L-3 MAPPS has added PPL Susquehanna LLC as a new customer for its leading-edge power plant simulation capabilities.
Using its robust Orchid® simulation environment, L-3 MAPPS will replace the computing environment and plant models for the Susquehanna Unit 1 full-scope simulator. Work is underway and the upgraded simulator is expected to be in service by the third quarter of 2016.
L-3 MAPPS vice-president of marketing and sales Michael Chatlani said: "The selection process for this major upgrade effort was very rigorous and we are honored that PPL chose our premium Orchid solution.
"We are committed to working closely with PPL throughout the execution phase to deliver a best-in-class simulator that will meet PPL’s requirements well into the future."
PPL was seeking the most robust simulation environment, most credible plant models and best-developed simulator configuration management system to get to the next level of operator training excellence. L-3 MAPPS demonstrated its technical depth and understanding of PPL’s simulator needs, which resulted in this award.
The new Susquehanna Unit 1 simulator will use L-3’s state-of-the-art graphical simulation PC / Windows-based tools for the plant models and instructor station. The entire Unit 1 power plant will be simulated in the Orchid simulation environment, including L-3’s Comet Plus™ reactor model, ANTHEM™ steam-supply system model, balance of plant systems, electrical systems and I&C systems.
The simulator will also be equipped with new 2-D and 3-D animated, interactive visualisations of the reactor vessel, containment building and spent fuel pool to provide operators with a real-time understanding of the plant’s behaviour during normal and abnormal operations and during severe accidents. The 2-D graphics will be enabled with L-3’s Orchid Control System, and 3-D visuals will be powered by Bridgeworks© from TriLink Systems.
PPL Susquehanna LLC is a subsidiary of PPL Generation LLC, which is a subsidiary of PPL Corporation. PPL Susquehanna owns 90% of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station (SSES) and operates it. Allegheny Electric Cooperative, based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, US, owns 10%.
SSES, located in Salem Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, is made up of two General Electric boiling water reactors, which are capable of generating more than 2,600 megawatts. Unit 1 began commercial operation in June 1983 and Unit 2 in February 1985.
PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is one of the largest companies in the US utility sector, with 2013 revenues of $12bn. PPL delivers electricity and natural gas to approximately 10 million customers in the US and the UK.
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.