Keeping your TRAX-based simulator current with ongoing improvements to plant equipment and DCS logic requires a well-planned work flow combined with a degree of diligence in applying regular updates.  Without regular use, the skills imparted to simulator owners at delivery can atrophy, leading to a lack of confidence and skill in implementing needed updates.  TRAX offers a full range of simulator maintenance services that can be tailored to fit any owner, whether they desire to self maintain or to outsource simulator maintenance to TRAX.

There are many ways in which TRAX can assist in making your training time as productive as possible.  Each simulator owner develops their own comfort level with regard to simulator maintenance.  Optimum maintenance solutions can be developed to fit your plant’s internal operating plan and annual upgrade schedule.  The standard TRAX simulator maintenance services are summarized below.

Runtime Updates
This program provides an annual update of the ProTRAX Runtime Executive software (RTEXEC).  Many new features are added each year to improve training effectiveness and user convenience.  The update can be performed on site by TRAX 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
TRAX can “synchronize” your simulator to match the current plant processes and DCS logic.  Depending on the current simulator state, this may require an initial gap analysis phase to assess the differences between the simulator and plant.  Once this gap has been corrected, a mutually agreeable continuous maintenance plan can be implemented.  An effective maintenance program should cover the following elements:

• Regular upgrades of the ProTRAX executive, which operates the simulator, to take advantage of the new training-related features that are constantly being added.

• Regular upgrades of the DCS controls and graphics on the simulator to match that in the plant.

• Regular upgrades of the I/O model, when new controls with I/O changes have been loaded onto the simulator.

• Regular updates to the process models to match changes in the plant.

• Periodic upgrades of the simulator hardware and operating system software.

Simulator Scope Extensions
Owners should continually assess whether the scope of the 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, and closed water cooling systems.  These new systems generally require additional training in order for the operators to effectively operate the plant.

New DCS Controls Services
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, which allows the simulator to be used 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
As DCS systems age and DCS upgrades are evaluated, many owners are also evaluating the conversion of older stimulated simulators to configurations that are less dependent on aging controller parts.  While solutions vary by DCS manufacturer, TRAX can offer a number of economical alternatives for owner consideration.

Advanced Simulator Features
TRAX has recently introduced Teaching Assistant (TA), creating the most advanced training simulator available today.  Teaching Assistant is a self-paced instructional tool that provides effective power plant training through a “virtual” instructor, allowing owners to use their simulator during times when an instructor is not available.  By providing “real time” on-demand advice, the TA simulates how the instructor might coach operators during training.  The TA Suite of software includes TA Builder, which can be used to build or maintain content of the TA-based lessons.  Teaching Assistant requires Runtime Executive Version 6.6 or higher for proper operation.