Simulators

The realistic exercise of everyday situations using a simulator has decisive and convincing advantages, particularly for the training of power plant personnel. Similar to simulator training for pilots, it allows highly efficient training with no risk, intensively preparing participants for normal operation and handling plant malfunctions. From the start-up of single plant components to the diagnosis of complicated disturbances, simulator training offers good value for money, whether basic training of operators, refresher courses, advanced training for experienced shift personnel and additional training for power plant engineers are concerned.
There are several good reasons for doing simulator training:

• The practice of start-up and shut-down for operating personnel of base load plants
• By diagnosing and eliminating disturbances of a simulated power plant, the technological coherence of the trainee’s plant becomes more transparent.
• Operators, measurement and control technicians, electricians etc. develop strategies to manage disturbances together.
• Communication and the ability to work in a team within the shift and among different groups are trained.
• The operation personnel of an outdated power plant can be prepared for a new unit with state-of- the-art process control and operation technology.
• Division engineers from operation, maintenance and planning in co-operation with engineers from different power plants get to know the power plant process more closely.
• Within the scope of the operator and shift supervisor courses the course contents is enhanced by practical exercises.
• In specialised courses the operating personnel is trained in areas such as grid failures, black starts or ecological and economic power plant operation.
• The use of different techniques and contact with experienced, external instructors prevent a blinkered attitude towards operation.
• The operating team’s competence is evaluated from a neutral point of view.
• Power plant manufacturers use the simulators for special courses when training their customers’ operating personnel from all over the world.

On request, the KWS tailors each simulator course to the specific requirements of a specific power plant. During a visit on site the instructor responsible for the course acquaints himself with the particularities and operation of the power plant concerned. On this basis the tailored course program is developed in close collaboration with the customer.
By training small groups of 3 to 5 persons the instructor is able to respond to the levels of experience and training of each individual participant.