Application of Neural Networks for Sensor Validation and Plant Monitoring

Sensor and process monitoring in power plants requires the estimation of one or more process variables. Neural network paradigms are suitable for establishing general nonlinear relationships among a set of plant variables. Multiple-input/multiple-output autoassociative networks can follow changes in plantwide behavior. The backpropagation (BPN) algorithm has been applied for training multilayer feedforward networks. A new and enhanced BPN algorithm for training neural networks has been developed and implemented in a VAX workstation. Operational data from the Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II) have been used to study the performance of the BPN algorithm. Several results of application to the EBRII are presented.