Methodology to Assist in Training Maneuvers of Operation of Pumps of a Nuclear Plant Using Virtual Reality

In power plants, one of the important maneuvers is the switching of pumps, where incorrect execution can even cause the unit to shut down. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to create a virtual environment for training the critical maneuver of the pump switching operation. The method used as reference was the specific procedure for the actual execution of the pump switching maneuver. Then the procedure was interpreted in order to reproduce in the virtual environment the same behaviors as in the real environment. Subsequently, visits to the field, control room, and control room simulator were undertaken in order to obtain material and data for the assembly of the virtual environment. Finally, with all the information collected, a virtual environment was created. The result was the creation of a system and equipment of interest for switching pumps interactively in the virtual environment, with great fidelity to the real environment.

Tests were done by nuclear power plant operators and instructors on this virtual environment. The test results of this group demonstrated that the virtual environment created is a good tool to significantly assist in this type of training, as it promotes the experience of imposed challenges, which are common to several other systems of a nuclear power plant. In this way, the choice of a system to be reproduced in a virtual environment that represents the challenge of training critical maneuvers that affect the reactor was fundamental.