- Email: [email protected]
Nuclear plant simulators
CHAPTER
Nuclear plant simulators
15
15.1 Introduction Many computer-based simulators are available for training and/or education. They provide students and/or trainees with experience that helps them to understand reactor behavior during normal operation and during postulated accident conditions. The student or trainee initiates control actions to achieve desired reactor conditions, including actions that stop accident conditions or minimize undesirable consequences of an accident.
15.2 Types of simulators and their purpose 15.2.1 Simulator games The simplest simulator is a game simulator on a personal computer. Numerous game simulators are available as free downloads on the internet. They provide the user with an ability to drive the simulated response to a desired objective condition. Game simulators provide results that illustrate the way a reactor behaves. They do not provide high-fidelity simulation of a specific reactor design. The emphasis is a qualitative illustration of how a reactor works. They are intended for use by students and interested citizens. Refs. [1–7] show some simulator games that are available on the Internet (in 2019).
15.2.2 Desk-top simulators Desk-top simulators include those that run on software loaded onto a personal computer and those that run on personal computers connected to software via the Internet. Desk-top simulators for training and education provide high-fidelity simulations of specific reactor types. Refs. [8–14] show some simulators for education and training that are available on the internet (in 2019). They include part-task simulators and whole-plant simulators. These include simulators that are commercially available and tailored for a specific reactor. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) provides whole-plant and parttask desk-top simulators (A part-task simulator simulates only a reactor sub-system) that run on software loaded onto a personal computer. IAEA simulators are widely Dynamics and Control of Nuclear Reactors. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-815261-4.00015-9 # 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
203
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CHAPTER 15 Nuclear plant simulators
used and are described in Section 15.3.1. IAEA provides free simulation software to authorized users in IAEA member countries [8]. Desk-top simulators that access software via the internet are also available and are addressed in Section 15.3.2.
15.2.3 Control room simulators Control room simulators are whole-plant simulators with control rooms that mimic a reactor control room. Trainees see plant condition indications and take operator actions exactly like in an actual reactor control room. Section 15.4 addresses control room simulators.
15.3 Desk-top simulators 15.3.1 Introduction Desk-top simulators are those that run on software loaded onto personal computers (PC). Internet-based desk-top simulators are those in which the user’s personal computer is connected to simulator software via the internet.
15.3.1.1 PC simulation Whole-plant desk-top PC simulators are available from several sources. PC simulators from the IAEA are often used for training and education and are described below. IAEA desk-top simulators were available when this section was written (June 2019) and are as follows: IAEA PWR Simulators • • • • •
Two-loop PWR Advanced two-loop large PWR Russian-type PWR (VVER) Advanced passive PWR Integral PWR
IAEA BWR Simulators • •
Conventional BWR with active safety systems Advanced BWR with passive safety systems
Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR or CANDU) • •
Conventional PHWR (for example, CANDU reactor) Advanced PHWR
A part-task IAEA simulator, called the Micro-Physics Nuclear Reactor Simulator is also available. A High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGR) simulator is also available.
15.3 Desk-top simulators
15.3.1.2 Using an IAEA simulator Figs. 15.1 and 15.2 show typical screen displays for an IAEA PWR simulator and a BWR simulator. These PC-based simulators were developed by Micro-Simulation Technology [9]. The schematics display important plant parameters during a transient. Both numerical values and plots of selected process variables and reactor power may be displayed as needed and the information may be stored in data files. Both normal operation and accident scenarios can be simulated. The simulation platform, PCTRAN, was developed by Micro-Simulation Technology [15, 16] and is available from IAEA for member nations.
15.3.2 Simulation of PWR and BWR plant transients 15.3.2.1 PWR simulation The computer platform used by the IAEA for training purposes has the ability to simulate various dynamic features of a PWR. The variables that can be changed fall under the following categories: basic, thermal, and rad (radiation) data. These variables affect the initial conditions and are monitored using the transient plots during the run. The plots are displayed in real time, showing different variables as the simulation proceeds. The graphing options include axes scaling, labeling, selection of variables, and saving the choices. An example of load reduction transient in a typical PWR is shown in Fig. 15.3. The simulation shows that reactor power follows the turbine demand. The effect of temperature feedback is seen in the transient when the demand power changes. Various accident scenarios can be simulated with this PC-based software. The effect of the selected malfunction can be displayed using process variables that are relevant to the selected scenario. While the malfunction is in place, new graphics will appear to show the conditions of process variables. It is possible to take actions to prevent the continuation of the malfunction, and thus avoid a severe accident condition. The simulation may be performed either in the manual or automatic mode by selecting appropriate action buttons. It is necessary provide necessary information to the program if run in the manual mode. It is possible to revert to automatic mode at any time during the transient. The plant schematic visual aid displays variations in certain parameters, such as water levels, valve actuation, control rod motion, etc., during plant transient. All the graphical plots and raw data can be saved for future use.
