ML020390003

Issuance of Amendment - Revises the Actions Taken for an Inoperable Battery Charger, and Revises the Battery Charger Testing Criteria

ML020390003
Person / Time
Site:	Clinton
Issue date:	02/15/2002
From:	Hopkins J NRC/NRR/DLPM/LPD3
To:	Kingsley O Exelon Generation Co, Exelon Nuclear
Hopkins J , NRR/DLPM, 301-415-3027
References
TAC MB3071
Download: ML020390003 (16)

Text

February 15, 2002 Mr. Oliver D. Kingsley, President and Chief Nuclear Officer Exelon Nuclear Exelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, Illinois 60555

SUBJECT:

CLINTON POWER STATION, UNIT 1 - ISSUANCE OF AMENDMENT (TAC NO. MB3071)

Dear Mr. Kingsley:

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Commission) has issued the enclosed Amendment No. 142 to Facility Operating License No. NPF-62 for the Clinton Power Station, Unit 1. The amendment is in response to the application from AmerGen Energy Company, LLC, dated August 21, 2001, as supplemented January 11, 2002.

The amendment revises the actions taken for an inoperable battery charger, revises the battery charger testing criteria, and relocates certain safety-related battery surveillance requirements from the Technical Specifications to a licensee-controlled program.

A copy of the Safety Evaluation is also enclosed. The Notice of Issuance will be included in the Commission's next biweekly Federal Register notice.

Sincerely,

/RA/

Jon B. Hopkins, Senior Project Manager, Section 2 Project Directorate III Division of Licensing Project Management Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket No. 50-461

Enclosures:

1. Amendment No. 142 to NPF-62

2. Safety Evaluation cc w/encls: See next page

February 15, 2002 Mr. Oliver D. Kingsley, President and Chief Nuclear Officer Exelon Nuclear Exelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, Illinois 60555

SUBJECT:

CLINTON POWER STATION, UNIT 1 - ISSUANCE OF AMENDMENT (TAC NO. MB3071)

Dear Mr. Kingsley:

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Commission) has issued the enclosed Amendment No. 142 to Facility Operating License No. NPF-62 for the Clinton Power Station, Unit 1. The amendment is in response to the application from AmerGen Energy Company, LLC, dated August 21, 2001, as supplemented January 11, 2002.

The amendment revises the actions taken for an inoperable battery charger, revises the battery charger testing criteria, and relocates certain safety-related battery surveillance requirements from the Technical Specifications to a licensee-controlled program.

A copy of the Safety Evaluation is also enclosed. The Notice of Issuance will be included in the Commission's next biweekly Federal Register notice.

Sincerely,

/RA/

Jon B. Hopkins, Senior Project Manager, Section 2 Project Directorate III Division of Licensing Project Management Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket No. 50-461 DISTRIBUTION:

PUBLIC

Enclosures:

1. Amendment No.142 to NPF-62 PD 3-2 r/f

2. Safety Evaluation A. Mendiola J. Hopkins cc w/enclosures: See next page ACRS OGC G. Hill (2)

W. Beckner G. Grant, RIII Tech Spec Pages: ML020520181 Package: ML020570158 ADAMS Accession Number: ML020390003 OFFICE PM:LPD3-2 LA:LPD3-2 OGC SC:LPD3-2 NAME JHopkins THarris RWeisman AMendiola DATE 02/ 11 /02 02/11/02 02/15 /02 02/ 15/02 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY

Oliver D. Kingsley Clinton Power Station, Unit 1 AmerGen Energy Company, LLC cc:

John Skolds Chief Operating Officer Exelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, Illinois 60555 William Bohlke Senior Vice President Nuclear Services Exelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, Illinois 60555 John Cotton Senior Vice President - Operations Support Exelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, Illinois 60555 Christopher Crane Senior Vice President - Mid-West Regional Operating Group Exelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, Illinois 60555 Jeffrey Benjamin Vice President - Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Exelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, Illinois 60555 Robert J. Hovey Operations Vice President Mid-West Regional Operating Group Exelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, Illinois 60555 K. A. Ainger Director-Licensing Mid-West Regional Operating Group Exelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, Illinois 60555 Robert Helfrich Senior Counsel, Nuclear Mid-West Regional Operating Group Exelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, Illinois 60555 Document Control Desk-Licensing Exelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, Illinois 60555 Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety Office of Nuclear Facility Safety 1035 Outer Park Drive Springfield, IL 62704 J. M. Heffley Vice President Clinton Power Station RR 3, Box 228 Clinton, IL 61727-9351 M. J. Pacilio Plant Manager Clinton Power Station RR 3, Box 228 Clinton, IL 61727-9351 W. S. Iliff Regulatory Assurance Manager (Acting)

