ML050870548

License Amendments 221 and 216 Diesel Generator Battery Operability

ML050870548
Person / Time
Site:	Catawba
Issue date:	03/29/2005
From:	Sean Peters NRC/NRR/DLPM/LPD2
To:	Jamil D Duke Energy Corp
Peters S, NRR/DLPM, 415-1842
References
TAC MC2618, TAC MC2619
Download: ML050870548 (14)

Text

March 29, 2005 Mr. D. M. Jamil Vice President Catawba Nuclear Station Duke Energy Corporation 4800 Concord Road York, SC 29745

SUBJECT:

CATAWBA NUCLEAR STATION, UNITS 1 AND 2 RE: ISSUANCE OF AMENDMENTS (TAC NOS. MC2618 AND MC2619)

Dear Mr. Jamil:

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued the enclosed Amendment No. 221 to Renewed Facility Operating License NPF-35 and Amendment No. 216 to Renewed Facility Operating License NPF-52 for the Catawba Nuclear Station, Units 1 and 2. The amendments consist of changes to the Technical Specifications (TSs) in response to your application dated April 6, 2004, as supplemented by letter dated August 5, 2004.

The amendments revise the TSs to allow a diesel generator battery to remain operable with no more than one cell less than 1.36 Volts DC on float charge.

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

Sincerely,

/RA/

Sean E. Peters, Project Manager, Section 1 Project Directorate II Division of Licensing Project Management Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket Nos. 50-413 and 50-414

Enclosures:

1. Amendment No. 221 to NPF-35

2. Amendment No. 216 to NPF-52

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

March 29, 2005 Mr. D. M. Jamil Vice President Catawba Nuclear Station Duke Energy Corporation 4800 Concord Road York, SC 29745

SUBJECT:

CATAWBA NUCLEAR STATION, UNITS 1 AND 2 RE: ISSUANCE OF AMENDMENTS (TAC NOS. MC2618 AND MC2619)

Dear Mr. Jamil:

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued the enclosed Amendment No. 221 to Renewed Facility Operating License NPF-35 and Amendment No. 216 to Renewed Facility Operating License NPF-52 for the Catawba Nuclear Station, Units 1 and 2. The amendments consist of changes to the Technical Specifications (TSs) in response to your application dated April 6, 2004, as supplemented by letter dated August 5, 2004.

The amendments revise the TSs to allow a diesel generator battery to remain operable with no more than one cell less than 1.36 Volts DC on float charge.

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

Sincerely,

/RA/

Sean E. Peters, Project Manager, Section 1 Project Directorate II Division of Licensing Project Management Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket Nos. 50-413 and 50-414

Enclosures:

1. Amendment No. 221 to NPF-35

2. Amendment No. 216 to NPF-52

3. Safety Evaluation cc w/encls: See next page DISTRIBUTION: See next page Package Number: ML Amendment Number: ML050870548 Tech Spec Number: ML *No Legal Objections NRR-058 OFFICE PDII-1/PM PDII-1/LA EEIB/SC IROB/SC OGC* PDII-1/SC NAME SPeters CHawes RJenkins TBoyce DCummings for JNakoski KKannler DATE 2/24/05 2/04/05 1/05/05 3/11/05 3/28/05 3/29/05 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY

SUBJECT:

CATAWBA NUCLEAR STATION, UNITS 1 AND 2 RE: ISSUANCE OF AMENDMENTS (TAC NOS. MC2618 AND MC2619)

Date: March 29, 2005 Distribution:

PUBLIC PDII-1 R/F EHackett JNakoski CHawes OGC ACRS/ACNW GHill (4)

TBoyce RidsRgn2MailCenter DLPMDPR SPeters VGoel OChopra

DUKE ENERGY CORPORATION NORTH CAROLINA ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION SALUDA RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

DOCKET NO. 50-413 CATAWBA NUCLEAR STATION, UNIT 1 AMENDMENT TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE Amendment No. 221 Renewed License No. NPF-35

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

A. The application for amendment to the Catawba Nuclear Station, Unit 1 (the facility) Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-35 filed by the Duke Energy Corporation, acting for itself, North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation and Saluda River Electric Cooperative, Inc. (licensees), dated April 6, 2004, as supplemented by letter dated August 5, 2004, complies with the standards and requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), and the Commission's rules and regulations as 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 set forth in 10 CFR Chapter I; 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 hereby amended by page changes to the Technical Specifications as indicated in the attachment to this license amendment, and paragraph 2.C.(2) of Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-35 is hereby amended to read as follows:

(2) Technical Specifications The Technical Specifications contained in Appendix A, as revised through Amendment No. 221, which are attached hereto, are hereby incorporated into this license. Duke Energy Corporation shall operate the facility in accordance with the Technical Specifications.

