A new simulator for Bruce Power

30 January 2020


New control room simulator for Bruce 7 and 0  (Credit: Bruce Power)Canada’s Bruce has completed a new, innovative reactor training simulator which will be used to train and test certified operators for work to extend the life of the site to 2064.

The new facility complements the existing simulators at the site and uses state-of-the-art software modelling and analytical-based computer codes.

Bruce Power said, visually, the facility is a replica of the units 7 and 0 (common service) control rooms, with the project being completed nearly two weeks ahead of schedule.

Work began in 2016 and included the construction of a new building, computational and analytical software packages and models, and control room replication. The project was carried out by the Bruce Power Simulator Support team, with support from several vendor companies.

The new simulator applies modern technology and innovations, many of which were developed by Bruce Power teams for infrastructure and modelling, that is reliable and easy to use and maintain.

“This is another tremendous example of the innovation our people bring to work each and every day,” said Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power's president and CEO. “It’s this sort of ingenuity and creativity that will ensure we continue to be successful, and ensure our staff receive the best training to prepare them for the roles.”

The simulator is located in a 7000-square-foot addition to the existing Bruce Learning Centre. Construction was completed in less than a year. Training on the Unit 7/0 simulator began on 6 January and has since been running daily.

“We are going to be here until 2064 training generations of new operators,” said Rencheck. “We are going to get a lot of use out of this over the years.”

Earlier in January Bruce Power began implementation of its first Major Component Replacement (MCR) project by taking Bruce 6 offline. Six Candu units at the Bruce site will be upgraded by 2033, extending operation until 2064.

The overall life extension programme, which began in 2016 and will involve refurbishment of Bruce 3-8. Bruce 1 and 2 have already been refurbished.


Photo: New control room simulator for Bruce 7 and 0 has been in service since 6 January (Credit: Bruce Power)



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