ITER remote maintenance system configuration model overview

A challenge for the ITER project is to manage the design of many systems being developed in parallel. In order to control the machine configuration and ensure proper design integration, the ITER project has implemented the so-called “configuration management models” (CMMs), aimed at controlling and managing the machine systems’ interfaces. Specific issues are raised for modelling the ITER remote maintenance system (IRMS). That system shall provide the mean to support the remote maintenance operations for in-vessel components, remote transfer of activated components between the vacuum vessel (VV) and the hot cell facility and remote repairing, refurbishing and/or processing operations in the hot cell facility. The IRMS are dynamic, constantly changing morphologies, working envelopes and locations within the plant. This raises the issue of how to integrate the dynamic nature of this equipment into the CMM required for design integration. This paper describes the design methodology that is being developed to address the specific nature of the IRMS in the building of the CMM and gives examples to demonstrate the benefits to be gained by adopting this approach.