Clinton Power Station RR 3, Box 228 Clinton, IL 61727-9351

Oliver D. Kingsley cc:

Resident Inspector U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission RR#3, Box 229A Clinton, IL 61727 R. T. Hill Licensing Services Manager General Electric Company 175 Curtner Avenue, M/C 481 San Jose, CA 95125 Regional Administrator, Region III U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 801 Warrenville Road Lisle, IL 60532-4351 Chairman of DeWitt County c/o County Clerks Office DeWitt County Courthouse Clinton, IL 61727 J. W. Blattner Project Manager Sargent & Lundy Engineers 55 East Monroe Street Chicago, IL 60603 Clinton Power Station, Unit 1 AmerGen Energy Company, LLC

AMERGEN ENERGY COMPANY, LLC DOCKET NO. 50-461 CLINTON POWER STATION, UNIT 1 AMENDMENT TO FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE Amendment No. 142 License No. NPF-62 1.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) has found that:

A.

The application for amendment by AmerGen Energy Company, LLC (the licensee), dated August 21, 2001, as supplemented January 11, 2002, complies with the standards and requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), and the Commission's rules and regulations set forth in 10 CFR Chapter I; B.

The facility will operate in conformity with the application, the provisions of the Act, and the rules and regulations of the Commission; C.

There is reasonable assurance (i) that the activities authorized by this amendment can be conducted without endangering the health and safety of the public, and (ii) that such activities will be conducted in compliance with the Commission's regulations; D.

The issuance of this amendment will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public; and E.

The issuance of this amendment is in accordance with 10 CFR Part 51 of the Commission's regulations and all applicable requirements have been satisfied.

2.

Accordingly, the license is amended to approve the relocation of certain Technical Specification requirements to the Updated Safety Analysis Report (USAR), as described in the licensees application dated August 21, 2001, evaluated in the staffs Safety Evaluation attached to this amendment. This relocation shall be reflected in the next update of the USAR submitted to the NRC pursuant to 10 CFR 50.71 (e). The license is also hereby amended by changes to the Technical Specifications as indicated in the attachment to this license amendment, and paragraph 2.C.(2) of Facility Operating License No. NPF-62 is hereby amended to read as follows:

(2)

Technical Specifications and Environmental Protection Plan The Technical Specifications contained in Appendix A and the Environmental Protection Plan contained in Appendix B, as revised through Amendment No.

are hereby incorporated into this license. AmerGen Energy Company, LLC shall operate the facility in accordance with the Technical Specifications and the Environmental Protection Plan.

3.

This license amendment is effective as of its date of issuance and shall be implemented within 30 days of the date of issuance.

FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

/RA/

Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief, Section 2 Project Directorate III Division of Licensing Project Management Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Attachment:

Changes to the Technical Specifications Date of Issuance: February 15, 2002

ATTACHMENT TO LICENSE AMENDMENT NO. 142 FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-62 DOCKET NO. 50-461 Replace the following pages of the Appendix "A" Technical Specifications with the attached revised pages. The revised pages are identified by amendment number and contain marginal lines indicating the areas of change.

Remove Pages Insert Pages 3.8-24 3.8-24 3.8-25 3.8-25 3.8-26 3.8-26 3.8-27 3.8-27 3.8-28 3.8-28 3.8-29 3.8-29 3.8-30 3.8-30 3.8-31 3.8-31 3.8-32 3.8-32 3.8-33 3.8-33 5.0-16b 5.0-16b

SAFETY EVALUATION BY THE OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION RELATED TO AMENDMENT NO. 142 TO FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-62 AMERGEN ENERGY COMPANY, LLC CLINTON POWER STATION, UNIT 1 DOCKET NO. 50-461

1.0 INTRODUCTION

By letter dated August 21, 2001, AmerGen Energy Company, LLC (the licensee), proposed changes to the Technical Specifications (TSs) for Clinton Power Station (CPS). A supplemental letter dated January 11, 2002, was submitted to clarify the number of batteries at CPS.

