The Design, Development and Operation of a Compact Nuclear Power Plant Simulator

Abstract

This paper discusses the philosophy and technological considerations necessary for constructing and utilizing a plant specific compact nuclear power plant simulator, how it compares to full scope replica simulators, engineering simulators, part task simulators and basic principles training simulators. Included in this discussion are the design process, scope of simulation, the manufacturing process, test programs and experiences with operator training.

Items addressed include the applicability and use of a compact simulator, how well it reproduces the actual reference plant, how well the transferal of knowledge is accomplished and what financial considerations need to be evaluated.

This paper will try to provide the details on just how this type of machine was designed and developed by Westinghouse for the Swiss Utility, Nordostschweizerische Kraftwerke (NOK) AG.