How do you train future nuclear power plant operators before a plant enters service? How can the operation of a reactor be tested before it has even been built? At Edvance, the full-scope simulator helps address these challenges by reproducing the behaviour of a nuclear reactor and its control room within an environment that accurately reflects future facilities.
What is a Full-Scope Simulator?
The full-scope simulator replicates the operation of a nuclear reactor, its systems and its control room. It enables users to visualise and test the behaviour of the plant under a variety of scenarios, even before the power station has been constructed.
This environment provides a comprehensive overview of reactor operations and the interactions between the various systems that make up the installation.
How Does the Simulator Support Training?
The simulator is used to train future operators who will be responsible for running reactors from the control room. Through realistic scenarios and operating conditions, they can familiarise themselves with operational procedures and develop the reflexes required to safely operate the plant.
It also serves as an internal training tool. In particular, it is used as part of our induction programme, the Edvance Academy, helping new employees gain a better understanding of how a nuclear reactor operates and the challenges associated with its operation.
Why Use a Simulator in Nuclear Reactor Design?
The simulator is also a powerful engineering tool. Even before construction begins, teams can use it to verify design assumptions, analyse reactor behaviour, validate technical choices and anticipate interactions between different systems.
This approach makes it possible to identify potential inconsistencies at an earlier stage, improve the quality of engineering studies and reduce risks during subsequent phases of the project.
The simulator also enables teams to test and validate operating procedures under realistic conditions, whether in normal, incident or accident scenarios. It therefore plays an important role in preparing for operational phases, test campaigns and the initial start-up of future facilities.
A Tool Supporting Project Performance
As a tool for training, engineering studies and operational preparation, the full-scope simulator plays a central role in new nuclear projects. By accurately replicating the behaviour of future installations, it enables teams to train effectively, deepen their understanding of systems, validate design choices, test operating procedures and prepare for testing activities under realistic conditions.
In doing so, it helps secure projects, enhance the quality of engineering studies and ensure that future reactors are prepared under the best possible conditions before they enter service.
