Page 6 - 2017 Newsletter

Simulation News of WSC 2017

Major Milestones Achieved

Duke Energy’s 2 Control Room GlassTop Simulators Ready for Training

Duke Energy’s H.B. Robinson and Brunswick the initial implementation before any metal is cut
Nuclear Power Plants’ Control Room GlassTop on the hard panel simulators, not to mention the
Simulators (CRGTS) were declared RFT in January actual units. The CRGTS satisfies both Robinson’s
2016 and September 2016, respectively. and Brunswick’s key criteria of not disrupting
ongoing training on the current full scope simulator
Both Robinson and Brunswick are undergoing and providing a realistic and high fidelity Human
major plant upgrades to install a backbone Factors Engineering (HFE) test-bed, while remaining
Distributed Control System (DCS). The first major cost effective and providing excellent value.
control system being replaced will be their existing
analog turbine controls with a new Digital Turbine Although the CRGTSs are initially targeted for
Control System (TCS). To provide a means to train operator training on the new DCS/TCS, they will
the plant operators on the new TCS, prior to the also be used in other applications such as DCS logic
system implementation in the plant, WSC, Mauell and control validation, JPMs, Simulation Assisted
Corporation and Duke Energy, designed and Engineering, Just-In-Time Practice, examination
developed the two CRGTS. The Robinson and development, HFE design, procedure development
Brunswick CRGTS, which are Full-Scale Full Scope and verification, aux. plant operator familiarization,
Simulators, are based on WSC’s 3KEYTOUCH emergency planning, and classroom instruction. In
platform and includes all control room panels with addition to ongoing training for years to come, the
soft panel graphics displayed on touch screen LCDs. platform will be available for multiple future DCS
To replicate the control room panels of the two upgrades as different systems are replaced
plants in form, size, shape, and function, multiple throughout the remaining lifetime of the plants.
monitor sizes, ranging from 10” to 55”, were used While the CRGTS takes advantage of technology
such that panel sizes and angles, including the developed previously by WSC (Robinson’s panel
bench boards and annunciator sections, match the graphics), it is overall an inspired, revolutionary
actual panel sizes. To create a realistic environment approach. For example, whereas previous
for the new TCS HMI, equipment (monitors, touch generation GlassTop part-task and standalone unit
pads, keyboard, number pads) identical to those simulators included pan and zoom functionality,
that will be used in the plant, were integrated into this is not necessary and even undesirable on a
the panels (see photos to the right). CRGTS where the entire control room is 100% scale,
For the Robinson project, we updated the photo- with replica ergonomics. Since the platform allows
realistic panel graphics that we previously created easy integration of DCS-HMI applications through
for during an earlier project. For Brunswick, we had virtual machine (VM) technology, it provides the
to develop a full set of panel graphics and interface ability to make fast changes on-the-fly, or perform
them to their existing simulation platform. rapid prototyping.
During the implementation of the TCS modification These first-of-a-kind-engineering projects were a
in the plant, in addition to installing the new TCS natural evolution of part-task, desktop, classroom,
HMI screens and controls, some existing panel and GlassTop simulators. They are Full Scope
instruments will be permanently removed, while Simulators that cost a fraction of a hard panel Robinson TCS Display and Keyboard (Top)
others will be relocated to accommodate the new simulator and can be delivered in less than half the Brunswick TCS Keypad & Touch Pad (Bottom)
systems. The CRGTS is an ideal platform to make time.

Robinson Hard Panel Simulator (Top) Brunswick Hard Panel Simulator (Top)
Control Room GlassTop Simulator (Bottom) Control Room GlassTop Simulator (Bottom)

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