3KEYMASTER™ has been used in the development of various Ship Training simulators powered by Diesel and Gas Turbine engines. WSC’s Marine Technology is also used by U.S. Navy Nuclear Generation organizations such as Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, General Dynamics Electric Boat, and Newport News Shipbuilding as an Instrumentation and Control test device to verify controls and supervision of both nuclear submarine and aircraft carrier nuclear marine power systems.
The cost and complexity of modeling the necessary processes has been a significant barrier to the adoption of simulation in traditional marine engineering. 3KEYMASTER™ changes that dynamic. Built from the ground-up, using true object-oriented technology with an open architecture, 3KEYMASTER™ provides a fast, effective modeling platform for marine systems. The software has been used not only to create training simulators, but also as an embedded environment to support the engineers during the design process.
WSC introduced Simulation Assisted Engineering (SAE) to the Shipbuilding Industry. SAE provides tools to test control systems during the development process, such as validating system design, prior to the build. As a result, Propulsion Plant Systems can be custom built to any ship type. After the test phase, 3KEYMASTER™ can provide a powerful Operator Training Simulator and is also useful in evaluating emergent issues with the delivered equipment.
Engine Room Trainers (ERT) provide a realistic training environment by replicating the Engine Control Room (ECR) layout and providing "as fitted” operator interfaces, including control system panels, communications and alarms. These interfaces consist of equipment replications that represent the form, function and spatial location of actual configurations fitted in the ECR. ERT simulators are equipped with an instructor control station for managing the simulation training, and both panel control interfaces and interior communications for manual simulation and instructor role play. ERT simulators can employ either a simulated or stimulated equipment approach, utilizing models and simulations of propulsion engine and gearing dynamics to stimulate replicated onboard operator/user interfaces. ERTs are comprised of the following components:
Engine room Control Station mockup room
Main Diesel Engine and Gearbox Control and Monitoring Console
Propulsion Plant Dynamic Simulation and associated interfaces to ECR equipment
Alarm Panels
Engine Room Trainers (ERT) can be used for individual and team training of engine control room watch keepers. The ERT supports the following types of propulsion plant training:
Propulsion plant start-up and shut-down
Normal underway operations
Abnormal and casualty condition response
Emergency procedures
The ERT simulator is used in conjunction with classroom lessons, reinforcing theory and systems knowledge obtained during lectures with performance-based skills training and practice. The ERT propulsion plant simulation is capable of being integrated with the Full Mission Bridge Trainer (FMBT) to conduct integrated watch team training.