Wolsong 1 simulator to be repurposed for use at unit 3
17 January 2019
Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) has contracted L3 MAPPS to repurpose the full-scope simulator for unit 1 of its Wolsong nuclear power plant for training operators at Wolsong unit 3. Wolsong 1 is scheduled to be shut down by 2022.
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The Wolsong plant, comprising four Candu 6 reactors (Image: KHNP)
Simulators are a vital piece of equipment for training plant operators, both at the start of their careers and for their continuing training. They replicate control room panels and help train students in reactor operations under normal conditions and in emergency situations.
Canada-based L3 MAPPS said the project to convert the Wolsong 1 simulator for use at Wolsong 3 will begin immediately.
The Wolsong 3 full-scope simulator, like that of Wolsong 1, will use L3's PC/Windows-based graphical simulation tools for the plant models and instructor station. All the plant systems will be simulated, including the reactor, nuclear steam supply systems, balance of plant systems, electrical systems, and instrumentation and control systems. The Wolsong 3 simulator models will be based on planned adjustments to the Wolsong 1 simulation that have already been developed, validated and maintained in L3's Orchid simulation environment.
As part of the conversion, the Wolsong 1 simulator's full replica main control room panels will be returned to Canada to be upgraded to accurately represent unit 3's main control room.
In addition, the Wolsong 3 simulator will include severe accident simulation capabilities and will be equipped with two- and three-dimensional animated, interactive visualisations of the reactor vessel and containment building.
Michael Chatlani, vice president of marketing and sales for L3 MAPPS Power Systems and Simulation, said: "L3 MAPPS is pleased KHNP decided to convert the Wolsong 1 simulator contracted in 2016 to become the operator training platform for Wolsong 3. We were near completion of the Wolsong 1 simulator, so it is extremely gratifying that all the hard work that went into the simulator will be leveraged for Wolsong 3."
The converted simulator is expected to be in service by the third quarter of 2020.
The Wolsong site in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, houses four 700 MWe Candu 6 pressurised heavy water reactors. L-3 MAPPS supplied the full-scope operator training simulators for all four units.
KHNP announced last June that Wolsong 1, which began generating electricity in 1983, will be retired prior to the expiration of its operating licence in 2022. The company said its decision was based on the "uncertain economic viability" of its continued operation and recent low operating performance. Wolsong 3 began commercial operation in July 1998.
Researched and written by World Nuclear News