Abstract:
A system for automating an operating parameter list process includes a web-based interface for accessing OPL data. Databases are provided for storing updated OPL parameter values for use in resolving the OPL process with respect to a particular operation cycle. The OPL data is provided in a format that is accessed and modified by various parties, with updates and notifications provided accordingly. Access to past OPL cycles is also provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to a system for automating an Operating Parameter List process. 
   An Operating Parameter List (OPL) is used to analyze and determine the specific operating parameters (e.g., amount of fuel and highest operating temperature) for operations and processes of a power plant (e.g., boiling water reactor plants), and in particular, each plant operation cycle. Each time a new component part or replacement part is to be installed, an analysis using an OPL is needed. For example, before installing a new fuel set for a reactor, an analysis of the specific operating parameters using an OPL is performed to determine appropriate operating conditions (“OPL process”). This analysis may be performed, for example, in order to maximize the useful life of a fuel set. 
   The OPL process typically requires several iterations, with changes to the parameters typically occurring during each iteration. The changes may be proposed and then accepted, for example between a vendor and a customer. Many communications, which may include emails, faxes and letters/proposals via regular mail, are typically required to determine an agreed upon OPL. Thereafter, an OPL is finalized (e.g., agreement reached between vendor and customer). 
   Existing OPL processes involve the manual exchange of files (e.g., files having proposed OPL values) via e-mail, fax, or mail, which may result in delay and errors. This manual exchange includes the manual transcription of data, e-mail based communication with attached spreadsheet files, and resolving inconsistencies and disagreement, for example, between a vendor and utility customers through conventional channels (telephone, e-mail, fax, etc.). The extra time that may be required to complete the process, for example, to gather and coordinate the OPL data adds cost to the overall OPL process. Further, because of the added complexity of manual coordination, errors may result. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A system of the present invention provides automation of the OPL process, and in particular, a web-based application tool streamlines the process for handling the determination and finalization of an OPL. Using a web-based access, including, for example, a Customer Web Center (CWC), an interface for automating the OPL process is provided. The system allows for coordination and collaboration, for example, between a vendor and a utility customer, to arrive at a final set of parameter values for an OPL. By allowing all parties to review all the relevant OPL parameters on-line, the time needed to gather information is reduced. 
   In one embodiment of the present invention a system for automating an operation parameter list process is provided and includes a database for storing parameter value data, and a web-based interface for accessing the stored parameter value data and configured to automatically provide notification of modification to the parameter value data. The parameter value data may include parameter values for a boiling water reactor power plant cycle. Further, the automatic notification may include an email notification. 
   In another embodiment of the present invention a method of automating an operating parameter list process is provided and includes accessing a web-based interface configured to allow a user to view and modify parameter value data, inputting parameter values using the web-based interface, and receiving automatic notification of modification to the parameter values. Further, the method may include modifying the inputted parameter values, with the automatic notification (e.g., email notification) provided in response to the modification. The method may also include confirming the inputted parameter values. 
   In yet another embodiment of the present invention a method of automating an operating parameter list process is provided and includes generating an operating parameter list, storing the operating parameter list and associated parameter values in a database, allowing modification of the operating parameter list, updating the associated parameter values in the database based upon the modification to the operating parameter list, and providing notification of the modification to the operating parameter list. Further, the step of storing may include storing a modified operating parameter list in a first database and storing a finalized operating parameter list in a second database. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a detailed block diagram of an automated OPL process of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a flow chart of an automated OPL process of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a flow chart of an administrator access process of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart of a log on process of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a vendor download or input of data process of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a flow chart of a customer download or input of data process of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a flow chart of a data input process of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart of a data submission and OPL file creation process of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart of an administrator update process of the present invention; 
       FIG. 10  is block diagram of a web architecture of an automated OPL process of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a screen shot of a login page of the present invention; and 
       FIGS. 12(   a ) and ( b ) are screen shots of an OPL page of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. Although the present invention is described in connection with specific component parts with particular interfaces using specific data, such as particular spreadsheet files, it is not so limited, and different or additional component parts may be implemented with different or additional interfaces using different types of data. 
