A full-scale simulator, PMT, an exact copy of the control units of Turkiye’s Akkuyu NPP, has been delivered to the construction site. It will allow practical training, licensing and advanced training of operational personnel before the plant begins operation.
The full-scale simulator, including both software and hardware, is a digital double of power systems and reactor control at the Akkuyu plant. The equipment was created according to the design documentation of power units and is based on an integrated mathematical model that enables modelling of all operating modes the plant in real time. All devices, keys and control panels are identical to the equipment of the power units at Akkuyu NPP in composition, location, size, shape and colour. The information displayed on monitors and indicators is provided to the operator in the same form and values as on the real power units.
Akkuyu, Turkiye's first NPP, will eventually host four Russian-designed VVER-1200 reactors. The pouring of first concrete for unit 1 took place in April 2018, for unit 2 in June 2020, for unit 3 in March 2021, and for unit 4 in July 2022. Completion of unit 1 is expected in the third quarter of 2023. Rosatom is constructing the reactors according to a build-own-operate model. To date, the project is fully funded by the Russian side. However, Rosatom has the right to sell a share of up to 49% in the project to other investors.
In accordance with international safety requirements, a number of preparatory measures are required before directly loading nuclear fuel into a reactor, including training specialists on a full-scale model of the power unit. The equipment makes it possible to study all work scenarios and improve the qualifications of operational personnel.
The equipment of the simulator will be installed at the Akkuyu NPP training centre after which test operations will be carried out to prepare the complex for personnel training.
“The Akkuyu NPP project is one of the most reliable in the world: the station’s power units are equipped with the most modern and high-tech VVER-1200 reactors, said Anastasia Zoteeva, Director General of project company Akkuyu Nukleer. “Another important component for stable operation of the plant is experienced and highly qualified personnel, whose training is our priority. A full-scale simulator enables practical training, which will make it possible for personnel to experience the actions needed to deal with any situation, as close as possible to real conditions, before the commissioning of the NPP.”
Simulator equipment for the Akkuyu training centre was manufactured by the All Russian Scientific & Research Institute for Nuclear Power Plant Operation (JSC VNIIAES - part of nuclear utility Rosenergoatom). The software for the simulator was developed by JSC Rusatom Automated Control Systems (JSC RASU, part of Rosatom).
Training of NPP Akkuyu personnel on simulators at VNIIAES began in June 2022. Seven groups of engineers were trained, including experienced Russian nuclear scientists and Turkish specialists (graduates of Russian universities with a degree in Nuclear Energy). Following the training, the participants passed exams for both Russian and Turkish authorities. The simulators were then dismantled and sent to the Akkuyu site.
Image courtesy of Akkuyu Nukleer
