[en] For reasons which are stated, the Hunterston-B nuclear power station automatic control system includes a manual over-ride facility. It is therefore essential for the station engineers to be trained to recognise and control all feasible modes of plant and logic malfunction. A training simulator has been built which consists of a replica of the shutdown monitoring panel in the Central Control Room and is controlled by a mini-computer. This paper highlights the computer aspects of the simulator and relevant derived experience, under the following headings: engineering background; shutdown sequence equipment; simulator equipment; features; software; testing; maintenance. (U.K.)

[en] Real-time replica control room simulators are now in general use for the training of nuclear power plant operators, and the almost universal trend towards accurate physics-based plant models and detailed operator interface has opened up interesting and valuable engineering applications. This paper discusses the use of the Torness AGR Simulator in its dual role of commissioning support tool and operator training facility. (author)

[en] The Hunterston 'B' full scope AGR Simulator, built for the South of Scotland Electricity Board by Marconi Instruments, encompasses all systems under direct and indirect control of the Hunterston central control room operators. The resulting breadth and depth of simulation together with the specification for the real time implementation of a large number of highly interactive detailed plant models leads to the classic problem of identifying acceptance and acceptability criteria. For example, whilst the ultimate criterion for acceptability must clearly be that within the context of the training requirement the simulator should be indistinguishable from the actual plant, far more measurable (i.e. less subjective) statements are required if a formal contractual acceptance condition is to be achieved. Within the framework, individual models and processes can have radically different acceptance requirements which therefore reflect on the commissioning approach applied. This paper discusses the application of a combination of quality assurance methods, design code results, plant data, theoretical analysis and operator 'feel' in the commissioning of the Hunterston 'B' AGR Operator Training Simulator. (author)

[en] Hunterston 'B' is now firmly established as a Base Load Nuclear Power station with the result that operating staff rarely experience conditions outside a fairly narrow operating window. The South of Scotland Electricity Board has identified the requirement for mechanistic total plant simulator training to ensure the optimum performance of staff during both fault situations and infrequent routine operations. The highly interactive nature of the problem together with the availability of validated design models and a desire to avoid extensive empiric modelling gave rise to the specification of design quality mathematical models to support the simulation. This and the Hunterston requirement for modelling plant asymmetries implies that the real time solution of about 2000 differential, 4000 algebraic and 5000 Boolean equations interfaced via some 9000 input-output channels to a simulated control room. The simulator design, based on a distributed parallel processing approach, incorporates a number of unique features to enable this specification to be met. The simulator is located on the Hunterston site and with the provision of extensive telecommunications equipment will enable site emergency exercises to be carried out from the simulated control room. (author)

[en] The initial fuel loadings of the Hinkley Point B and Hunterston B CAGRs included specially developed stringers containing instrumentation to make channel performance measurements. More recently the emphasis of the instrumented stringer programme has concentrated on developing a means of detecting and quantifying carbonaceous deposit on the fuel pins. An analysis route has been set-up to compare measured and calculated can temperatures and to calculate Stanton Number changes. Present analysis is dedicated towards gaining an increased understanding of the relationship between measurement and prediction in the prevailing non-depositing coolants. A series of experiments has been planned for Hinkley Point B in which several instrumented stringers containing many instrumented pins will be used to quantify deposition in a number of different coolant compositions so that a composition giving the optimum compromise between graphite corrosion and deposition can be identified. (author)

[en] Nuclear power plant simulators provide a vital tool in the training of operational staff in the statutory procedures and operational requirements of the nuclear industry. Scottish Nuclear, and its predecessor the South of Scotland Electricity Board, recognised the value such facilities offered to safety and efficiency and commissioned the construction of the Hunterston Operator Training Simulator as early as 1980. The simulator is a full scope, total plant, and real time system, with a complete 'as plant' replication of the operator interface, together with extensive instructor and tutorial facilities. Its uses have extended beyond the operator training role into plant engineering post incident analysis, evolving to be an essential feature of the station as a whole. Operation of the simulator for the foreseeable life of the station was the main driving force behind the current simulator update project, and whilst the need to move to a new computing platform, avoiding impending obsolescence problems, was the prime reason, the retention of 17 years of software development was seen as a valuable legacy to preserve. This paper discusses the main criteria considered during the simulator upgrade programme, highlighting the main technical issues and risks involved. (author)