Title: Modelling and simulation of inclined fuel transfer machine in prototype fast breeder reactor operator training simulator

Authors: Bindu Sankar; T. Jayanthi; Jaideep Chakraborty; H. Seetha; Adhivaraganatham A. Venkatesan; K. Madhusoodhanan; S.a.v. Satya Murty

Addresses: Simulator Section, Computer Division, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam – 603102, India ' Simulator Section, Computer Division, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam – 603102, India ' Simulator Section, Computer Division, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam – 603102, India ' Simulator Section, Computer Division, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam – 603102, India ' Fuel Handling Control Section, Instrumentation and Control Division, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam – 603102, India ' Computer Division and EIG, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam – 603102, India ' Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam – 603102, India

Abstract: Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam has successfully designed a 500 MWe prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR). It is a proven fact that the critical factor in ensuring safe and reliable operation of any nuclear power plant is a qualified and well-trained personnel and hence, the need for operator training using a simulator. Fuel handling is one of the most important subsystems in a prototype fast breeder reactor. Ex-vessel subassembly transfer is done using an inclined fuel transfer machine (IFTM) which operates remotely and safely. Using IFTM, fresh fuel assemblies are loaded into the reactor, and spent fuel assemblies get unloaded. This paper deals with modelling and simulation of operations of IFTM in a simulator. Virtual panel models and control logic models were modelled using modelling tools present in the simulator. The process modelling was developed in-house using platform independent C++ code with 3D models.

Keywords: animation; fuel handling systems; prototype FBRs; fast breeder reactors; PFBR; full scale replica simulator; operator training simulators; Kalpakkam breeder simulator; virtual panel; handling control room; inclined fuel transfer machine; modelling; simulation; fuel assemblies; spent fuel; nuclear reactors; nuclear energy; nuclear power; nuclear safety.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSPM.2016.079193

International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling, 2016 Vol.11 No.5, pp.339 - 352

Received: 14 Oct 2015
Accepted: 01 Mar 2016
Published online: 22 Sep 2016 *

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