The proposed changes would revise TSs 3.8.4, DC Sources-Operating, 3.8.5, DC Sources-Shutdown, and 3.8.6, Battery Cell Parameters. The proposed changes are related to the conditions, required actions, completion time and surveillance requirements of the battery chargers, the batteries, and the direct current (DC) electrical power subsystem. The proposed changes would also include relocating the following to a licensee-controlled program: (a) a number of Surveillance Requirements (SRs) that require the performance of preventive maintenance, and (b) TS Table 3.8.6-1, Battery Cell Parameter Requirements. The licensee also proposed to add new actions and their associated completion times to TS 3.8.6 for out-of-limits conditions for battery cell voltage, electrolyte level, and electrolyte temperature. In addition, SRs are proposed for verification of these parameters. The proposed changes are consistent with NUREG-1434 Revision 2, Standard Technical Specifications, General Electric Plants, BWR/6," and TSTF-360, Revision 1, DC Electrical Rewrite.

The letter of January 11, 2002, provided clarification and did not affect the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staffs proposed no significant hazards consideration determination.

2.0 EVALUATION The 125 V dc electrical power system at CPS consists of four independent Class 1E dc electrical power subsystems, Division 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each subsystem consists of a battery, its associated battery charger, associated control equipment, and all interconnecting cabling.

During normal operation, the dc loads are powered from the battery chargers with the batteries floating on the system. In case of the loss of the supply from the charger, the dc loads are automatically supplied from the battery.

The 125 V dc power system provides control power for (a) the Class 1E ac power load group, (b) the 4.16 kV switchgear, (c) the 480V load centers, and (d) other miscellaneous equipment.

Each Division 1, 2, 3, and 4 battery has adequate capacity to carry the loads for 4 hours4.62963e-5 days <br />0.00111 hours <br />6.613757e-6 weeks <br />1.522e-6 months <br />, and is sized to have the required capacity at 80 percent of nameplate rating. The low voltage design limit is 105V.

Each battery charger has ample power output capacity for the steady state operation of connected loads required during normal operation, while at the same time maintaining its battery bank fully charged. Each battery charger has sufficient capacity to restore the battery bank from the design minimum charge to its fully charged state within 12 hours1.388889e-4 days <br />0.00333 hours <br />1.984127e-5 weeks <br />4.566e-6 months <br /> while supplying normal steady state loads.

Battery cell parameters must remain within acceptable limits to ensure availability of the required dc power to shut down the reactor and maintain it in a safe condition after an anticipated operational occurrence or a postulated design-basis accident.

The current TSs limit the restoration time for an inoperable battery charger to the same time required to restore an inoperable battery to service or to restore an inoperable dc distribution subsystem to service. The licensee is planning to use a Class 1E spare (or swing) battery charger that can be connected to supply the Divisions 1, 2, or 4 125 V dc Class 1E motor control centers (MCCs). This swing charger will be used as a means of supplying backup dc power during periods when maintenance is being performed on the normal divisional charger or in conditions that cause the normal charger to be inoperable. This change would allow additional time for maintenance and testing of the normal divisional charger based on the availability of the swing charger. The spare charger and cabling are designed to seismic Category 1 requirements.

Relocation of the preventive maintenance SRs and battery cell parameter requirements to a licensee-controlled program would provide for control of these requirements, assure the battery is maintained at current levels of performance, allow flexibility to monitor and control these limits at values directly related to the ability of the battery to perform its assumed function, and allow the TS to focus on parameter value degradations that approach levels that may impact battery operability.

The staff reviewed and evaluated the proposed changes to the TS as follows:

Change 1 and Change 6 Addition of New Conditions to Limiting Condition for Operation (LCO) 3.8.4 (DC Sources - Operating) and LCO 3.8.5 (DC Sources - Shutdown)

Two new conditions with their associated Required Actions and Completion Times would be added to LCO 3.8.4 and LCO 3.8.5. New condition A addresses the condition where the battery charger for Division 1 or 2 becomes inoperable. Required Action A.1 requires that the battery terminal voltage be restored to greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage within 2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br />. Required action A.2 requires verification that the battery float current be less than or equal to 2 amps once per 12 hours1.388889e-4 days <br />0.00333 hours <br />1.984127e-5 weeks <br />4.566e-6 months <br />. Required Action A.3 limits restoration time for the inoperable battery charger to 7 days.

