Contract for Embalse simulator upgrade
The full-scope simulator at Argentina's single-unit Embalse nuclear power plant is to be upgraded by Canada-based L-3 MAPPS under a contract signed with Nucleoeléctrica Argentina SA.The full-scope simulator at Argentina's single-unit Embalse nuclear power plant is to be upgraded by Canada-based L-3 MAPPS under a contract signed with Nucleoeléctrica Argentina SA (NA-SA).
.jpg "Embalse simulator - 460 (L-3 MAPPS)") |
| The control room simulator at Embalse (Image: L-3 MAPPS) |
L-3 MAPPS said that since the full-scope simulator entered into service in early 2013, the Embalse plant has been through several design changes in response to NA-SA's ongoing refurbishment of the plant.
The simulator upgrade, it said, is intended to reflect those design changes, including updates to the shutdown control systems. These include the introduction of larger emergency diesel generators, improvements to the emergency cooling system, the addition of a new turbine control system and a power uprate from 648 MWe to 683 MWe.
As part of the upgrade, the digital control computer emulation provided by L-3 MAPPS will also be updated and modifications will be made to the simulator's main control room panels. In addition, the simulator's instruction booth will be enhanced to include an updated audio-visual recording and playback system. This will make debriefing sessions much more informative and aid instructors in explaining what actions and/or behaviours should be corrected.
The work will begin immediately and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2016.
Simulators are a vital piece of equipment for training plant operators, both at the start of their careers and for their continuing training.
NA-SA's project director for the life extension of the Embalse plant Rubén Semmoloni said, "NA-SA and L-3 MAPPS put the Embalse full-scope simulator into service in 2013 and we have experienced very positive training results since then."
He added, "The simulator plays a key role in the ongoing training of our operators and will continue to be important as we extend the life of the plant for another 30 years."
The Embalse Candu pressurized heavy-water reactor was built by Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd in the early 1980s as Argentina's second nuclear power plant.
Researched and written
by World Nuclear News
