Simulation

Westinghouse has a strong presence in the nuclear simulator sector due to its cutting-edge simulation technology, offering a wide range of products aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of nuclear facilities.

Accumulating vast experience in nuclear operations over the last 60 years has allowed us to create realistic simulators and simulation technologies, leveraging our deep knowledge into innovative training techniques and best practices in knowledge transfer. We have developed our own simulation tools (TEAMS_SUITE), as well as our own communications system, Software/Hardware (TESIS+) and our own strict configuration control tool (CMS/SICOSIS).

We are able to update and upgrade simulators developed by or with third party tools and using third-party codes including RELAP5, TRAC_RT, MAAP, NEMO, TRACE, etc.

Operation and Maintenance

Our Simulators are certified by the Regulatory Body according to the ANSI/ANS-3.5 2018 & ANSI-3.5.1 20xx Working Groups permitting us to develop simulators on a global scale with multiple nuclear reactor technologies. Spanish Utilities are represented by Westinghouse in the ANSI-3.5 2018 Working Group and in the Utility Simulators Users Group. We have supplied simulators to PWR, BWR and PHWR plants.

Main Activities

Development of replica facility simulators
Development of full or partial scope graphic or classroom simulators
Development of generic simulators for engineering research
Development of 3D virtual reality simulators
Update, upgrade and maintenance of simulators
Operation and management of simulators with 24/7 full availability
Routine corrective HW and SW maintenance
Daily operational readiness tests
Technology upgrades
Simulator configuration management

Simulator Maintenance Services

Methodology and rigor in the control of the simulator configuration
Regular periodic maintenance of key components
Preventive maintenance to avoid future problems and ensure availability during courses
Repair and replacement of defective/worn components
Extensive stock or prototyping and manufacture of obsolete components
Corrective or modifying software and hardware upgrades to improve accuracy, physical fidelity and functionality
Verification and validation of software and hardware upgrades
Documentation and traceability of changes

Simulator Fleet Modernization Objectives

Assure Long-Term Operation (SW/HW Obsolescence)
- Old HW computers, OS UNIX & Old WINDOWS (non-supported by Microsoft and a Security Threat)
- Old I/O systems (difficult to find card spares)
Improve Simulator Maintainability and Training
- New Simulation environment and platform
- New codes/models: better behavior and simulation of new scenarios - Severe Accident
- Implementation of plant DCS (SIEMENS, OVATION...)
- Glasstops (virtual panels, soft panels)

Simulator Modernization Services

Analysis of the needs and objectives of modernization and definition of strategies and their execution
Migrations from one simulation technology to another
Portings and operating system upgrades
Input/output system replacements
Redesign or adaption of complex and legacy simulation architectures
Design, prototyping and manufacturing of new modules (instruments, equipment or panels)
Integration of new codes, technologies, and advanced features
Upgrading of instructor workstations and improved user interfaces
Verification and validation of changes
Rigorous configuration control, documentation and traceability

Simulator Development

Providing integrated solutions adapted to client requirements.

More than 35 years of experience in simulator manufacturing, maintenance, and upgrade together with being a worldwide expert in plant personnel training make Westinghouse a unique company. This dual profile provides Westinghouse with an integral vision, allowing us to deliver global simulation solutions that support the safety, availability, and economic effectiveness of our clients’ facilities.

Our experience as owners and users of simulators means that the user experience and the reduction of costs associated with subsequent maintenance are reflected in our designs, offering efficient and economical simulators not only in the initial investment but throughout their life cycle.

Our portfolio includes proven and upgraded full and partial-scope simulators for different power generation technologies as well as a wide range of Simulation Assisted Engineering (SAE) services.

Full scope replica nuclear simulators
Partial-task and generic nuclear simulators
Multi-unit simulators for generic Small Modular Reactors
Nuclear plant analyzers (RELAP-based)
Full scope fossil simulators
Full scope solar thermal simulators
PV Simulators
Virtual power plant simulation tool
Hybrid Systems Simulators
Models for performance and condition monitoring
Simulators for isolated systems
Electrical systems/cabinets simulators

Our simulators are supported by our own simulation technology and provided by a simulation staff with over fifteen years of individual experience on simulations projects, including the development of many simulators and the operation and maintenance of six proprietary nuclear full scope simulators.

Engineering Support & Digital Twins

Explore the added value of Westinghouse in LTO plans and large I&C modifications.

Westinghouse can streamline the design process (dynamics HMI, controllers...) with simulation support and virtual commissioning based on its digital twins, expediting the incorporation of design modifications, as a result of better coordination and integration between real plant and simulator projects, and reducing cost and deadlines thanks to comprehensive management of the (real/simulated) assets.

Our experience as nuclear designers, as well as users and owners of simulators, has led to our own methodology, consolidated and recognized by our regulators, to make use of simulation in design engineering.

Rely on our high-fidelity replica simulators and digital twins to support your engineering analyses:

Safety analysis support
Operating procedures validation
Assessment of plant design modifications
Validation and tuning of new I&C digital systems
Validation of new operation support systems (computerized procedures, alarm filtering, etc.)
Validation of new control rooms (HFE / HSI systems)

Click here to learn more about Control Room Design and Supply.