New condition B addresses the condition where the Division 1 or 2 battery becomes inoperable.

The Required Action is to restore the inoperable battery to operable status within 2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br />.

These changes add specific actions and increased completion times for an inoperable battery charger. The current TSs limit restoration time for an inoperable battery charger to the same time required for restoration of an inoperable battery or a completely de-energized dc distribution subsystem. The current 2-hour restoration time is based on Regulatory Guide 1.93, Availability of Electric Power Sources.

The revised LCO focuses efforts on retaining battery capabilities and retaining the requirement for charger operability. The staff finds this acceptable based on the margin afforded in the design capacity of the battery charger. These changes continue to apply a reasonable restoration time for an inoperable battery charger. The changes will also allow the use of a spare charger that is capable of being connected to Division 1 or 2 dc MCCs in the event of an inoperable charger or in the event of performing online maintenance or testing of a charger.

This spare charger will also have the capability to be connected to the Division 4 dc MCC.

However, the LCO still maintains the original Division 4 TS requirements.

The spare charger is identical to the existing chargers. The output of the spare charger will be capable of being connected to any one of the Class 1E dc buses for Division 1, 2, or 4 using a 400 amp disconnect switch. The connection through this switch will be provided with interlocks such that connection to only one of the Class 1E divisions will be allowed at any time. The design of the spare charger uses fuse protection for breaker coordination and the breakers will be shunt-tripped following a loss-of-coolant-accident for electrical separation between safety and non-safety sources. This will prevent failures in one division from propagating to another.

The spare charger and cabling are designed to seismic category 1 requirements.

The actions associated with an inoperable Division 1 or Division 2 battery charger are: Action A.1 is to restore the battery terminal voltage to greater than or equal to the battery minimum established float voltage within 2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br />. Action A.2 is to verify that the battery float current is less than or equal to 2 amps once per 12 hours1.388889e-4 days <br />0.00333 hours <br />1.984127e-5 weeks <br />4.566e-6 months <br />. The 2 amps requirement indicates that the battery is fully recharged after a discharge due to a malfunction of the associated battery charger. If the battery float current is greater than 2 amps, it is an indication of battery problems. Action A.3 limits the time to 7 days to restore the battery charger to operable condition. The staff concludes that the Required Actions and Completion Times are acceptable, because they represent a reasonable time to return the battery charger to operable status.

LCO 3.8.4 condition B, (Division 1 or Division 2 battery is inoperable) is added. With a battery inoperable, the affected dc bus is powered by the OPERABLE respective charger. Any event that results in a loss of the ac bus feeding the battery charger while the corresponding battery is inoperable will result in a loss of the dc power to that division. The Required Action to restore the battery to OPERABLE status within 2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br /> is a reasonable time period to assess the unit status as a function of the inoperable dc electrical power subsystem. The staff concludes that the proposed change is acceptable, because if the dc subsystem is not restored to OPERABLE status, the unit must be brought to an orderly and safe shutdown condition.

The remaining LCO 3.8.4 changes are editorial to provide clarification through renumbering and the staff concludes that they are acceptable.

Change 2 Removal of Specific Value for the Minimum Established Float Voltage SR 3.8.4.1 states that the battery terminal voltage is greater than or equal to 129 V on float charge is revised to state: Verify battery terminal voltage is greater than or equal to the minimum established float voltage with a frequency of 7 days. This change helps to ensure the effectiveness of the battery charger and the optimum charge on the battery established by the battery manufacturer. Based on the above, the staff concludes that this change is acceptable.

Change 3 Relocation of Preventive Maintenance SRs to Licensee-Controlled Programs The licensees request is to delete the following SRs; (a) SR 3.8.4.2 (verification of visible corrosion or battery connection resistance), (b) SR 3.8.4.3 (verification of physical damage or deterioration of battery cells, cell plates, and racks), (c) SR 3.8.4.4 (removal of visible corrosion and coating from the terminals), and (d) 3.8.4.5 (verification of battery connection resistances).

