Nuclear Control Room Simulator Using Off-the-Shelf Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nuclear power plant control room simulators are costly, prone to hardware obsolescence, and require complex maintenance due to custom-built components and non-interchangeable parts, failing to provide a cost-effective and reliable training solution that meets regulatory standards.
Innovation Solution
A simulator system utilizing off-the-shelf components, including a Pico-ITX PC, standard VGA LCD monitors, and user input devices, connected via a network for real-time calculations, allowing for easy replacement and interchangeability, and development using standard software platforms like Visual Basic.NET.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom-built processor boards and customized operating platforms are used to create simulated NUMAC hardware, then the simulator can provide accurate modeling of the control room environment, but the hardware becomes obsolete frequently and maintenance becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a simulated environment that replicates the functionality and appearance of the actual NUMAC control room equipment without using identical custom-built hardware. The simulator uses standard off-the-shelf components to copy the essential operational characteristics, thereby achieving reliable training functionality while avoiding the obsolescence and maintenance issues of custom hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by using standard off-the-shelf computer hardware and software platforms that can serve multiple purposes beyond just nuclear plant simulation. These universal components can be used for training, testing, and other computational tasks, reducing dependency on specialized custom-built equipment that becomes obsolete.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard off-the-shelf components are used to build the simulator, then cost is reduced and components are easily replaceable, but questions arise about whether the equipment can satisfy regulatory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the simulator to automatically perform real-time calculations and generate appropriate displays using standard software platforms without requiring specialized custom-built hardware. The system uses readily available computational resources to maintain regulatory compliance, reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring the simulator can meet training and safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by utilizing the computational power and processing capabilities of standard off-the-shelf components to achieve the same functional outcomes previously requiring specialized hardware. By changing from custom hardware parameters to standard component parameters, the system maintains regulatory compliance while improving ease of manufacture and replacement.
3Illumination intensity
If gas plasma displays are used in simulated NUMAC hardware, then the display requirements are met, but the hardware fails at a high rate requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of using inexpensive, easily replaceable components by substituting fragile gas plasma displays with standard LCD or LED displays. While individual display components may have limited lifespans, their low cost and availability make them effectively disposable, allowing rapid replacement without significant expense or specialized procurement, thereby improving overall system reliability.
4Reliability
If custom-designed software is used to build the displays, then the simulator can accurately model the control room environment, but interchangeability of components is reduced and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by developing software solutions that run on standard operating platforms, making the software interchangeable across different hardware configurations. This universal software approach maintains simulation accuracy while enabling component interchangeability, as the same software can operate on various standard computers without custom modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies copying by creating software that replicates the control room environment's functionality and interface characteristics without being tied to specific custom hardware. This software copy can be deployed across standard off-the-shelf systems, maintaining training fidelity while enabling easy component replacement and interchangeability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for simulating an operating environment of a power plant control room (e.g., a nuclear power plant control room). The system may include a simulator configured to simulate the operating environment of the control room, and a simulation computer in communication with the simulator, wherein the simulation computer may be configured to perform a plurality of real-time calculations associated with modeling the operating environment of the control room. The simulator and the simulation computer may include only standard off-the-shelf components.