   A system constructed according to the principles of the present invention provides an automated OPL process using a web-based application tool to provide information to facilitate the OPL process. In general, a process for accessing an OPL automation application of the present invention begins with a utility customer user accessing a web-page (e.g., a web-page customized for their company), and wherein access to an applications section will allow access to an OPL automation application to users with proper user privileges. 
   The OPL automation application retrieves data for each individual plant from a file (e.g., an EXCEL file, EXCEL™ is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation) and saves the data in a database (e.g., Oracle™ database, Oracle™ is a trademark of the Oracle Corporation). The OPL automation application creates and stores files in different folders for each individual plant. The OPL automation application allows for coordination, for example, between vendor and utility customer users to reach agreement on a particular OPL data set for an operation cycle. In particular, users can access, view and input technical data relating to a particular OPL. 
   The OPL automation application presents the appropriate information (i.e., screen view) for a particular user, with a User ID based on a particular Plant Name. Log in access will be controlled using a Single Sign-On (SSO) session/authentication process. Once logged on, a user selects the plant and cycle for the OPL data on which they want to work (i.e., review or propose values for an OPL), and an automated process is thereafter provided. Both an intranet and extranet component is provided. 
   More particularly, and as shown in  FIG. 1 , an automated OPL process of the present invention includes accessing a first database  120  (e.g., Engineering Data Bank (EDB) database) using a data conversion/access application  122  (e.g., an Electronic Generalized Application for Data Submittal (eGADS) Application implemented using Visual Basic® available from Microsoft Corporation) to obtain an existing OPL (i.e., existing OPL data). The data conversion/access application  122  then converts the accessed and retrieved OPL data into a format for access and viewing by a user, for example, a spreadsheet  124 . It should be noted that a subroutine library may be provided as part of the first database  120  to allow for direct access to binary database files stored therein. 
   The spreadsheet  124  is accessed using a web-application  126  as described in more detail herein. Further, the spreadsheet  124 , and in particular, updates to the spreadsheet  124 , including any changes or revisions thereof and stores the updated spreadsheet into a second database  128  (e.g., OPL web-application database) accessed via the web-application  126 . It should be noted that multiple versions of the spreadsheet  124  may be stored in the second database  128 , for example, each time a vendor or utility customer makes proposed changes to the OPL in the spreadsheet  128 . 
   The web-application  126  and second database  128  together form a Customer Web Center (CWC)  130  for accessing the spreadsheet(s)  124  and to facilitate finalizing of parameter values for a particular OPL. Once finalized (i.e., values resolved), a final spreadsheet  132  having the agreed upon OPL parameter values is stored in the first database  120 . It should be noted that the data in the final spreadsheet  132  is converted into a format for storage in the first database  120  using the data conversion/access application  122 . Further, the data within the first and second databases  120  and  128  may be encrypted (e.g., 128-bit SSL encryption). 
   Specifically, the web-application  126  provides functionality to access and modify OPLs in order to determine a final set of parameter values for the OPLs. In one embodiment, the web-application  126 , as part of the CWC  130 , provides a user with the following: an OPL home page, a vendor user start page, a customer user start page, a select plant function, a selection function for downloading or inputting data, a download file function (e.g., download spreadsheet file), an import file function, a data input and save function, a submit data function and a notice of save function. The web-application  126  provides to an administrator the following: an administrator home page and an edit folders function. 
   Using the CWC  130 , parameter values for an OPL may be determined with one embodiment of an automated process  180  of the present invention shown generally in  FIG. 2 . In particular, the OPL home page  150  is accessed using the CWC  130 , and specifically, the web-application  126  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). A determination is made at  182  as to whether the login is by a vendor. If not, then a determination is made at  184  as to whether the login is by a customer. If the login is not by a vendor or customer, then the administrator web home page  170  is provided for login by an administrator at  186 . 