The failure to meet these current SRs does not necessarily mean that the equipment is not capable of performing its safety function, and the corrective action is generally a routine or preventive maintenance activity. These activities are controlled under the plant maintenance program as discussed in change 11 below. These surveillances are recommended by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 450 - 1995 IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Vented Lead-Acid Batteries for Stationary Applications.

Based on the above, the staff finds the proposed change provides adequate assurance of system operability commensurate with its safety significance, and therefore, is acceptable.

Change 4 Provide Alternate Testing Criteria for Battery Charger Testing Current SR 3.8.4.6 (verification of the battery charger capacity) is renumbered SR 3.8.4.2.

The licensee is proposing an alternate acceptance criterion that would allow an actual inservice demonstration that the battery charger is capable of fully recharging the battery within 12 hours1.388889e-4 days <br />0.00333 hours <br />1.984127e-5 weeks <br />4.566e-6 months <br /> after a battery service test while also supplying the largest combined demands of the various continuous steady-state loads. Plant analysis shows that the capacity of each battery charger is sufficient to accomplish this function. The battery charger capacity test will be complete when the battery is recharged with a float current of less than or equal to 2 amps within 12 hours1.388889e-4 days <br />0.00333 hours <br />1.984127e-5 weeks <br />4.566e-6 months <br />.

The staff reviewed the request and concludes that this option is acceptable, because it accomplishes the objective of the existing test and allows for normal in-place demonstration of the charger capability, thereby minimizing the time when the battery charger would be disconnected from the dc bus.

Change 5 Movement of SR 3.8.4.8 to SR 3.8.6.6 and Addition of the Allowance for a Modified Performance Test SR 3.8.4.8 (verification of battery capacity) would be moved to TS Section 3.8.6.6. This change is considered editorial and is acceptable. However, SR 3.8.4.8 would be modified to include an option to perform a modified performance discharge test with the addition of two frequency conditions. IEEE Standard 450 allows a modified performance test if the battery discharge rate envelopes the duty cycle of the service test. Under such circumstances, the modified performance test can be used in lieu of a service test.

Based on the above, the staff finds the proposed change maintains compliance with requirements governing the design and operation of the dc electrical power system, provides adequate assurance of system operability, and therefore, is acceptable.

Change 7 Delete Reference to Cell in LCO 3.8.6 The title of TS Section 3.8.6 would be revised to Battery Parameters and the LCO would be revised to read, Battery parameters for the Division 1, 2, 3, and 4 batteries shall be within limits. This is an editorial change and is acceptable.

Change 8 Relocation of TS Table 3.8.6-1 and Condition A of LCO 3.8.6 to a Licensee-Controlled Program The licensee requests to relocate TS table 3.8.6-1 and condition A of LCO 3.8.6 to a licensee-controlled program titled Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program. The licensee states that the parameter values will continue to be controlled at their current level, and actions will be implemented in accordance with the plant corrective action program. Table 3.8.6-1 has three categories of limitations for the battery cells: electrolyte level, float voltage, and specific gravity.

Category A defines the normal parameter limit for each designated pilot cell in each battery.

Category B defines the normal parameter limits for each connected cell. The term connected cell excludes any battery cell that may be jumpered out. The limits for electrolyte level and float voltage are the same as those specified for Category A. The specific gravity for each connected cell is greater than or equal to 1.190 with the average of all connected cells greater than or equal to 1.200. The Category A and B limits of table 3.8.6-1 represent fully charged battery parameter values, appropriate monitoring levels, and appropriate preventive maintenance levels. Therefore, these limits do not qualify for the criteria for LCO under 10 CFR 50.36, Technical Specifications, which states that the Limiting conditions for operation are the lowest functional capability or performance levels of equipment required for safe operation of the facility. Rather, Category C defines the lowest functional capability or performance level of each connected cell.

The licensee-controlled program would be based on recommendations of IEEE Standard 450-1995, IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Vented Lead-Acid Batteries for Stationary Applications. The licensee states that the proposed changes will be contained within the new program and will be incorporated into the updated safety analysis report (USAR), either directly or in the Operations Requirements Manual, which is incorporated by reference in the CPS USAR. This will make all changes subject to review under 10 CFR 50.59, Changes, tests, and experiments, to determine if the proposed changes will require prior NRC review and approval, and will require reporting of all changes to the NRC in accordance with 10 CFR 50.71(e), Maintenance of records, making of reports.

