Experience in using computer technologies for university training of future NPP personnel based on “University-Enterprise” program

AbstractThis paper considers aspects of a program for training future nuclear power plant personnel developed by the NPP Department of Ivanovo State Power Engineering University jointly with the Kalinin NPP. The program components include application of computer modeling and simulation in the university-based studies and the “8th term” project for studies in the nuclear plant environment. During the 8th term, students acquire practical skills in carrying out shop-floor operations and undergo training at the plant's training center where examinations are also taken. The university-based studies include computer modeling for numerical experiments in kinetics of water-cooled water-moderated nuclear reactors in the Mathcad environment. Processes are simulated using the VVER-1000 unit computer and full-scale simulators.Software packages and procedural guides have been developed for mathematical modeling of reactor transients; simulation programs and procedures for the computer and full-scale simulators of neutron experiments and plant startup/shutdown operations have also been developed. Integrated training systems contribute to promoting occupational mentality and form an efficient tool for the personal development of future staff, so most attention in the use of simulators is given to the effects of individual qualities on the level of success achieved at the given stage of training. For illustration, a mathematical model is described and results from numerical experiments to study the reactor xenon stability are presented. Integrated implementation of the described training programs makes it possible to cut practically by half the period for the university graduates to adapt themselves to plant environment as confirmed by reports from the leaders of respective departments