   If the login is by a vendor, then at  188  a determination is made as to whether data is to be downloaded (e.g., download EXCEL™ file) or input. If a download is requested, then at  190  data is downloaded, and more particularly, an EXCEL™ file having the requested OPL is downloaded from the first database  120  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and stored in the second database  128  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). If input of data is requested, then at  192  a determination is made as to whether the input is vendor proposed input or a cycle resolved input (i.e., vendor accepts customer parameter values). If it is a vendor proposed input, at  194  the vendor performs an input of proposed parameter values. If it is a cycle resolved input, then at  196 , the vendor performs a cycle resolve input (i.e., accepts proposed customer values). After either input, the data, including an EXCEL™ file having an EXCEL™ spreadsheet is stored in the second database  128  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) at  198 . Thereafter at  200 , a message and/or link is sent to the vendor and customer via email regarding the input (e.g., “vendor has entered new proposed parameter values, please review”). A determination is then made at  202  as to whether the cycle is resolved, and if it is, the data including the EXCEL™ file is stored in the first database  120  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) at  204 . This may include, sending the EXCEL™ file to an administrator for updating of the first database  120  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). If the cycle is not resolved, the data including the EXCEL™ file remains saved in the second database  128  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) at  206 . 
   Referring now to the process performed if a determination is made at  184  that the login is by a customer, at  208  a determination is made as to whether data is to be downloaded (e.g., download EXCEL™ file) or input. If a download is requested, then at  210  data is downloaded, and more particularly, an EXCEL™ file having the requested OPL is downloaded from the second database  128  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). If input of data is requested, then at  212  a determination is made as to whether vendor proposed data (i.e., proposed parameter values for the OPL) are available. If vendor proposed data is not available, then at  214  the customer user is prompted to login later. If vendor proposed data is available, then at  216  a customer proposed input is performed. In particular, a customer will review the proposed parameter values from the vendor and determine whether to accept or modify and propose some or all new parameter values. Thereafter, the data including the EXCEL™ file is stored as described above. 
   Referring now to the process performed if a determination is made at  184  that the login is by an administrator, and as shown in  FIG. 3 , at  220  an administrator home page is provided. At  222  an administrator screen displays a directory showing all plant folders, which are virtual folders for each plant, and in which data including OPL files are stored for that particular plant. A determination is then made at  224  as to whether an upload of an initial (or previous cycle) EXCEL™ file is requested. If an initial EXCEL™ file is requested, then at  226 , that file is uploaded. If an initial EXCEL™ file is not requested, then a determination is made at  228  is made as to whether a modification of an existing EXCEL™ file is requested. If an update is requested, then at  230  the EXCEL™ file for a specific plant in a plant folder is modified or updated. If no modification is requested as determined at  228 , then a download of the EXCEL™ file for a specific plant in a plant folder is performed at  232 . 
   Having described generally an automated OPL process of the present invention, one embodiment for accessing and modifying data, including EXCEL™ files having OPL data therein will be described. A logon process  250  as shown in  FIG. 4  preferably begins the automated OPL process. The process starts at  252  and the OPL web-application  126  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) is accessed from the CWC  130  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) at  254 . Each user that is allowed access to the CWC  130  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) is provided a Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) to allow for single sign-on capability to access data for different plants. An LDAP record allows for partitioning customers and their corresponding access rights into specific subdirectories. Further, navigational and content customization may be provided based upon the data received from the customer&#39;s LDAP record. In particular, the customer&#39;s LDAP record and in particular the LDAP definition of a PlantName dynamically controls access by a customer user. 
   Specifically, the PlantName is obtained from the HTTP header of the customer user accessing the CWC  130  (shown  FIG. 1 ). A database search is performed at  258  for the user&#39;s profile to verify the user&#39;s security level (e.g., access rights). Essentially, the user&#39;s SSO information in the HTTP header is checked for restrictions, and the SSO plant name is used in combination with the user information to look up in a table the privileges for the user and the documents the user can access. This authentication and authorization process may be performed using known programs, including for example, SiteMinder available from Netegrity. 