3. This license amendment is effective as of its date of issuance and shall be implemented within 60 days of issuance.

FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

/RA/

John A. Nakoski, Chief, Section 1 Project Directorate II Division of Licensing Project Management Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Attachment:

Technical Specification Changes Date of Issuance: March 29, 2005

DUKE ENERGY CORPORATION NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL POWER AGENCY NO. 1 PIEDMONT MUNICIPAL POWER AGENCY DOCKET NO. 50-414 CATAWBA NUCLEAR STATION, UNIT 2 AMENDMENT TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE Amendment No. 216 Renewed License No. NPF-52

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

A. The application for amendment to the Catawba Nuclear Station, Unit 2 (the facility) Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-52 filed by the Duke Energy Corporation, acting for itself, North Carolina Municipal Power Agency No.

1 and Piedmont Municipal Power Agency (licensees), dated April 6, 2004, as supplemented by letter dated August 5, 2004, complies with the standards and requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), and the Commission's rules and regulations as 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 set forth in 10 CFR Chapter I; 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 hereby amended by page changes to the Technical Specifications as indicated in the attachment to this license amendment, and Paragraph 2.C.(2) of Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-52 is hereby amended to read as follows:

(2) Technical Specifications The Technical Specifications contained in Appendix A, as revised through Amendment No. 216, which are attached hereto, are hereby incorporated into this license. Duke Energy Corporation shall operate the facility in accordance with the Technical Specifications.

3. This license amendment is effective as of its date of issuance and shall be implemented within 60 days of issuance.

FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

/RA/

John A. Nakoski, Chief, Section 1 Project Directorate II Division of Licensing Project Management Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Attachment:

Technical Specification Changes Date of Issuance: March 29, 2005

ATTACHMENT TO LICENSE AMENDMENT NO. 221 RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-35 DOCKET NO. 50-413 AND LICENSE AMENDMENT NO. 216 RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. NPF-52 DOCKET NO. 50-414 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 Insert 3.8.6-1 3.8.6-1 3.8.6-2 3.8.6-2 B 3.8.6-1 B 3.8.6-1 B 3.8.6-3 B 3.8.6-3 B 3.8.6-4 B 3.8.6-4 B 3.8.4-5 B 3.8.4-5 B 3.8.4-6 B 3.8.4-6 B 3.8.4-7 B 3.8.4-7 B 3.8.4-8 B 3.8.4-8 B 3.8.4-9 B 3.8.4-9 B 3.8.4-10 B 3.8.4-10

SAFETY EVALUATION BY THE OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION RELATED TO AMENDMENT NO. 221 TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NPF-35 AND AMENDMENT NO. 216 TO RENEWED FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NPF-52 DUKE ENERGY CORPORATION, ET AL.

CATAWBA NUCLEAR STATION, UNITS 1 AND 2 DOCKET NOS. 50-413 AND 50-414

1.0 INTRODUCTION

By letter dated April 6, 2004 (Ref. 1), as supplemented by letter dated August 5, 2004 (Ref. 2),

Duke Energy Corporation, et al. (DEC, the licensee), submitted a request for changes to the Catawba Nuclear Station (Catawba), Units 1 and 2, Technical Specifications (TS). The requested changes would allow a diesel generator (DG) battery to remain operable with no more than one cell less than 1.36 Volts DC (VDC) on float charge in lieu of entering the Limiting Conditions for Operation (LCO).

The current TSs require that a DG battery with a cell below 1.36 V be immediately declared inoperable. This action places the affected unit into a 72-hour shutdown action. The subsequent corrective actions to restore operability typically involve jumpering out or replacing the low-voltage cell. Either action takes approximately 4-6 hours, during which time the affected DG is unavailable.

The proposed change would minimize unnecessary entries into a TS Action Statement and battery unavailability when only one battery cell voltage is less than 1.36 VDC on float charge.

2.0 REGULATORY EVALUATION

2.1 Applicable Regulations and Regulatory Guidance The regulatory requirements which the NRC staff applied in its review of the request include:

General Design Criteria (GDC) 17, Electric power systems, of Appendix A to Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 50, which requires, in part, that nuclear power plants have onsite and offsite electric power systems to permit the functioning of structures, systems, and components that are important to safety. The onsite electric power supplies, including the batteries, are required to have sufficient independence, redundancy, and testability to perform their safety functions assuming a single failure.

GDC-18, Inspection and testing of electric power systems, which requires that electric power systems that are important to safety be designed to permit appropriate periodic inspection and testing.

10 CFR 50.36, Technical Specifications, which requires licensees to establish TS LCOs, which include Allowed Outage Time for equipment that is required for safe operation of the facility.

