L3Harris

Engineering|simulator|for nuclear power plants 

Traditionally, full scope simulators for nuclear power plants are manufactured after the real plants start operation and provide operational data that the simulators must reproduce. The simulators are used primarily to train plant operators how to perform their jobs. However, the powerful simulation tools and computational abilities available have enabled L3 MAPPS to develop Engineering Simulators able predict the behavior of a plant based solely on its design information, prior to it actually starting operations. Such a simulator is a valuable tool for the verification and validation (V&V) of the plant’s design.

An Engineering Simulator is developed in parallel with the plant systems and DCS using plant design data. When simulator testing is performed, the testers can discover problems arising from design aspects of the plant and convey the information to the plant builder. Detecting such latent design defects reduces risk and optimizes plant design and cost. In essence, the simulator becomes a V&V tool. L3 MAPPS’ new build customers have documented, real instances where they detected plant issues while testing their simulators.

In addition, plant design changes can be tested inexpensively on the simulator before implementing them on the plant (reducing plant costs again) and when plant changes are approved and performed, the simulator is updated as well so that it can continue to validate the current plant design.

An Engineering Simulator can also be used for Human Factors Engineering, to V&V and update the look-and-feel of the control panels and/or DCS operating pages prior to using the actual plant equipment.