tools

Miniature neutron source reactors (MNSRs) such as the Ghana Research Reactor‐1 (GHARR‐1) were designed in the 1980s and lack the modern automation and continuous monitoring capabilities now required in nuclear safety engineering. Post‐Fukushima safety reforms and IAEA INSARR assessments highlighted a major deficiency across MNSRs: the absence of offline monitoring and the lack of an integrated control platform for auxiliary systems. At GHARR‐1, shutdown procedures disable all monitoring functions, limiting diagnostic capability and creating a safety gap during nonoperational periods. This study addresses these challenges by developing an independent and integrated monitoring and control system for GHARR‐1 auxiliary units. Using industrial process‐modeling techniques, programmable logic controller (PLC)‐based automation, LOGO!Soft Comfort, and a Siemens WinCC SCADA interface, the study models auxiliary subsystems, implements real‐time data acquisition, and integrates alarms, trend analysis, and controlled user access into a unified HMI. Functional block programming and structured I/O design ensure robust communication between PLC logic and HMI visualization. Validations demonstrated a strong correlation with the reference GHARR‐1 data. The resulting system provides continuous online and offline monitoring of temperature, control rod position, coolant chemistry, radiation levels, water levels, auxiliary pumps, and access control. It resolves the IAEA‐identified offline‐monitoring limitation, enhances situational awareness, supports predictive diagnostics, and aligns GHARR‐1 with modern instrumentation and control standards. Its modular design also offers a scalable template for upgrading similar research reactor facilities.