Are There Any High-Quality Nuclear Control Simulators Available?

In summary, the ACME BWR Simulator is a decent tool for training operators for a BWR reactor. It does not respond properly to adding heat, but it is good for simulating the controls and behaviors of a reactor.
  • #1
Fearguy1234
14
0
Are there any good Nuclear control simulators, that can simulate the feel of the controls, and simulate the response from the reactor?
 
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  • #2
Yes. Every plant has one that the operators train on (per US NRC regulation following Three Mile Island). Each one looks like an exact duplicate of the real control room: the panels and control switches etc. are the same as the real ones so the feel is as close to identical as possible. The plant response is simulated by computer models.
 
  • #3
For home use:

The ACME BWR Simulator does a decent job of simulating and explaining the startup of a BWR reactor.

I used it to prepare for getting my BWR senior reactor operator license.

http://bwr.software.informer.com/4.5/

It has a built in training "SRO Certification" program. There are normal program help files, then there are also help files which explain the BWR and operational physics. If you have any questions let me know.

There are a few things that it doesn't do well. It doesn't respond properly when you hit the point of adding heat, which I think is the biggest issue with it. But the controls and interlocks/behaviors of the system is very similar to an actual BWR plant.

As for professional use, I train in a fully scale simulator of the control room every 5-6 weeks. It behaves and responds almost exactly like the plant does.
 
  • #4
If you are in the US you might get a tour of a simulator used in a nuclear plant training center. If you are in the Southeast I will show you around our sim myself.

@Hiddencamper
BFN here, where are you?
 
  • #5
montoyas7940 said:
If you are in the US you might get a tour of a simulator used in a nuclear plant training center. If you are in the Southeast I will show you around our sim myself.

@Hiddencamper
BFN here, where are you?

montoyas7940 said:
If you are in the US you might get a tour of a simulator used in a nuclear plant training center. If you are in the Southeast I will show you around our sim myself.

@Hiddencamper
BFN here, where are you?

Clinton.
 
  • #6
I hope things turn to the good for you guys...
 
  • #7
Hiddencamper said:
Clinton.

The Clinton plant; Illinois or the Southeast?

I would love to get a tour. I did much of the modeling for the very first such simulator. Dresden 2 simulator, 1967-68.

I bet things are much different now. Would love to see. We could swap,stories, now versus then.
 
  • #8
I'm at BFN (Alabama) and Hiddencamper is at Clinton (IL.)

Let me know if you are ever nearby and I will show you what I can.
 

1. What is a nuclear control simulator?

A nuclear control simulator is a computer program that simulates the operation of a nuclear power plant or other nuclear facility. It allows scientists and engineers to study and test the behavior of nuclear reactors and related systems without the risks and costs associated with real-world experimentation.

2. How does a nuclear control simulator work?

A nuclear control simulator uses mathematical models and algorithms to represent the physical processes and behaviors of a nuclear facility. These models are programmed into the simulator, and it simulates the response of the plant based on user inputs and predefined scenarios.

3. What are the benefits of using a nuclear control simulator?

There are several benefits to using a nuclear control simulator, including cost-effectiveness, safety, and flexibility. Simulators allow for extensive testing and troubleshooting without the need for expensive equipment or risking the safety of personnel. They also provide the flexibility to simulate a wide range of scenarios and conditions that may be difficult to replicate in a real nuclear facility.

4. How accurate are nuclear control simulators?

Nuclear control simulators are highly accurate and can simulate the behavior of a nuclear facility with a high degree of precision. However, their accuracy depends on the quality of the mathematical models and data used to program the simulator. Continuous validation and improvement are necessary to ensure the accuracy of the simulator.

5. What type of training is required to use a nuclear control simulator?

To use a nuclear control simulator, one must have a strong understanding of nuclear physics, reactor operation, and computer programming. Many scientists and engineers in the nuclear industry receive specialized training on simulator usage and must continually update their skills to keep up with advancements in technology and simulation techniques.

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