Humans and AI monitor nuclear power plant construction around the clock

Each welder is required to wear a recording device upon entering the construction site. Prior to commencing welding operations, they must position the camera at a suitable distance to ensure that every action of them is captured.

At the end of their shift, they plug the recorder in and all data are uploaded to an intelligent supervision system for subsequent reviews. Simultaneously, their activities are closely monitored not only by an AI surveillance system, but also by the vigilant oversight of safety officers who closely watch real-time footage of the construction site around the clock.

The construction site of the second phase of the Haiyang nuclear power plant in Shandong province, which is closely overseen by an intelligent supervision system, serves as a prime example of how China has prioritized safety and quality at the forefront of constructing nuclear power generation facilities, as the country forges ahead with nuclear power development in an active, safe, and orderly manner.

Run by Shandong Nuclear Power Co Ltd, a subsidiary of the State Power Investment Corporation Limited, the Haiyang nuclear power plant has two reactor units under construction. The work on the two new units began in July 2022 and is expected to wrap up in 2027.

Welding operations across different sections of nuclear power facilities necessitate distinct welding certifications, according to Zhang Zhongwei, deputy head of the Shandong Nuclear Power Co's engineering department.

"Record-keeping serves to deter unqualified personnel from engaging in unauthorized welding operations, and it also offers welders a means of self-verification to address quality concerns," he said.

There are 9,164 workers on the site. Upon clicking on the mouse, the location and movement of each of them will show up in the intelligent supervision system, Zhang said.

Presently, there are 981 surveillance cameras strategically positioned across the construction site to comprehensively monitor different facets of the construction operations, he said, especially highlighting the role of the intelligent system in preventing collisions of tower cranes.

During the peak period in the initial stages of construction, 12 tower cranes operated simultaneously on the site, which is as large as four soccer fields, he said. The system is capable of alerting crane operators when their jibs are within 20 meters of each other, and automatic brakes are activated once the distance between them comes to 15 meters.

Zhang said that all safety supervision monitoring data within the system are retained for three months, while data related to quality oversight are stored for six to nine months, based on the specific requirements of relevant departments.

The AI cameras can automatically identify workers' improper operations such as working without wearing safety belt as required, he added.

Meanwhile, five safety officers, representing different subcontracting companies involved in the construction, are meticulously reviewing real-time footage from the sites to detect any instances of improper practices, he said. Their collective effort is dedicated to pinpointing potential risks outside their respective company's operation areas.

"Prompt instructions are sent out to address major hazards once they are found. Additionally, a daily safety meeting is held to reflect on lessons learned and prevent any recurrence of incidents," he said.