Simulation for new builds. A challenging but essential tool. Application to Atucha II NPP - 14218

Full Scope Simulators have been widely used as training tools throughout the history of the nuclear power plants. Due to the high degree of accuracy of their models, these simulators are being also used for engineering processes. As a consequence of new plants construction, there has been an increase in the use of simulators, both for training and for engineering tasks, during the different plant design phases. The development of a simulator whose plant is still under construction presents a huge challenge not only because of the constant changes in the design documentation but also because of a lack of accurate and reliable plant information. The project for the development of Argentina's Atucha II Nuclear Power Plant Full Scope Simulator carried out by Tecnatom, was successfully completed approximately one year before the plant start-up. In this presentation we will share the experience of the development of Atucha II simulator, including the difficulties which had to face during the stage of development and the partial deliverables which provided solution to various problems. Additionally, we will comment the experience of the use of the simulator during stages prior to the plant start-up, from the point of view of the training of licensed, non-licensed personnel and engineering personnel, as well as from the perspective of its application for engineering activities. Amongst the engineering applications, we should highlight the simulator's usefulness for the operation procedures review process, the control parameters tuning and the dynamic analysis of level, pressure and temperature regulation systems, which allowed the establishment of the plant time response characteristics and the possible need to modify some of the control parameters, during the system tests in the plant commissioning stages. Finally we will review the main lessons learnt from the project and its applicability to the design and construction of new reactors. (author)