L-3 Communications MAPPS (L-3 MAPPS), a subsidiary of L-3 Communications, announced today that it has signed a protocol in Döttingen, Switzerland with Nordostschweizerische Kraftwerke AG (NOK) on putting into service the full-scale power plant simulator for Switzerland’s Beznau plant - a key milestone in the delivery of power plant simulators known as "Ready For Training" or "RFT."
The simulator, ordered three years ago, services two Westinghouse pressurized water reactor units at the Beznau site in northeastern Switzerland. The identical Beznau 1 and 2 units, each with a rated net output of 365MWe, have been supplying reliable, safe and clean energy to nine cantons since 1969 and 1971, respectively.
The majority of the simulator’s models were developed, validated and are being maintained in L-3 MAPPS’ ROSE® simulation environment. The simulator is equipped with full replica control room panels and L-3 MAPPS’ Isis™ - a feature-rich, user-friendly instructor station. The simulation of plant computer systems from ABB, AREVA and Westinghouse were also included in the simulator’s scope of supply.
"Even though the project was very ambitious, we achieved all of our goals. This was possible because we worked very hard - and even more important - we worked like one team," said Roland Käser, Head of Electrical Project Engineering, NOK. "In choosing L-3 MAPPS, we have chosen the best possible supplier for the Beznau simulator, not only for the delivery phase itself, but also for the impending lifetime of our simulator."
"From the outset, it was agreed that we would develop this simulator with an open, team approach and the result is spectacular," said Michael Chatlani, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, L-3 MAPPS Power Systems and Simulation. "It has truly been a joy to work closely with NOK on the Beznau simulator project and we look forward to supporting NOK’s training program for many years to come."
NOK is a joint stock company with a share capital of 360 million Swiss francs, which is entirely held by Axpo Holding AG. With a balance sum of six billion Swiss francs and 1,200 employees, NOK is one of the leading utilities in Switzerland.
L-3 MAPPS has over 20 years of experience in pioneering technological advances in the marine automation field and over 30 years of experience in delivering high-fidelity power plant simulation to leading utilities worldwide. In addition, the company has more than three 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.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training and government services. The company is a leading merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products, including guidance and navigation, sensors, scanners, fuzes, data links, propulsion systems, simulators, avionics, electro optics, satellite communications, electrical power equipment, encryption, signal intelligence, antennas and microwave components. L-3 also supports a variety of Homeland Security initiatives with products and services. Its customers include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, selected U.S. Government intelligence agencies and aerospace prime contractors.
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