Simulator training modularization and customization

Simulator training is an essential part of most training measures conducted by KWS. Decades of experience in this field prove that the more simulator training adapts to the specific requirements of a client the more effective it is.

Therefore, KWS has created a module pool that contains the building blocks for the compilation of individualized simulator courses. The novelty of these modules is their compartmentalization, which means they can be customized to defined target groups and training goals.

Modularized simulator training may benefit a wide range of target groups such as operating personnel (power plant operators, foremen), operational management personnel (shift supervisors, team leaders, unit leaders, master craftsmen), administrative management personnel (personnel managers, ops engineers), technical personnel (technicians, chemists), business personnel (business economists, comptrollers), government representatives, and students (secondary and tertiary level).

Depending on the Target Group and the course’s objectives, modules will be taken from the four areas and compiled individually for a specific simulator training course program.

While the first three areas of the module pool cover well-established technical topics (process engineering, electrotechnology, control engineering), interdisciplinary skills training teaches trainees vital communication capabilities.

Malfunctions management effectiveness increases considerably if shift crews have been trained to interact properly and efficiently during disturbances. The degree of interdisciplinary skills training to be conducted depends solely on the individual requirements of a given client.

Once again, KWS’s maxim holds true: What a client wants, he gets.

SIMULATOR TRAINING

The KWS Modularized Course Concept

The module pool designed to adapt simulator training to the specific advanced training needs of our clients, features four areas of instruction:

• Process engineering
• Electrotechnology
• Control engineering
• Interdisciplinary skills

Compartmentalizing these modules with regard to target groups and training goals defined includes:

• Pre-existing knowledge and skill level of trainee(s)
• Identification of specific and interdisciplinary skills to be enhanced by training
• Matching simulators to existing power plant technology

The compilation of a client-specific simulator training course defines training contents, duration, resources required (simulator, e-lab), training objectives, and, if necessary, trainee progress checks in a given course.

Working a modern control room mandates not only technical, but also a great many interdisciplinary skills that should also be developed and enhanced in the training process, such as:

• How to give unequivocal orders and feedback
• How to gather and evaluate relevant information and make decisions during malfunctions
• How to paraphrase

CORE COURSES: MORE EXAMPLES

PROCESS ENGINEERING SECTION

• Efficiency optimization in power plants
• Feed water and steam temperature layout and modes of operation
• How to manage malfunctions safely
• Steam turbine safety and control systems in theory and practice
• NEW Block unit control with primary, secondary, and tertiary frequency control, modified and natural even-pressure gradient

ELECTROTECHNOLOGY SECTION

• NEW Grid disturbance impact on plant operations
• Generator operations and grid behavior as well as voltage control
• NEW Drop-off to station supply/isolated operations – running in station supply/isolated operations mode – grid control strategies
• Post-blackout plant startup sequence

CONTROL ENGINEERING SECTION

• How to handle screen-based operations after a conversion from hard control panel operations
• How to handle new control technology (navigation and malfunction analysis in function charts)

INTERDISCIPLINARY SKILLS SECTION

• Effective teamwork during a shift (team and decision-making behavior)
• Communication training (how to gather and evaluate relevant information during malfunctions, how to make decisions, give unequivocal orders and feedback)
• Efficient and appropriate team management during a shift
• Identifying the four safety levels in power plants, malfunction review and analysis
• Process optimization during shift changeover
• Decision making in a group (e.g. according to FORDEC)