L3 MAPPS has entered a seven-year deal with ENGIE Electrabel to provide support services for the Tihange 1 full scope simulator located at the Tihange nuclear power plant in Huy, Belgium.

L3 MAPPS Power Systems and Simulation Marketing and Sales vice president Michael Chatlani said: “L3 MAPPS is very pleased that ENGIE Electrabel has the confidence in us to support the Tihange 1 simulator.

“We developed an excellent relationship while the simulator was being built and look forward to providing superior service for this valuable collaboration.”

The simulator, which has been in service since last year, is equipped with replica control room panels and is based on L3’s state-of-the-art graphical simulation PC/Windows-based tools for the plant models and instructor station.

Most plant systems are simulated in the Orchid® simulation environment, including the reactor, nuclear steam supply systems, balance of plant systems, electrical AC and DC distribution systems, and I&C systems. The electrical grid, including the main generators and transformers, is modelled with FAST, a product of ENGIE Tractebel.

The annual services covered by the support agreement include hosting a replica of the Tihange 1 simulator software at L3 MAPPS’ Montreal facility, both remote and on-site support, and regular updates to the Orchid software.

The Tihange site is located 95km southeast of Brussels along the Meuse River. Tihange 1 is a three-loop pressurised water reactor (PWR) with an electrical output of 962MW. The plant was commissioned in 1975 and is expected to be operational until 2025.

L3 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. L3 MAPPS also provides targeted controls and simulation solutions to the space sector. To learn more about L3 MAPPS, please contact the company via the enquiry form.