L-3 MAPPS has announced that it has reached an agreement with STP Nuclear Operating Company to upgrade the South Texas Project full scope and classroom simulators to L-3 MAPPS’ latest Orchid simulation platform, and equip the simulators with severe accident simulation models.
The project will begin soon and is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Michael Chatlani, vice president of marketing & sales for L-3 MAPPS Power Systems and Simulation said: "L-3 MAPPS has made significant strides in bringing severe accident simulation to nuclear power plant training simulators around the world.
"We are very pleased that our valued, long time customer in Texas will be able to reap the benefits of this advanced simulation functionality."
In addition to the modernisation of the simulator platforms to L-3’s Orchid simulation environment, L-3 MAPPS will connect the Electric Power Research Institute’s (EPRI) Modular Accident Analysis Program (MAAP5) to the South Texas Project simulators.
MAAP5 is a software programme that performs severe accident analysis for nuclear power plants, including assessments of core damage and radiological transport.
The simulators will also be equipped with new 2D and 3D animated, interactive visualisations of the reactor vessel, containment building and spent fuel pool to provide operators with additional insight into the behaviour of the plant during severe accidents.
The 2D graphics will be made available in L-3’s Orchid Control System and the 3D visuals will be powered by Bridgeworks from TriLink Systems.
The upgraded South Texas Project simulators will be used for training scenarios relating to degraded reactor core conditions that result in fuel melting, including cladding oxidation and hydrogen generation, vessel failure, containment failure and fission product release.
The South Texas Project Electric Generating Station is located approximately 90 miles southwest of Houston near Bay City. The two-unit Westinghouse PWR facility, one of the nation’s largest, produces 2,700MWof carbon-free electricity, which provides clean energy for approximately two million homes in Texas.
The facility is licensed and operated by STP Nuclear Operating Company, and is jointly owned by the City of Austin (Austin Energy), the City of San Antonio (CPS Energy), and NRG Energy (NRG South Texas). The two-unit facility began commercial operation in August 1988 and June 1989, respectively.
L-3 MAPPS has over 30 years of experience in pioneering technological advances in the marine automation field and over 40 years of experience in delivering high-fidelity power plant simulation to leading utilities worldwide.
In addition, the company has more than four decades of expertise in supplying plant computer systems for Canadian heavy water reactors. L-3 MAPPS also provides targeted controls and simulation solutions to the space sector.
To learn more please contact L-3 MAPPS.