Real Time Simulation of the Pressurizer and Bleed Condenser for the Bruce NGS-B Training Simulator

Abstract

Ontario Hydro's nuclear-electric generating units provide a reliable supply of base electrical load and, therefore, provide relatively few opportunities for the operating staff to experience unit maneuvers and upset conditions. Consequently, full-scope training simulators are used in combination with classroom, laboratory, micro-simulator, and on the job training to develop the skilled operating staff required to operate the nuclear generating stations. Ontario Hydro currently has a full-scope training simulator for each of its commercial nuclear generating stations that are in service. When delivered to site, the Bruce NGS-B training simulator was not able to respond correctly to several of the operating events, due to significant shortcomings in the process simulation software. Extensive commissioning revealed that many of the serious deficiencies were associated with the temperature and pressure response of two key components of the Primary Heat Transport System: the pressurizer and the bleed condenser. This paper describes the modifications made to the software models of these two plant components. The new versions of the bleed condenser and pressurizer were installed over one year ago, and have been used to train and retrain nuclear first operators for Bruce NGS-B since the simulator was placed into service in July 1986. The model is considered suitable for a wide range of vessels containing subcooled, saturated or superheated fluids.