Based on the above, the staff finds the proposed change maintains compliance with requirements governing the design and operation of the dc electrical power system, provides adequate assurance of system operability, and therefore, is acceptable.

Change 9 and Change 10 Addition of Specific Actions and Increased Completion Times for Out-Of-Limit Conditions for Batteries and the Associated SRs Five conditions would be added to LCO 3.8.6 and present Condition B would be designated as condition F. The Required Actions are related to parameters that have an impact on the battery and its OPERABILITY. These conditions with their associated Required Actions and Completion Times will provide the necessary actions for a specific abnormal battery condition.

(1) CONDITION A applies to a battery that has one or more battery cells with a float voltage less than 2.07 volts. The battery is considered degraded and the Required Actions are to verify (a) the battery terminal voltage to be greater than or equal to minimum established float voltage (SR 3.8.4.1) and (b) the battery float current is less than or equal to 2 amps (SR 3.8.6.1). The staff concludes that this change is acceptable, because the above actions assure that there is still sufficient capacity in the battery to perform its intended function and the battery is not considered INOPERABLE. Continued operations up to 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> is permitted to allow the restoration of the affected cell (cells) voltage to greater than or equal to 2.07 volts. The staff concludes that the 24-hour restoration time is a reasonable time and is acceptable.

(2) CONDITION B applies to a battery with a float current greater than 2 amps, which indicates that the battery is partially discharged. The Required Action is to verify within two hours that the battery terminal voltage is greater than or equal to minimum established float voltage (SR 3.8.4.1), confirming battery charger operability. If the terminal voltage is found to be less than the minimum established float voltage, it indicates that the battery charger is inoperable or is operating in the current limit mode. If the battery charger is found to be inoperable, LCO 3.8.4 Condition A would be entered. If the battery charger is operating in the current limit mode after 2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br />, that is an indication that the battery has been substantially discharged and likely cannot perform its required design functions.

If the float voltage is found to be satisfactory, but there are one or more battery cells with float voltage less than 2.07 V, the associated OR statement of Condition F is applicable and the battery must be declared inoperable. If the float voltage is satisfactory and there are no cells less than 2.07 V, there is assurance that within 12 hours1.388889e-4 days <br />0.00333 hours <br />1.984127e-5 weeks <br />4.566e-6 months <br /> the battery will be restored to its fully-charged condition from any discharge that might have occurred due to a temporary loss of the battery charger. Based on the above, the staff concludes that proposed Condition B is acceptable.

(3) CONDITION C relates to the level of the electrolyte in a cell (cells) less than a minimum established level. If the level is above the top of the battery plates, but below the minimum limit, the battery still has sufficient capacity and is not considered inoperable. With electrolyte level below the top of the plates, there is a potential for dryout and plate degradation. Required Actions C.1 and C.2 restore the level and ensure that the cause of the loss of electrolyte level is not due to a leak in the battery casing. These actions are only required if the level in the battery is found below the top of the battery plates.

In addition, the Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program described in proposed TS Section 5.5.14 and discussed below under Change 11 would require action, based on IEEE Standard 450-1995, to equalize and test battery cells that have been discovered with an electrolyte level below the minimum established level limit. Based on the above, the staff concludes that proposed Condition C is acceptable.

(4) CONDITION D applies to a battery found with a pilot cell electrolyte temperature less than the minimum established design limit. A low electrolyte temperature limits the current and power available. Because the battery is sized with adequate margin to perform its intended functions as stated in the CPS USAR, the staff finds that the proposed 12 hour1.388889e-4 days <br />0.00333 hours <br />1.984127e-5 weeks <br />4.566e-6 months <br /> completion time is reasonable to restore the battery electrolyte temperature. Therefore, the staff concludes that the proposed change is acceptable.

(5) CONDITION E relates to batteries in redundant divisions with battery parameters not within limits. If this condition exists, there is not sufficient assurance that the battery capacity has not been affected. There is the possibility that the batteries involved will not be able to perform their intended function. CPS has only one battery per division. With two batteries with an out-of-limit parameter, loss of function for multiple systems that depend upon the batteries is possible. Thus, the licensee proposes that battery parameters be restored to within limits on at least one division within 2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br />. Based on its review, the staff concludes that this proposal is reasonable for assuring safety, and is acceptable.

