Part 1 of 2 Parts
Commercial nuclear fission power reactors have operated safely for the most part during the last seventy years. However, they are still prone to severe accidents or production losses caused by human errors. Virtual reality (VR) makes it possible to create realistic and immersive training environments relating to nuclear power plants in order to train operators on how to perform critical tasks safely. VR training enables operators to practice various situation in a virtual site including such things as emergency evacuation, plant operation, fuel handling, leaks and fires. Because the simulated environment feels extremely realistic, it creates a highly realistic experience to teach the right response in difficult situations.
Turbine generators must have periodic inspections and maintenance. However, carrying out hands-on training in maintenance of the turbines and engines in a nuclear plant can be a challenge because of the time required, the risks and the costs involved. VR makes it possible to train maintenance engineers in a more engaging and safer manner without the problems of finding the actual equipment to use during training. From assembly to dismantling of turbines, through repair, a virtual environment assists technician to go through various steps of training and see all the part working together before they do it in a real reactor.
Operators must be properly trained to handle critical functions in the control room of a nuclear power plant. VR has been proven to be an effective and efficient training tool. In order to enhance users’ understanding of nuclear fission reactor principles, a VR system based on a simulator can be developed to interface with possible scenarios in nuclear power plants. With VR, a nuclear power plant can supply an immersive training experience to its operators without affecting the safety of the power plant. Utilizing VR, owners of a power plant can simulate everything from basic operations to emergency situations, with real-life stress factors to make training very realistic.
Entrance to a commercial nuclear power plant is restricted and not usually open to young engineers or visitors. VR permits engineers to perform the activities inside the plant, freely navigating it to develop a better understanding of the orientation of the plant without compromising safety. Virtual tours of commercial nuclear power plants allow visitors to experience the control room, dive down into the reactor or go to the turbine hall and switch yard.
Providing training for the decommissioning of commercial nuclear power plants is a lengthy process. VR gives workers a sense of what it is like in the reactors in reality. It is able to serve a critical role in training teams to decommission the reactors. VR training can assist nuclear power plant workers at decommissioning sites by familiarizing them with the relevant steps required in a safe and controlled environment. Training in highly realistic environments can help prevent accidents. Utilizing VR for decommissioning training is also very cost effect because operators would need disposable protective gear for physical training. Such equipment can be very expensive. In some countries, decommissioning authorities have also started to use VR-powered decommissioning solutions because robots can work faster and are unaffected by continuous exposure to radioactive elements.
Please read Part 2 next