Innovations in the use of power plant simulators

The use of simulators provides a platform for plant operators to provide meaningful feedback to system performance engineers concerning design and applications of new or proposed plant system modifications, control room design, and data displays. Many simulator scenarios are designed specifically to train the operators concerning infrequent operations and abnormal situations. During these exercises, the operators manipulate controls and interpret plant status information that is not used during normal operation of the plant. The simulator provides enhanced ability to test the integrated impact of modifications in normal and off-normal conditions providing an extension of the startup and test program well beyond installation and acceptance of the modification in the plant. Efficiencies gained by the installation of major plant modifications on the simulator prior to installation in the plant offer potentially significant reductions in outage schedules and modification costs. New operating procedures can be developed and verified prior to modification installation. Lessons learned during installation, testing, and early training on the simulator can reduce the occurrence of failed equipment and increase plant availability