A utility perspective on the need and the possibility of diversifying the use of the Tihange 2 full scope simulator

The full scope simulator, a replica of the Tihange 2 power plant is located at the Tihange nuclear training center (CFN) on the site of the three Tihange power plants. The scope of simulation was initially extended by adding a specific feature of the Tihange 3 plant (the bunker system), but there was also a need to implement specific features of the Tihange 1 unit for operator training, such as: very high pressure safety injection; residual heat removal system; reactor protection logic. The corresponding models of Tihange 2 can be replaced by equivalent software models for Tihange 1. When operated in the Tihange 1 mode, the dedicated hardware panels of the Tihange 2 control room, are replaced by so-called soft panels implemented by software emulation in a full size and full function display. The advantages and disadvantages of such a solution from a technical, economic and pedagogical point of view are discussed in the presentation, and also the methods how this technique can be extended to the development of multi-function simulators are outlined. (2 figs.)