Development of Modern Power Plant Simulators for a Operators Training Center

The change of the human machine interface from hard panel to personal computers in power plants nowadays, demands a modernization of the training simulators, so the trainees can utilize a suitable operation interface during their training. To accomplish this goal, a new hardware-software platform based on personal computers with Windows XP was developed. This platform was customized to update two hard panel simulators of fossil-fuel units. Additionally, the same platform was utilized to develop a new simulator for a coal-fired unit, and to expand a gas turbine power plant to a combined cycle power plant. The main feature of the platform is that its human machine interface is based on interactive process diagrams, so the operators of modern power plants can practice in a similar interface like they have in their actual plant. All of these simulators are installed in a training center for operators and have been tested and validated by qualified instructors. Currently the simulators are utilized as a part of the training courses for power plants operators.