Simulator Maintenance Services

There are numerous ways in which we can assist in making your training time as productive as possible. Each simulator owner develops their own comfort level with regard to simulator maintenance. We would be pleased to develop personalized maintenance solutions to fit your plant’s internal operating plan and annual upgrade schedule.

Runtime Updates

New features are continually added to the TRAX Simulator Runtime Executive software, improving training effectiveness and user convenience. We can install these updates on your simulator during a focused trip for this purpose, or in combination with other maintenance services. If customer security rules permit, this work can be performed remotely from our offices.

Synch Services

We can “synchronize” your simulator to match the current plant processes and DCS logic and graphics. Depending on the current state of the simulator, this may require an initial analysis phase to assess the differences between the simulator and plant. Once the synchronization is complete, we recommend that a continuous maintenance plan be implemented to keep your simulator up to date.

Simulator Scope Extensions

Owners should continually assess whether the scope of their simulator is adequate for their overall training objectives, particularly as additional process elements are added to power stations. These additions frequently address environmental compliance demands, which require the addition of equipment such as precipitators, SCR’s, FGD’s, mercury removal systems, closed water cooling systems. etc. These new systems generally require additional training in order for the operators to effectively operate the plant.

DCS Control System Changes

The pace of change in DCS systems and the realities of obsolescence are rapidly driving owners to make a wholesale change out of their original DCS systems. Ideally, a DCS upgrade should include a parallel upgrade to the simulator, providing the added benefits of using the simulator for DCS logic checkout as well as startup training. This approach drives the fastest and safest after-outage startups, due to integrated testing and increased operator knowledge. Additionally, it protects the existing simulator investment, assuring the continuation of a relevant training program.

Simulator Configuration Conversions

Many owners are evaluating the conversion of older stimulated simulators to configurations that are less dependent on aging DCS controller hardware. While solutions vary by DCS manufacturer, we can offer a number of economical alternatives for your consideration.

Advanced Simulator Products

As we introduce new simulator-related products, the options for improving your simulator’s effectiveness are continually expanding. For example, the TRAX Teaching Assistant™ is a self-paced instructional tool that provides effective power plant training through a “virtual” instructor, allowing you to use your simulator even when an instructor is not available. Adding a product such as the Teaching Assistant to your simulator not only adds a new dimension to training, but it maximizes potential use of your simulator.