NRC Generic Letter 79-17, Reliability of Onsite Diesel Generators at Light Water Reactors
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GL79017
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555
April 18, 1979
Docket Nos.: 50-443/444
All Light Water Power Reactor Licensees
Gentlemen:
This letter is being sent to all licensees authorized to operate or construct a light water power reactor and to all applicants for a licenses to operate or construct a light water power reactor.
A review of the operating experience of the emergency onsite diesel generators at light water reactors as reported in the licensee Event Reports (1969-1977) indicated that their reliability could be improved.
The reliability of the diesel generator is strongly dependent on the interaction of the following factors: design, testing and operational requirements, operational history, inspections, maintenance, and the personnel qualifications of operators. To assist us in identifying any significant deficiencies, the University of Dayton Research Institute, under our contract, prepared a report entitled "Enhancement of Onsite Emergency Diesel Generator Reliability" (NUREG 0660) which identifies the major problems together with recommended corrective actions for improving reliability. We will review the report and evaluate each recommendation for its applicability to all licensees authorized to operate or construct light water power reactors and to all applicants for a license to operate or construct a light water power reactor by balancing the potential improvement in reliability versus the adverse impact of implementing the recommendation on the plants.
Since our review and evaluation of the report has not been completed we are enclosing a copy of NUREG 0660, the University of Dayton Research Institute report, for your information and comments. Comments or other factors which may be considered major problems preventing improved onsite emergency diesel generator reliability are encouraged
.and should be forwarded to Fred Clemeson, Plant Systems Branch, Division of Operating Reactor, U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. 20555.
Sincerely,
D. B. Vassallo, Assistant Director for Light Water Reactors Division of Project Management
Enclosure:
ccs w/o encl:
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