July 12, 2023, Büyükeceli, Mersin Province, Türkiye. – Full-scale simulator (FSS), a precise replica of power-and-control units of the first nuclear power plant in Türkiye, has been delivered to the Akkuyu NPP Construction Site. The training equipment will enable practical training, licensing and advance training of the operating personnel of power units before commissioning of the NPP.
The full-scale simulator includes software and hardware suite, a digital twin of power-and-control systems of Akkuyu NPP reactors. The equipment is made in accordance with the design documentation on power units and based on a comprehensive mathematical model that ensures real-time simulation of all operation modes of the nuclear power plant. All instruments, switches and control boards are similar to Akkuyu NPP power unit hardware in terms of composition, location, dimensions, shape, and colour. The information displayed on monitors and indicators is provided to operator in analogue format and values as on a real NPP power unit.
In accordance with international safety requirements for nuclear power plants, a number of preparatory activities, including training of specialists on a full-scale model of Akkuyu NPP power units, need to be performed before nuclear fuel loading into the reactor. The equipment will enable analysing all operating scenarios and improve qualification of the operating personnel. In future, the employees will start working on real Akkuyu NPP power units.
The simulator equipment will soon be installed in the training center of Akkuyu NPP. It will be followed by inspection operations to authorize the use of this equipment for subsequent personnel training in control of the nuclear power plant's units.
“Akkuyu NPP project is among the world's most reliable ones: its power units are equipped with WWER-1200, the most advanced and high-tech reactor plant. Another important element of stable operation of the nuclear power plant is experienced and highly qualified personnel, whose training is our priority. The full-scale simulator will enable training of the employees who will study all design-based operation modes of Akkuyu NPP power units. Practical training will provide an opportunity to practice the personnel's actions under any conditions and in the environment that simulates the real conditions before commissioning of the nuclear power plant to the maximum degree," commented AKKUYU NUCLEAR JSC Chief Executive Officer Anastasia Zoteeva.
For reference:
Akkuyu NPP is the first-ever nuclear power plant in the Republic of Türkiye. The Akkuyu NPP project includes four power units equipped with Generation 3+ VVER reactors of Russian design. The capacity of each NPP power unit will be 1200 MW.
Akkuyu NPP is the first project in the global nuclear industry being implemented according to the Build-Own-Operate model.
According to the terms and conditions of the Inter-Governmental Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Türkiye, the NPP's first power unit is supposed to be commissioned within 7 years after obtaining all construction permits. Taking into account the receipt of a construction license for power unit No. 1 in 2018, this period means 2025. At the same time, the project participants are making every effort to ensure that they are ready to start commissioning work at Unit 1 in 2023, the anniversary year of the Republic of Türkiye.