JADE High-Fidelity Simulator Platform for Training & Plant Improvement

Java Application & Development Environment is a set of integrated, high-fidelity simulation modeling tools that provide full nuclear power plant capabilities.

Power plant operators have traditionally learned how to operate a plant by working with an experienced operator until plant management feels confident that they can control the plant by themselves. The problem with this method is that the instruction of the student is limited to those situations that are experienced during the time of training.

When this new operator encounters a new situation or problem, they are left to operation by trial and error. The error can result in not so minor costs such as operation at a reduced output, a unit trip, or worse, equipment damage that leaves the unit offline for a period of repair

Why Simulation

Simulation presents the operator with a means of learning unit operation without touching the unit. This strongly complements the value of “on the job” and classroom training. A modern simulator consists of an operator interface that replicates the workstations in the plant and a computer that runs mathematical models which duplicate unit performance. With a prescribed course of training, the new operator can start with normal operations such as unit load changes, unit startup from cold conditions to full load, and unit shutdown from full load to cold iron. Then the student can experience malfunction conditions such as pump trips, turbine trips, faulty instruments and controls, and tube leaks to full steam line ruptures.

Simulation is not limited to new operators. It provides the ability to keep the skills of experienced operators fresh. Operators can practice infrequent evolutions and faulted conditions on the unit. Practice can make the difference between keeping the unit online or losing the unit during a plant upset.

Upgrading your control system?

One very large group of simulator users are plants that are undergoing a major control system upgrade. In some cases, the plant is moving from hard panel controls to a Distributed Control System (DCS); others are changing DCS vendors. In either case, the interface that the operator uses to control the unit will be different. Rather than a “sink or swim” method of operation while gaining experience on the new control system, these customers have elected to use a simulator to help accelerate the learning curve.

The simulator also helps the plant confirm process control approaches and find “bugs” in the control system logic. This can help contain budget costs by saving valuable time during commissioning as well as improving overall plant reliability. While the ROI may seem hard to initially quantify, you only need to seek the voice of real-world experience…from those who used a simulator…and those who wish they had.

Having plant availability or reliability problems?
A second set of simulator users are power plants with availability and reliability problems. Frankly, it doesn’t take many unit trips related to operator error to convince plant management that there is a training problem. A review of resulting lost generation sales can often directly support financial justification. In response to a changing electric marketplace, simulators are also an excellent tool for developing unit operating procedures where alternate operating strategies can be tested without threatening the unit.

Building a new power plant?

New power plants are the third major category of simulator users. One would think that the decision to add a simulator is simply “common sense” given the financial return justified by the above cases. But with the rush and financial pressure to design, build, and start-up a new steam or CCGT power plant, training of the operators… the very individuals that will ultimately control the success of that investment… is often left to late planning and secondary importance.

A simulator provides real benefits, and it provides the extra visibility regarding the issue of operator training, readiness, and qualification for the job. While the initial investment helps a new plant to achieve a shorter, smoother start-up, the simulator remains in place to provide more detailed operator training on plant process relationships and malfunction recognition and response.