   Thereafter, at  260  a determination is made as to whether the user is signed up for the OPL web-application  126  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). If the user is signed up, then the OPL home page is displayed at  262 . If not, the user is prompted to sign up and log in later at  264 . Authentication and authorization requires at least entry of a username and password combination. Further, session cookies may be used to provide the user&#39;s LDAP information. 
   Further, the PlantName value may be parsed to obtain the six character sub-directory name for use in resolving the path of several Java Sever Pages (JSPs) to include as commands as described herein. A Mask is also stored into the session memory if the user is a vendor employee. The Mask is used to supersede the path value parsed from the CompanyName. This allows vendor personnel to view the customer pages in exactly the same manner as the customer. Additionally, two parameters are used to control the presentation of various content. The main page (i.e., OPL home page) of the application decodes the values of the parameters and selects the appropriate JSP to include based on the path. 
   After a user has logged on, and in particular a vendor user, a vendor download or input of data process  270  may be initiated at  272  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The OPL home page is displayed at  274  and a user is given the option to select either a proposed or cycle resolved input. The user then selects at  276  either the “Proposed input” or “Cycle Resolved”. A value from the user input that represents the selection is then retrieved at  278  and a list of available plants is displayed at  280 , for example using a drop down menu. The user then selects one or more plants at  282  and a drop down menu having further options is provided at  284 . A user then selects at  286  either to “Download EXCEL™ file”, “Import data from EXCEL™ file” or “Input data from the web”. Thereafter, based upon the selected action, corresponding data (e.g., OPL data for an EXCEL™ spreadsheet) from the first database  120  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) is retrieved at  288 . The data is then converted from the database format to a format for display on the OPL home page at  290 . 
   More specifically, if the user selects “Download EXCEL™ file”, a user can download an EXCEL™ file from the web. If the user selects “Import data from EXCEL™ file”, a user can import an EXCEL™ file from, for example, their PC. If a user selects “Input data from the web”, parameter descriptions and values from the retrieved data for the specified plant will display on screen, for example, in an EXCEL™ spreadsheet, for user viewing and modification at  292 . 
   If a customer user has logged on, a customer download or input of data process  290  may be initiated at  293  as shown in  FIG. 6 . The OPL home page is displayed and a customer user selects a plant from a drop down menu of available plants at  294 . A search for updated OPL data is then performed at  296 . A determination is then made at  298  as to whether updated OPL data is available. If updated data is not yet available, the customer user is prompted to login later at  300 . If updated data is available, then at  302  the customer user is given various download/input options. The customer user then selects “Download EXCEL™ file”, “Import EXCEL™ data” or “Input data from the web” at  304 . Corresponding data is then retrieved at  306  and the data converted from the database format to a format for display on the OPL home page at  308 . 
   More specifically, if the user selects “Download EXCEL™ file”, a user can download an EXCEL™ file from the web. If the user selects “Import data from EXCEL™ file”, a user can import an EXCEL™ file from, for example, their PC. If a user selects “Input data from the web”, parameter descriptions and values from the retrieved data for the specified plant will display on screen, for example, in an EXCEL™ spreadsheet, for user viewing and modification at  310 . 
   With respect to inputting data, a data input process  320  is initiated at  322  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The parameter descriptions and values, if any for the OPL for the specified (i.e., selected) plant are displayed at  324 . The user will then enter and/or modify (i.e., change) parameter values at  326 , which may be limited by the particular users access rights. If more than one page (i.e., screen) of parameters is listed, a user will enter and/or modify parameter values on a page by page basis, for example using a Next Page/Previous Page button or a Page Number drop down menu. If a user tries to access a different page without saving their input at  328 , a warning message is provided at  330  reminding the user to save the page before accessing another page. Once the user saves the OPL page (e.g., by clicking on a Save button) at  332 , the second database  128  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) is updated at  334 . Thereafter, at  336 , a user can access different pages for the particular OPL file (e.g., OPL EXCEL™ file). Again, the parameter descriptions and values, if any, for the OPL for the specified (i.e., selected) plant are displayed at  338 , with the user again entering or modifying the values at  326 . 
