Anecdotal Tips Tricks and Lessons Learned Exelon Simulators

Anecdotal Tips, Tricks and Lessons Learned Exelon Simulators

The Cardinal Sin of Global Scratch Space • SCS Paper from a “Seasoned” Simulation Veteran – Global space should not be use as temporary scratch space • Globals are typically static memory locations • Multithreaded/Multiprocessor systems may access the location simultaneously • Lights on a panel were flickering intermittently • While the symptom may be obvious, the resolution can be elusive – QC level spike issue • Intermittent level calculation and indication problem • Happened at worst time possible • A new level transmitter Function call was the culprit • Andy Jedlowski determined issue – subroutine created 1 Anecdotal Tips, Tricks and Lessons Learned – Exelon Simulators

Ethernet Communications Equipment Has Limitations • The Ginna simulator experienced multiple simulator freezes – Ethernet-based I/O system worked flawlessly until a “cheaper” network switch was installed • Several simulator freezes per month began to happen • New switch replaced and issue disappeared – QC Control Rod Drive Temperature recorder • New recorder with 177 analog points • Too many points to drive with I/O – Network solution pursued • Recorder received about 50 points then quit causing a data overflow • Had to break up data transmission into 5 groups and send at 4 ms intervals 2 Anecdotal Tips, Tricks and Lessons Learned – Exelon Simulators

Exam Security Pitfalls on Stimulated Equipment • Scientech RTime Plant Process Computer system – Some features provide historical information to Operators • Clinton discovered potential exam security issue • Quad Cities just beginning annual exams • Potential for exam compromise determined • Painful for QC Training staff and myself 3 Anecdotal Tips, Tricks and Lessons Learned – Exelon Simulators

Take Operators to Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) • Quad Cities and Dresden have had great experiences – Operators have valuable plant experience • Power plant knowledge • Plant personnel connections • Ongoing rapport for future issues • Difficult resource to schedule but well worth the effort • Expertise may not be available in Training Department 4 Anecdotal Tips, Tricks and Lessons Learned – Exelon Simulators

Virtual Back Panels • Clinton has experienced good feedback on the use of virtual back panels in the simulator – Operators have given positive comments on the solution – Regulators have not reported issues – but be careful on how they are used 5 Anecdotal Tips, Tricks and Lessons Learned – Exelon Simulators

Database Successors Allow Viewing Differing Data Types • Built-in Opensim Database Manager (DBM) feature – Allows use and viewing using a datatype different from predecessor – Other database systems likely provide the same feature. – Can provide a very useful debugging tool 6 Anecdotal Tips, Tricks and Lessons Learned – Exelon Simulators

Keep Detailed Notes on Challenging Issues • Don’t work without a safety net • Keeping good notes can make your job easier • Get details from others that perform work for you – Helps you understand – May provide insight on related issues • More easily reproduce work if needed – Document details in work control system 7 Anecdotal Tips, Tricks and Lessons Learned – Exelon Simulators

ICMOD – Offline Tool for Updating IC Files • ICMOD is used to make bulk changes to IC’s either one at a time or whole folders • Allows for custom initialization code to run for each IC, not just variable = value • Initialization code can be C or FORTRAN and just needs to be FSCAN/CSCAN • No modifications to the simulator code required • Builds independent Windows. exe that can be archived for later use 8 Anecdotal Tips, Tricks and Lessons Learned – Exelon Simulators

Don’t Forget the Else • Always consider the Else of an If statement – Recent issue @ Quad Cities dealing with annunciator loss of power indications – If loss of annunciator power then process special code – If instrument power then turn off all but one tile and ring bell – There was no else condition accounted for – All lights should be off and no bell when both if statements are false – Indications were different depending on power loss sequence 9 Anecdotal Tips, Tricks and Lessons Learned – Exelon Simulators

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