Canada-based L3 MAPPS has been selected by technology company ABB to revamp a simulator installed on DTE Energy’s Fermi 2 nuclear power plant in Newport, US.
The boiling water reactor (BWR) facility produces 1.1 million kilowatts of electricity, which accounts for 30% of Michigan’s total nuclear generation capacity.
L3 MAPPS supplied the simulator in 2006. The proposed upgrade will cover a simulated 120kv switchyard and any associated changes required to the actual switchyard equipment once the test has been run.
ABB’s Symphony Plus process control system will also be updated.
L3 MAPPS will modify the simulator’s process models and provide a hardware interface featuring a compact input / output (I/O) system and power supplies. This will help the simulation communicate with a replica of ABB's DCS hardware and software for the 120kv switchyard.
The new interface and simulation will also assist factory acceptance testing at ABB’s facility in Wickliffe, US.
L3 MAPPS power systems and simulation marketing and sales vice-president Michael Chatlani said: “We have extensive experience on the Fermi 2 simulator and are very excited about this first opportunity to work directly with ABB and demonstrate our simulation capabilities.
“This work on the simulator will help DTE Energy's operations personnel become familiar with the changing configuration on the electric grid and ensure successful plant operations for years to come.”
The upgrade is due to be completed by the end of this year.
Image: Fermi 2 nuclear plant simulator. Photo: courtesy of L-3 Communications MAPPS