2.2 Description of Structures, Systems and Components The station DC electrical power system at Catawba provides the AC emergency power with control power. It provides both motive and control power to selected safety related equipment and preferred AC vital bus power (via inverters). The 125 VDC electrical power system consists of four independent and redundant safety related Class 1E DC electrical power subsystems (channels A, B, C, D). Each channel consist of one 125 VDC battery, the associated battery charger(s) for each battery, and all the associated control equipment and interconnected cabling.

In addition to the above, there is a 125 VDC Diesel Essential Auxiliary Power System that provides a separate and independent train of 125 VDC power to each DG. Each train consists of a 125 VDC battery and a battery charger powered from its associated train of 600 V essential auxiliary power.

The DG batteries are Nickel Cadmium Class 1E batteries. These batteries are sized to carry their assigned loads for 2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br />. Each DG battery consists of 94 Saft SBM277 Ni-Cad cells with rated capacity of 277 Ampere Hour (Ah). Each battery charger normally supplies its associated DG control panel loads while maintaining a float charge on its associated battery.

Each diesel battery is available to assume its associated loads upon the loss of its battery charger or AC power source. The evaluation of the proposed amendment is based upon the maintenance of the battery design basis load capabilities.

3.0 TECHNICAL EVALUATION

3.1 LCO 3.8.6 currently requires battery cell parameters for the channels of DC batteries be within the limits of Table 3.8.6-1 and the DG Train A and Train B batteries be within the limits of temperature and level.

The licensee has proposed to revise the description of LCO 3.8.6 as follows:

LCO 3.8.6: Battery cell parameters for the channels of DC batteries shall be within the limits of Table 3.8.6-1 and the Diesel Generator (DG) Train A and Train B batteries shall be within the limits of temperature, level, and voltage.

The NRC staff finds that adding voltage as a limit puts forth additional requirements and makes the LCO more conservative. Therefore, the NRC Staff finds this change acceptable.

3.2 LCO 3.8.6, Condition C, currently requires that if one or more DG batteries with electrolyte level not at or above the low mark and not at or below the high mark OR one or more DG

batteries with average electrolyte temperature of the representative cells < 60 EF, immediately enter applicable Condition(s) and Required Action(s) of LCO 3.8.1, AC Sources-Operating, or LCO 3.8.2, AC Sources- Shutdown for the associated inoperable DG.

The licensee has proposed to revise Condition C by adding a new condition as follows:

If one or more DG batteries with electrolyte level not at or above the low mark and not at or below the high mark OR one or more DG batteries with average electrolyte temperature of the representative cells < 60EF OR one or more DG batteries with two or more connected cells < 1.36 V.

The purpose of the proposed change is to allow a DG battery to remain operable with no more than one cell less than 1.36 VDC on float charge. Under the current TS requirements, a DG found to have a DG battery with a cell below 1.36 V is required to be immediately declared inoperable. This declaration places the affected unit into a 72-hour shutdown action. The subsequent corrective actions to restore operability typically involve jumpering out or replacing the low-voltage cell. Either action takes approximately 4 to 6 hours6.944444e-5 days <br />0.00167 hours <br />9.920635e-6 weeks <br />2.283e-6 months <br />, during which time the affected DG is unavailable. The proposed revision would minimize unnecessary entries into a TS action statement due to an overly conservative TS requirements.

The batteries at Catawba are designed and sized with a capacity sufficient enough to allow up to one cell to be fully degraded with a voltage < 1.36 V assuming that no cells are jumpered out.

The battery sizing calculations account for a degraded cell by assuming the degraded cell undergoes a worst-case polarity reversal during a design discharge. Assuming that one cell is at a full reverse voltage of -1.8 V, the remaining cells would be required to supply 106.80 V (1.1484 V/cell) in order to maintain a minimum battery terminal voltage of 105.0 V. In a worst-case condition of one cell voltage reversal (-1.80 V) and a worst case load profile, the remaining cells can still supply voltage above the minimum level of 105.0 V for 2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br />.

Considering the required minimum per cell voltage, the required battery capacity is calculated as 181.8 Ah versus the actual battery capacity of 277 Ah. These values show that the battery has a margin of safety of 34 percent with one cell reversal. This calculation assumes the battery is at an end-of-life capacity of 80 percent, the electrolyte temperature is at the design-minimum of 60 EF, and that no cells are jumpered out. Thus, the battery remains operable and fully capable of satisfying its design requirements with one cell < 1.36 V on an indefinite basis. If no cell reversal is considered, the minimum required battery capacity is calculated as 173.3 Ah versus the actual battery capacity of 277 Ah. Therefore, in the case of no cell reversal, the battery has a margin of safety of 37 percent.