   After inputting the data (i.e., parameter values), a data submission and OPL file creation process  340  is initiated at  342  as shown in  FIG. 8 . A user at  344  selects (e.g., clicks with a mouse pointer) a Submit button at the last page of the OPL. A determination is then made at  346  as to whether the data set (i.e., parameter values for the OPL) is complete and all parameters have a specified value. If the data set is not complete, a user is prompted at  348  to review and re-enter parameter values for the missing pages, such as pages wherein the Save button was not selected. The data input process  320  is then again initiated. Once the data set is complete, a message is displayed at  350  to warn the user to verify the accuracy of the data before submitting it. Once verified, the second database  128  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) is updated at  352 , including updating the corresponding EXCEL™ file or creating and saving a new EXCEL™ file at  354 . A determination is then made at  356  as to whether the cycle is resolved, such that the OPL is finalized and all parameter values are approved and accepted. If the cycle is resolved (i.e., system value equal “Cycle Resolved input”), the saved EXCEL™ file will be sent to the Administrator and the first database  120  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) updated at  358 . If the cycle is not resolved, a message and a link to the OPL file will be sent to both the vendor user and particular customer user via email at  360 , indicating the EXCEL™ file is ready to download for review again. 
   An administrator update process  370  as shown in  FIG. 9  may then be initiated at  372 . The OPL home page is displayed at  374  and a user selects a user administration option at  376 . A user administration page is then displayed at  378 , and in which a user (i.e., administrator) may select an Edits Folder link at  380  to display a directory of all the plant folders at  382 . A user may then select to add or edit an OPL file (e.g., EXCEL™ file) for the selected plant folder at  384 . The OPL file in the folder is then accessed at  386  and an add/edit screen is displayed at  388  and provides user prompts at  390 . In particular, a user may be prompted to edit a Previous Cycle folder, edit a Vendor Proposed folder, edit a Customer Proposed folder or edit a Cycle Resolved folder. This allows the administrator to access the folders at  392  and add or update OPL files at  394  within the selected folder, for example, when an OPL has been finalized. It should be noted that the updating of the folders may be provided by an administrator or by an automatic process with a notification of the update provided. For example, the first database  120  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) may be automatically updated upon finalizing (i.e., confirmed and accepted) an OPL file. 
   With respect to the directory structure of the present invention, in one embodiment three levels are provided. The first, or top, level is the application root which contains the letters of the application (OPL). Under this folder are the JSPs, including a symbolic link called CWCRoot that contains the information for the CWC and the header files for the application, and thereunder two folders for the application, one for the images and another for the static content that will be the folder to update when OPL is provided to the first database  120  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
   With the respect to the JSPs, the following may be provided: 
   (1) Home Page (index.jsp) This is the first page the user will view. It will connect to the User Start Page and Customer User Start Page. 
   (2) Vendor User Start Page (gestart.jsp) This page allows the vendor user to specify which input cycle to work on within the reload cycle. 
   (3) Customer User Start Page (customerstart.jsp) This page will connect to Select Plant page. 
   (4) Select Plant Page (plantselect.jsp) This provides the list view of available plants based on user privilege. 
   (5) Download EXCEL™ file OR Input Data Page (actiontype.jsp) This provides the list view of available functions. 
   (6) Import EXCEL™ file Page (dataimport.jsp) This page provides functionality to import data from an EXCEL™ file. 
   (7) Data Input and Save Page and Submit Data Page (datainput.jsp) This page allows a user to perform data input and submit data from a browser. 
   (8) Notice of Save Page (noticeofsave.jsp) This page will notify the user of completion of data input. 
   (9) Download Page (download.jsp) This page provides the list view of available EXCEL™ files and allows the user to download the files. 
   (10) Administrator Page (geadmin.jsp) This is the first page the Administrator will view after being connected to the OPL home page. 