15.3.2.2 BWR simulation BWR simulation is more involved than the PWR simulation. One of the key parameters is the initial reactor power level, since this value determines the approach for further power changes, either an increase or a decrease. The “Power/Flow Map & Controls” option contains a graph that displays recirculation flow rate (%) versus reactor power (%). The program allows the choice of
205
206 CHAPTER 15 Nuclear plant simulators
FIG. 15.1 Operational schematic of a PWR plant using a PC-based simulator (Courtesy of Micro-Simulation Technology).
15.3 Desk-top simulators
FIG. 15.2
207
Operational schematic of a BWR plant using a PC-based simulator. (Courtesy of Micro-Simulation Technology).
208
CHAPTER 15 Nuclear plant simulators
Load Reduction 120 110 100 90 80 70 60
Power Core thermal (%) Power Neutron Flux (%) Power Turbine load (%)
50 40 30 20 10 0 0
500
1000
1500 Time (s)
2000
2500
3000
PCTran 6/27/2011 7:19:50 PM
FIG. 15.3 Simulation of load reduction transient in a 4-loop PWR. (Courtesy of Micro-Simulation Technology [16]).
set points, desired power level, reactivity insertion, and flow rate variation. Multiple screens are available to obtain information during simulation. The display options that can be selected are similar to those for the PWR simulation. The BWR simulation has many screens and different settings to adjust in order to create different models for real-life situations.
15.3.3 How to obtain an IAEA simulator? The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sponsors the development and distribution of nuclear plant simulators for training and education. The simulation platforms are developed for IAEA by commercial organizations. These simulators are available to university professors and engineers of IAEA member states for use in teaching the safety aspects and operation of nuclear power plants. IAEA distributes the software and relevant documentation at no cost to requesting parties from member states and is made available through a SharePoint located within IAEA’s Nucleus website. The requesting person/organization must register at the following website to obtain a Nucleus login ID: https://nucleus.iaea.org/Pages/default.aspx Mail the completed Request Form to: [email protected]
Example of an industrial control room simulator (Courtesy of Western Services Corporation [17]).
15.3 Desk-top simulators
FIG. 15.4
209
210
CHAPTER 15 Nuclear plant simulators
15.3.4 Internet-based desk-top simulators Several Internet-based nuclear reactor simulators are available. An example may be found at the site www.nuclearpowersimulator.com. This on-line simulator performs both normal operation and reactor anomaly transients. A more advanced simulator for a variety of PWRs and BWRs was developed by Micro-System Technology, called the PCTRAN [16]. PCTRAN is an interactive simulation platform. Graphic icons and pull-down menu facilitate plant simulation, including normal operation and accident transients. Manual pump trips, valve operation, set point changes, power maneuver, and others can be easily performed. Manual override of emergency features is possible and is useful for simulating plant accidents such as the event at Three Mile Island-Unit 2 (TMI-2).
15.4 Control room simulators Control room simulators mimic an actual reactor control room. They include the same displays that exist in the reactor control room and the layout is identical. The actuators and displays are interfaced with a computer that operates reactor software. An instructor has the capability to introduce both normal and accident events in the simulation. Operator trainees respond with actions intended to terminate the event safely. Their responses are judged by the instructors. A trainee must demonstrate proficiency in order to be certified as a reactor operator. Fig. 15.4 shows a typical control room simulator by Western Services Corporation [17].
References Game simulators [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
www.ae4rv.com/store/nuke_pc.htm (game). download.cnet.com (game). nuclearconnect.org › In the Classroom › For Students (ANS…game) https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id¼725812726 (game). https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id¼ru.DmitryLomakin (game). nuclearpowersimulator.com (game). https://www.techspot.com/.../3969-nuclear-power-plant-simulator.htm (game).
Education and Training Simulators [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14]
https://www.iaea.org/topics/nuclear-power-reactors/nuclear-reactor. Micro-System Technology: http://microsimtech.com furryelephant.com/.../radioactivity/nuclear-reactor-power-simulation. nuclear.playgen.com (University of Manchester simulator). https://www.nuclearinst.com/Nuclear-Reactor-Simulator (The Nuclear Institute). https://www.gses.com/simulation-technology (commercial systems for sale). getintopc.com/softwares/simulators/boiling-water-reactor-nuclear.
References
General [15] L.C. Po, PC-based simulator for education in advanced nuclear power plant construction, in: International Symposium on the Peaceful Applications of Nuclear Technology in the GCC Countries, Jeddah, 2008http://www.microsimtech.com. [16] PCTRAN, Manual for a 4-loop Pressurized Water Reactor, Micro-Simulation Technology, http://www.microsimtech.com/pctran/, 2016. [17] Western Services Corporation: n.d. https://www.ws-corp.com
211
Nuclear plant simulators
15
15.1 Introduction Many computer-based simulators are available for training and/or education. They provide students and/or trainees with experience that helps them to understand reactor behavior during normal operation and during postulated accident conditions. The student or trainee initiates control actions to achieve desired reactor conditions, including actions that stop accident conditions or minimize undesirable consequences of an accident.