The above results shows that with one cell reversal, the impact on margin of safety is reduced from 37 percent to 34 percent. The battery remains operable and can easily supply worst case load profile with minimum voltage of 105.0 V for 2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br />.

Based on the above considerations, the NRC staff concludes that considering margin of safety available in the battery size, the Catawba DG battery will remain operable with one cell reversal or with a voltage of less than 1.36 V. Therefore, the NRC staff finds the proposed change to be acceptable.

4.0 STATE CONSULTATION

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

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION

The amendments change requirements with respect to installation or use of a facility component located within the restricted area as defined in 10 CFR Part 20. The NRC staff has determined that the amendments involve 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 amendments involve no significant hazards consideration, and there has been no public comment on such finding (69 FR 55469). Accordingly, the amendments meet 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 amendments.

6.0 CONCLUSION

Based on its review of the proposed amendment, the NRC staff concludes that the DG Batteries can remain operable with no more than one cell less than 1.36V; therefore, the proposed changes are acceptable.

Furthermore, the Commission 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 amendments will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public.

7.0 REFERENCES

1. Letter from Dhiaa M. Jamil, Site Vice President, Catawba Nuclear Station, to USNRC, Duke Energy Corporation Catawba Nuclear Station (CNS), Units 1 and 2 Docket Numbers 50-413 and 50-414 Proposed Technical Specifications (TS) Amendments to Sections 3.8.4, DC Sources - Operating; 3.8.5 - DC Sources - Shutdown; and 3.8.6, Battery Cell Parameters and Associated TS Bases, April 6, 2004.

2. Letter from Dhiaa M. Jamil, Site Vice President, Catawba Nuclear Station, to USNRC, Duke Energy Corporation Catawba Nuclear Station (CNS), Units 1 and 2 Docket Numbers 50-413 and 50-414 Reply to Request for Addition Information on Proposed Technical Specifications (TS) Amendments to Sections 3.8.4, DC Sources - Operating; 3.8.5 - DC Sources -

Shutdown; and 3.8.6, Battery Cell Parameters and Associated TS Bases (TAC Numbers MC2618 and MC2619), August 5, 2004.

Principal Contributors: O. Chopra and V. Goel Date: March 29, 2005

Catawba Nuclear Station, Units 1 & 2 Page 1 of 2 cc:

Mr. Lee Keller, Manager North Carolina Electric Membership Corp.

Regulatory Compliance P.O. Box 27306 Duke Energy Corporation Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 4800 Concord Road York, South Carolina 29745 Senior Resident Inspector U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Ms. Lisa F. Vaughn 4830 Concord Road Duke Energy Corporation York, South Carolina 29745 Mail Code - PB05E 422 South Church Street Mr. Henry Porter, Assistant Director P.O. Box 1244 Division of Waste Management Charlotte, North Carolina 28201-1244 Bureau of Land and Waste Management Dept. of Health and Environmental Control Ms. Anne Cottingham, Esquire 2600 Bull Street Winston and Strawn Columbia, South Carolina 29201-1708 1400 L Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 Mr. R.L. Gill, Jr., Manager Nuclear Regulatory Issues North Carolina Municipal Power and Industry Affairs Agency Number 1 Duke Energy Corporation 1427 Meadowwood Boulevard 526 South Church Street P.O. Box 29513 Mail Stop EC05P Raleigh, North Carolina 27626 Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 County Manager of York County Saluda River Electric York County Courthouse P.O. Box 929 York, South Carolina 29745 Laurens, South Carolina 29360 Piedmont Municipal Power Agency Mr. Peter R. Harden, IV, Vice President 121 Village Drive Customer Relations and Sales Greer, South Carolina 29651 Westinghouse Electric Company 6000 Fairview Road Ms. Karen E. Long 12th Floor Assistant Attorney General Charlotte, North Carolina 28210 North Carolina Department of Justice P.O. Box 629 Ms. Mary Olson Raleigh, North Carolina 27602 Director of the Southeast Office Nuclear Information and Resource Service NCEM REP Program Manager 729 Haywood Road, 1-A 4713 Mail Service Center P.O. Box 7586 Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-4713 Asheville, North Carolina 28802

Catawba Nuclear Station, Units 1 & 2 Page 2 of 2 cc:

Mr. T. Richard Puryear Owners Group (NCEMC)

Duke Energy Corporation 4800 Concord Road York, South Carolina 29745 Mr. Richard M. Fry, Director Division of Radiation Protection NC Dept. of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources 3825 Barrett Drive Raleigh, North Carolina 27609-7721 Mr. Henry Barron Group Vice President, Nuclear Generation and Chief Nuclear Officer P.O. Box 1006-EC07H Charlotte, NC 28201-1006 Diane Curran Harmon, Curran, Spielbergy &

Eisenberg, LLP 1726 M Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036