Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Nuclear Power Plant Training Simulation Platform Design and Validation

Abstract

The design, development and validation of a hardwarein- the-loop (HIL) simulation platform are presented. An Invensys Triconex Tricon v9 safety PLC is interfaced to a nuclear power plant (NPP) simulation suite, replicating the operation of Darlington NPP. Communication between the simulator and external hardware is supported by a National Instruments (NI) data acquisition system (DAQ) and a customized virtual instrument (VI). Event timings within the control loop are thoroughly investigated and an acceptable method for HIL platform communication is developed. A sample application (primary shutdown system (SDS1)) is implemented and evaluated. SDS1 evaluation is performed with focus on steam generator (SG) level low trip scenarios. For this purpose, a design basis accident (DBA) associated with SDS1 regulatory standards is applied to the HIL simulation environment and compared with simulated expected plant operation. Further, the role of the Tricon v9 system within the HIL loop is investigated to establish a basis for the future integration of the entire SDS1 control logic.