SICOSIS: A SIMULATOR CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM; HOW TO PRESERVE THE FIDELITY DURING THE EXPLOITATION PHASE

摘要

A full scope simulator development project takes around three years, however its exploitation phase may last for forty years. Across its life, simulators are being continuously updated with an aim at following plant modifications, improving the simulator performance as well as modernizing its technology. Full scope simulators have traditionally been only used for training proposes. As new models are implemented based on true engineering codes and functional and physical fidelity is improved, simulators use in new engineering applications turns out a frequent activity, important also to be considered during the exploitation phase. Simulators may be used under different Software and Hardware platforms, integrating and stimulating third party systems (e.g., new digital I&C systems). To preserve the simulator fidelity across the simulator life becomes a challenge, being the Configuration Management the critical system to control and supervise the simulator status at any moment. Tecnatom has operated, updated and upgraded simulators since late 70's. During this period, all the simulators have experienced multiple and deep changes and diverse platforms. Based on the international standards, regulatory requirements, international good practices references, and our own experience, Tecnatom has developed the application SICOSIS (Simulators Configuration management System). SICOSIS is a web-based application, developed under standard Oracle software. The tool is based on work-flow processes with an efficiency optimization as a major target. This application has been applied to all Tecnatom simulators since 2003. Along these years, it has been continuously improved with users' direct feedback. SICOSIS meets the American Standard ANSI-3.5 1998 being a system soundly proven and open to any user request and new regulatory change.