Project Overview

Professional Systems Engineering, LLC provided design analysis for the replacement of the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant’s Perimeter Intrusion Detection System. Known as experts in the perimeter detection and fencing fields – our staff has planned, designed, engineered and/or evaluated hundreds of intrusion and homeland security applications for defensive counter measures. The plant’s perimeter line is approximately 7,500 ft. of varied terrain in a coastal environment, divided into 37 detection zones

PSE’s services included the following:

Research Existing Conditions
  • Interviewed PIDS manufacturer
  • Collected system performance and reliability data
  • Obtained As-built documentation
  • Determined equipment life expectancy and maintenance history

Security Assessments
  • Assessment of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Regulatory Guide’s performance criteria for detection
  • Comparison of microwave systems verses other technologies
  • Verification of zoning layouts and multiplexing to prevent frequency interference
  • Evaluation of double, triple, and quadruple stack volumetric detection designs
  • Construction phasing requirements
  • Cost analysis

Design of Replacement System
  • System of like and kind which met NRC performance requirements (Regulatory Guide 544 and Design Basis Threat 10CFR73.1)
  • Replacement Methods
  • Phasing required for construction
  • Opinion of probable cost