L-3 MAPPS announced today that it will proceed with two projects to update the full scope simulator at Axpo’s Beznau nuclear power plant located in Döttingen, Switzerland. The projects involve NEXIS and AUTANOVE updates being performed on the plant’s two operating units. The simulator updates are expected to enter service in the fall of 2013.
Under the NEXIS project, the plant is replacing its existing WDPF-based plant information system with an advanced Ovation-based system from Westinghouse. For the AUTANOVE project, the existing remote hydro plant emergency power supply is being replaced with two on-site diesel generators for each operating unit. To properly train Beznau operators on the impact and behavior of these significant plant modifications, the updated simulator must be operational well in advance of the actual plant modifications going into service.
"Since the Beznau full scope simulator went into operation in the first quarter of 2007, Axpo has depended on L-3 MAPPS for its nuclear plant simulation needs," said Michael Chatlani, vice president of marketing and sales for L-3 MAPPS Power Systems and Simulation. "As the plant has evolved, so has the simulator, and we are proud that Axpo has continued to work alongside us over the years."
"Always ready to devise custom solutions to address our challenges, L-3 MAPPS’ technology, know-how and general approach to business are the right fit for Beznau," said Roger Lufi, operations support manager at Axpo’s Beznau nuclear power plant. "We look forward to completing these new projects with our simulation partner."
For NEXIS, L-3 MAPPS will modify the interface to the existing plant information system to allow communication with the Ovation system supplied by Westinghouse. Several trials will be performed before L-3 MAPPS personnel proceed to a Pittsburgh, Pa. facility to set up the initial communication and to support integrated simulator-Ovation testing.
For AUTANOVE, L-3 MAPPS will leverage its Orchid® Modeling Environment to remodel the electrical emergency power supply, including power distribution. The new diesel generators will be fully simulated with their auxiliary and control systems. The controls will be based on Westinghouse’s Common Q platform.
L-3 MAPPS will develop the control logic that will be added to start up the diesel generators and sequentially turn on the necessary equipment. Other related plant changes that will be modeled are the addition of a feeding system to the emergency feedwater system and a seal water pump to the seal injection water supply to the reactor coolant pump, each controlled by AREVA’s Teleperm XS.
Both updates will be integrated on the full scope simulator and subjected to rigorous on-site testing before the updated simulator is turned over to Axpo’s training department.