15.2 Types of simulators and their purpose 15.2.1 Simulator games The simplest simulator is a game simulator on a personal computer. Numerous game simulators are available as free downloads on the internet. They provide the user with an ability to drive the simulated response to a desired objective condition. Game simulators provide results that illustrate the way a reactor behaves. They do not provide high-fidelity simulation of a specific reactor design. The emphasis is a qualitative illustration of how a reactor works. They are intended for use by students and interested citizens. Refs. [1–7] show some simulator games that are available on the Internet (in 2019).
15.2.2 Desk-top simulators Desk-top simulators include those that run on software loaded onto a personal computer and those that run on personal computers connected to software via the Internet. Desk-top simulators for training and education provide high-fidelity simulations of specific reactor types. Refs. [8–14] show some simulators for education and training that are available on the internet (in 2019). They include part-task simulators and whole-plant simulators. These include simulators that are commercially available and tailored for a specific reactor. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) provides whole-plant and parttask desk-top simulators (A part-task simulator simulates only a reactor sub-system) that run on software loaded onto a personal computer. IAEA simulators are widely Dynamics and Control of Nuclear Reactors. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-815261-4.00015-9 # 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
203
204
CHAPTER 15 Nuclear plant simulators
used and are described in Section 15.3.1. IAEA provides free simulation software to authorized users in IAEA member countries [8]. Desk-top simulators that access software via the internet are also available and are addressed in Section 15.3.2.
15.2.3 Control room simulators Control room simulators are whole-plant simulators with control rooms that mimic a reactor control room. Trainees see plant condition indications and take operator actions exactly like in an actual reactor control room. Section 15.4 addresses control room simulators.
15.3 Desk-top simulators 15.3.1 Introduction Desk-top simulators are those that run on software loaded onto personal computers (PC). Internet-based desk-top simulators are those in which the user’s personal computer is connected to simulator software via the internet.
15.3.1.1 PC simulation Whole-plant desk-top PC simulators are available from several sources. PC simulators from the IAEA are often used for training and education and are described below. IAEA desk-top simulators were available when this section was written (June 2019) and are as follows: IAEA PWR Simulators • • • • •
Two-loop PWR Advanced two-loop large PWR Russian-type PWR (VVER) Advanced passive PWR Integral PWR
IAEA BWR Simulators • •
Conventional BWR with active safety systems Advanced BWR with passive safety systems
Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR or CANDU) • •
Conventional PHWR (for example, CANDU reactor) Advanced PHWR
A part-task IAEA simulator, called the Micro-Physics Nuclear Reactor Simulator is also available. A High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGR) simulator is also available.
15.3 Desk-top simulators
15.3.1.2 Using an IAEA simulator Figs. 15.1 and 15.2 show typical screen displays for an IAEA PWR simulator and a BWR simulator. These PC-based simulators were developed by Micro-Simulation Technology [9]. The schematics display important plant parameters during a transient. Both numerical values and plots of selected process variables and reactor power may be displayed as needed and the information may be stored in data files. Both normal operation and accident scenarios can be simulated. The simulation platform, PCTRAN, was developed by Micro-Simulation Technology [15, 16] and is available from IAEA for member nations.
15.3.2 Simulation of PWR and BWR plant transients 15.3.2.1 PWR simulation The computer platform used by the IAEA for training purposes has the ability to simulate various dynamic features of a PWR. The variables that can be changed fall under the following categories: basic, thermal, and rad (radiation) data. These variables affect the initial conditions and are monitored using the transient plots during the run. The plots are displayed in real time, showing different variables as the simulation proceeds. The graphing options include axes scaling, labeling, selection of variables, and saving the choices. An example of load reduction transient in a typical PWR is shown in Fig. 15.3. The simulation shows that reactor power follows the turbine demand. The effect of temperature feedback is seen in the transient when the demand power changes. Various accident scenarios can be simulated with this PC-based software. The effect of the selected malfunction can be displayed using process variables that are relevant to the selected scenario. While the malfunction is in place, new graphics will appear to show the conditions of process variables. It is possible to take actions to prevent the continuation of the malfunction, and thus avoid a severe accident condition. The simulation may be performed either in the manual or automatic mode by selecting appropriate action buttons. It is necessary provide necessary information to the program if run in the manual mode. It is possible to revert to automatic mode at any time during the transient. The plant schematic visual aid displays variations in certain parameters, such as water levels, valve actuation, control rod motion, etc., during plant transient. All the graphical plots and raw data can be saved for future use.