   (11) Edit Folders Page (folderadmin.jsp) This page provides a capability for new folders to be added to the web-application. 
   Further, the following servlets (e.g., programs running on a server) may be provided: 
   (1) Folder Administration Servlet (FolderAdminServlet) This servlet handles plant folder uploads and modification to folder information. 
   (2) Folder Search Servlet (FolderSearchServlet) This servlet handles database searches. 
   Additionally, the following bean (e.g., program component for use by the servlets) may be provided: 
   Folder (Folder) This bean will contain all of the information about a specific folder where the OPL file (e.g., EXCEL™ file) will be stored for a specific plant, and will have the following format. 
   Folder 
   −FolderName : String 
   −FolderId : String 
   +getFolderName( ) : String 
   +setFolderName(newFolderName : String) : void 
   In one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 10  the JSPs  400  are accessed by a user  402  via the servlets  404 . The servlets  404  are provided in connection with the beans  406  to access the appropriate data in the OPL databases  120  and  128 . 
   In operation, a user accesses the CWC  130  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) using a Login page  420  as shown in  FIG. 11 . A user enters an ID (i.e., username) in the ID field  422 , a password in the password field  424 , and initiates the log on process  250  as shown in  FIG. 4  by selecting (e.g., clicking with a mouse pointer) the Login button  426 . A user may also select a new password/forgot password member  428  if a new password is needed (i.e., new user) or if the password has been forgotten. After logging on, a CWC home page is displayed. The CWC home page includes selectable members, and in particular, a selectable member for accessing the OPL web-application  126 . Upon selecting the OPL selectable member, an OPL main page is displayed. 
   Upon accessing the OPL main page, a user may access OPL files (e.g., EXCEL™ files) using pull down menus as described herein. Further, a user may modify existing OPL files and create new OPL files (e.g., project manager initiates a new cycle). Upon requesting a new OPL, an OPL page  450  is displayed as shown in  FIGS. 12(   a ) and ( b ). A user can scroll upward and downward on the OPL page  450  in any known manner (e.g., using scroll bar) to view content on the entire OPL page  450 . The OPL page  450  identifies the project to which the OPL applies at  452  and includes a list  454  of parameter descriptions for the identified project. For each parameter an input cell  456  is provided to input a corresponding parameter value. Separate columns are provided for a vendor proposed value at  458 , a customer proposed value at  460  and a resolved (i.e., agreed upon) value at  462  for each cycle (i.e., operation cycle for a process in a power plant) identified at  464 . A column  466  for the resolved value from a previous cycle is also provided. A reference column  468  for providing a reference indication (e.g., independent analysis) and a comments column  470  for providing comments are also included. 
   The OPL page  450  also includes a Previous Page selectable member  472  for accessing a previous OPL page, a Next Page selectable member  474  for selecting a next OPL page, and an Upload Figures selectable member  478  and a Display Figures selectable member  476  for uploading and displaying graphs relating the particular OPL file (e.g., graph(s) of Steam Flow v. TCV Position). An indication showing OPL pages  450  not yet updated at  480  is also provided. Further, a page selection field  482  is provided for accessing another specific OPL page  450 . 
   A save selectable member  484  for saving the OPL page  450  once parameter values have been entered is provided. A clear selectable member  486  is provided for clearing the parameter values in the OPL page  450  being displayed. A submit selectable member  488  is also provided for submitting the parameter values once they have been entered on all the OPL pages  450  for the OPL file. With respect to the resolved value, if the two proposed values are the same, the resolved value column  462  is automatically filled in with that value. If the value is changed by the customer, then the resolved value remains blank or alternately, may be automatically filled in with the customer proposed number. 
   Thus, parameter values are entered, and thereafter saved in the database(s) and submitted for use in resolving (i.e., reaching agreement) the OPL process as described herein. Automatic emails and notifications as described herein may also be generated and transmitted upon the completion of the various stages in the OPL process (e.g., vendor enters and submits proposed parameter values for consideration and/or approval). 
   The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.