In addition to the above proposed Conditions added to LCO 3.8.6, the licensee proposes the following revisions. Current SR 3.8.6.1, SR 3.8.6.2 and SR 3.8.6.3 are deleted and replaced by the following SRs: SR 3.8.6.1 requires verification that float current for each battery is less than or equal to 2 amps every 7 days. The float current indicates the battery conditions. These current requirements are based on a fully-charged battery. These are consistent with IEEE 450 and manufacturers recommendations, and are acceptable to the staff. SR 3.8.6.2 requires verification that pilot cell voltage for each battery is greater than or equal to 2.07 volts every 31 days. SR 3.8.6.5 requires verification that connected cell voltage for each battery is greater than or equal to 2.07 volts every 92 days. A voltage of 2.07 volts represents the point where battery operability is in question. The surveillance frequency and minimum established design limits for optimal long-term battery performance are based on operational experience, and are acceptable to the staff. SR 3.8.6.3 requires the verification that connected cell electrolyte level for each battery is greater than or equal to minimum established design limits. SR 3.8.6.4 requires the temperature of each battery pilot cell to be greater than or equal to the minimum established design limits every 31 days. The design limits will be provided in TS 5.5.14 Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program. The program is based on IEEE 450-1995, and the staff concludes that this is reasonable to achieve safety and is acceptable. The staff also notes that this is consistent with TSTF-360, Revision 1.

Change 11 Addition of Licensee - Controlled Program for Maintenance and Monitoring of Batteries The licensee is proposing a new program for the maintenance and monitoring of batteries. This program will have elements relocated from the different affected TS. The program will be based on the recommendations of IEEE Standard 450-1995. The program is covered in the TS as follows:

5.5.14 Battery Monitoring and Maintenance Program This program provides for battery restoration and maintenance, based on the recommendations of IEEE Standard 450-1995, IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Vented Lead-Acid Batteries for Stationary Applications, including the following:

a. Actions to restore battery cells with float voltage less than 2.13 V.

and

b. Actions to equalize and test battery cells that had been discovered with electrolyte level below the minimum established design limit.

The parameter values will continue to be controlled at their current level and actions will be implemented in accordance with the plant corrective action program. The changes associated with the new Battery Maintenance and Monitoring Program will ensure that the batteries are maintained in a highly reliable condition.

Based on the above, the staff finds the proposed change maintains compliance with requirements governing the design and operation of the dc electrical power system, provides adequate assurance of system operability, and therefore, is acceptable.

As stated in change 8 above, all proposed items to be relocated will be contained within this new program, which will be included in the CPS USAR, either directly, or in the Operations Requirements Manual, which is incorporated in the USAR by reference. This will make all changes subject to review under 10 CFR 50.59, Changes, tests, and experiments, to determine if the proposed changes will require prior NRC review and approval, and will require reporting of all changes to the NRC in accordance with 10 CFR 50.71(e), Maintenance of records, making of reports. The staff concludes that this provides sufficient management control of the surveillances and is acceptable.

Based on the above, the staff finds that the proposed changes do not affect CPS dc electrical power system compliance with the current licensing requirements. The staff concludes that the licensees request for amendment is acceptable.

3.0 STATE CONSULTATION

In accordance with the Commission's regulations, the Illinois State official was notified of the proposed issuance of the amendment. The State official had no comments.

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION

This amendment changes a requirement with respect to installation or use of a facility component located within the restricted area as defined in 10 CFR Part 20 or changes a surveillance requirement. The NRC staff has determined that the amendment involves no significant increase in the amounts, and no significant change in the types, of any effluents that may be released offsite, and that there is no significant increase in individual or cumulative occupational radiation exposure. The Commission has previously issued a proposed finding that the amendment involves no significant hazards consideration and there has been no public comment on such finding (66 FR 57118). Accordingly, the amendment meets the eligibility criteria for categorical exclusion set forth in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9). Pursuant to 10 CFR 51.22(b),

no environmental impact statement or environmental assessment need be prepared in connection with the issuance of the amendment.

5.0 CONCLUSION

The staff has concluded, based on the considerations discussed above, that: (1) there is reasonable assurance that the health and safety of the public will not be endangered by operation in the proposed manner, (2) such activities will be conducted in compliance with the Commission's regulations, and (3) the issuance of the amendment will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public.

Principal Contributor: S. Saba Date: February 15, 2002