15.3.2.2 BWR simulation BWR simulation is more involved than the PWR simulation. One of the key parameters is the initial reactor power level, since this value determines the approach for further power changes, either an increase or a decrease. The “Power/Flow Map & Controls” option contains a graph that displays recirculation flow rate (%) versus reactor power (%). The program allows the choice of
205
206 CHAPTER 15 Nuclear plant simulators
FIG. 15.1 Operational schematic of a PWR plant using a PC-based simulator (Courtesy of Micro-Simulation Technology).
15.3 Desk-top simulators
FIG. 15.2
207
Operational schematic of a BWR plant using a PC-based simulator. (Courtesy of Micro-Simulation Technology).
208
CHAPTER 15 Nuclear plant simulators
Load Reduction 120 110 100 90 80 70 60
Power Core thermal (%) Power Neutron Flux (%) Power Turbine load (%)
50 40 30 20 10 0 0
500
1000
1500 Time (s)
2000
2500
3000
PCTran 6/27/2011 7:19:50 PM
FIG. 15.3 Simulation of load reduction transient in a 4-loop PWR. (Courtesy of Micro-Simulation Technology [16]).
set points, desired power level, reactivity insertion, and flow rate variation. Multiple screens are available to obtain information during simulation. The display options that can be selected are similar to those for the PWR simulation. The BWR simulation has many screens and different settings to adjust in order to create different models for real-life situations.
15.3.3 How to obtain an IAEA simulator? The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sponsors the development and distribution of nuclear plant simulators for training and education. The simulation platforms are developed for IAEA by commercial organizations. These simulators are available to university professors and engineers of IAEA member states for use in teaching the safety aspects and operation of nuclear power plants. IAEA distributes the software and relevant documentation at no cost to requesting parties from member states and is made available through a SharePoint located within IAEA’s Nucleus website. The requesting person/organization must register at the following website to obtain a Nucleus login ID: https://nucleus.iaea.org/Pages/default.aspx Mail the completed Request Form to: [email protected]
Example of an industrial control room simulator (Courtesy of Western Services Corporation [17]).
15.3 Desk-top simulators
FIG. 15.4
209
210
CHAPTER 15 Nuclear plant simulators
15.3.4 Internet-based desk-top simulators Several Internet-based nuclear reactor simulators are available. An example may be found at the site www.nuclearpowersimulator.com. This on-line simulator performs both normal operation and reactor anomaly transients. A more advanced simulator for a variety of PWRs and BWRs was developed by Micro-System Technology, called the PCTRAN [16]. PCTRAN is an interactive simulation platform. Graphic icons and pull-down menu facilitate plant simulation, including normal operation and accident transients. Manual pump trips, valve operation, set point changes, power maneuver, and others can be easily performed. Manual override of emergency features is possible and is useful for simulating plant accidents such as the event at Three Mile Island-Unit 2 (TMI-2).
15.4 Control room simulators Control room simulators mimic an actual reactor control room. They include the same displays that exist in the reactor control room and the layout is identical. The actuators and displays are interfaced with a computer that operates reactor software. An instructor has the capability to introduce both normal and accident events in the simulation. Operator trainees respond with actions intended to terminate the event safely. Their responses are judged by the instructors. A trainee must demonstrate proficiency in order to be certified as a reactor operator. Fig. 15.4 shows a typical control room simulator by Western Services Corporation [17].
References Game simulators [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
www.ae4rv.com/store/nuke_pc.htm (game). download.cnet.com (game). nuclearconnect.org › In the Classroom › For Students (ANS…game) https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id¼725812726 (game). https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id¼ru.DmitryLomakin (game). nuclearpowersimulator.com (game). https://www.techspot.com/.../3969-nuclear-power-plant-simulator.htm (game).
Education and Training Simulators [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14]
https://www.iaea.org/topics/nuclear-power-reactors/nuclear-reactor. Micro-System Technology: http://microsimtech.com furryelephant.com/.../radioactivity/nuclear-reactor-power-simulation. nuclear.playgen.com (University of Manchester simulator). https://www.nuclearinst.com/Nuclear-Reactor-Simulator (The Nuclear Institute). https://www.gses.com/simulation-technology (commercial systems for sale). getintopc.com/softwares/simulators/boiling-water-reactor-nuclear.
References
General [15] L.C. Po, PC-based simulator for education in advanced nuclear power plant construction, in: International Symposium on the Peaceful Applications of Nuclear Technology in the GCC Countries, Jeddah, 2008http://www.microsimtech.com. [16] PCTRAN, Manual for a 4-loop Pressurized Water Reactor, Micro-Simulation Technology, http://www.microsimtech.com/pctran/, 2016. [17] Western Services Corporation: n.d. https://www.ws-corp.com
211