JP7650626B2 - Plant Simulator - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a plant simulator.

Generally, plant operators who operate plants such as nuclear power plants, thermal power plants, or chemical plants learn how to operate the plants through experience using a training plant simulator. For example, training in operation techniques using such a plant simulator is conducted by one or two instructors assigned to a team of four trainees, who simulate various required events (abnormal plant events).

However, it can be difficult to obtain (determine) the set values for plant abnormality events that would result in the desired changes in the simulated plant during plant abnormality training, which can place a heavy workload on the instructor.

JP 2001-142384 A

Therefore, an embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a plant simulator that can more easily determine settings related to abnormal events.

The plant simulator according to this embodiment is a plant simulator equipped with a simulated plant that simulates a plant, and includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, a simulation unit, and a display control unit. The first acquisition unit acquires status information related to the status of the simulated plant. The second acquisition unit acquires settings of an abnormal event that a user causes to occur in the simulated plant. The simulation unit is a simulation unit that simulates an abnormality level that indicates the degree of abnormality of an abnormal event based on the status information and the settings, and changes the settings to simulate the abnormality level again. The display control unit causes the settings used by the simulation unit for the simulation to be displayed on the display unit.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a plant simulator according to a first embodiment. 11 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between time and the degree of abnormality. 6 is a graph showing an example of a simulation result of the arithmetic device according to the first embodiment. Graph showing an example of a simulation result of a calculation device according to Modification 1 13 is a graph showing an example of a simulation result of the arithmetic device according to the second embodiment. 13 is a graph showing an example of a simulation result of the arithmetic device according to the second modification.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the ratio of each part is not necessarily the same as the actual one. In the specification and drawings, elements similar to those described above with respect to the previous drawings are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

First Embodiment
1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a plant simulator 1 according to a first embodiment. The plant simulator 1 is used to provide experiential learning of plant operation methods and training in operation techniques to plant operators who operate plants such as nuclear power plants, thermal power plants, and chemical plants. In the following description, the plant operators may be referred to as trainees. An instructor uses the plant simulator 1 to instruct the trainees.

The plant simulator 1 includes a simulated plant 3, a simulated central control panel 4, and an operation training support device 2.

The simulated plant 3 simulates the plant characteristics and also simulates the set abnormal plant events. The simulated plant 3 simulates an actual plant such as a nuclear power plant. The configuration of the simulated plant 3 and the details of the abnormal plant events will be explained later.

The simulated central control panel 4 displays and outputs plant status signals simulated by the simulated plant 3, and outputs operation commands to the simulated plant. The simulated central control panel 4 remotely controls the operation of the simulated plant 3. The simulated central control panel 4 has various switches and other operating devices. Under the guidance of an instructor, trainees actually operate the operating devices on the simulated central control panel 4 to operate the simulated plant 3. This allows trainees to gain hands-on experience in the operation of a real plant.

The operation training assistance device 2 assists an instructor who performs plant operation training. The operation training assistance device 2 performs, for example, calculations related to the setting of a plant abnormal event, and displays and outputs the calculation results. The instructor generates an abnormal event in the simulated plant. In the following, unless otherwise specified, an example of a plant abnormal event is a rise in temperature in a room (closed space) due to a hole in a pipe through which steam passes. In the training, the instructor, for example, destroys a pipe in the simulated plant 3, causing the temperature in the room to rise over time. The instructor evaluates the trainee based on whether or not the trainee notices the rise in temperature. In addition, if the trainee notices the rise in temperature, he or she may take a predetermined response (treatment). If the change to be generated (the destruction of the pipe) is small, the temperature rise is slow, and the training takes a long time. On the other hand, if the change to be generated is large, the temperature rise is rapid, and the trainee easily notices the change. Therefore, the instructor needs to determine an appropriate setting for the abnormal event to be generated. In other words, the extent to which an accident occurs is at the discretion of the instructor.

For example, the instructor wants to raise the room temperature by 50°C in 20 minutes by destroying a steam pipe. However, since it is difficult to predict the settings, including the extent to which the pipe will be destroyed, the instructor needs to perform a simulation. The instructor checks the simulation results and determines the settings of the plant abnormal event to be simulated by the simulated plant 3. The instructor inputs the determined settings into the simulated plant 3. As a result, a plant abnormal event occurs and training is conducted for the trainee. The operation training assistance device 2 may be provided within the simulated plant 3. The configuration of the operation training assistance device 2 and the details of the calculations related to the setting of the plant abnormal event will be described later.

Next, we will explain the simulated plant 3.

The simulated plant 3 includes an instructor console 5, an interface 9, an interface 13, a simulated plant calculation device 14, and a simulated plant auxiliary memory device 15.

The instructor console 5 has an input device 5B and a display device 5A.

The input device 5B accepts input of training-related information from the instructor. The instructor operates the input device 5B to set, for example, the cause of a plant abnormality event. In response, the instructor causes various events, such as a turbine trip, nuclear scram (emergency shutdown), and minor failures, based on the set cause in the simulated plant 3. The trainee actually operates the simulated central control panel 4, and performs appropriate operation in response to various events that occur in the simulated plant 3. In this way, the trainee can acquire advanced operating techniques through experience.

The instructor also uses the input device 5B to set detailed settings for the plant abnormal event to be generated according to the trainee's operating experience. These detailed settings include, for example, the proportion (degree of impact) that the plant abnormal event will have on the simulated plant 3, the time for which the plant abnormal event will be generated, etc.

The display device 5A displays the results of the calculations performed by the simulated plant calculation device 14. The display device 5A also displays the state of the simulated plant 3.

The interface 9 includes a central control panel information output unit 6, an instructor console information output unit 7, and a simulated plant information output unit 8. The central control panel information output unit 6, the instructor console information output unit 7, and the simulated plant information output unit 8 output information (signals) to the simulated central control panel 4, the display device 5A, and the operation training assistance device 2, respectively.

The interface 13 includes a central control panel information input unit 10, an instructor information input unit 11, and a driving training assistance device information input unit 12. The central control panel information input unit 10, the instructor information input unit 11, and the driving training assistance device information input unit 12 receive information (signals) from the simulated central control panel 4, the input device 5B, and the driving training assistance device 2, respectively.

The simulated plant calculation device 14 performs a plant simulation calculation based on the simulation model stored in the simulated plant auxiliary storage device 15. The simulated plant calculation device 14 outputs the simulation results of the plant simulation calculation to the simulated central control panel 4 via the interface 9. The simulated plant calculation device 14 also receives input of the contents of operations performed on the simulated central control panel 4 via the interface 13. The simulated plant calculation device 14 also performs further simulation calculations taking into account the input operation contents. The results of the simulation calculations are displayed on the display device 5A as described above.

Next, we will explain the driving training assistance device 2.

The driving training assistance device 2 includes an auxiliary information input device 24, an input interface 18a, a calculation device 22, a main memory device 21, an output interface 18b, and an auxiliary information output device 23.

The auxiliary information input device 24 receives information (signals) from the instructor. The auxiliary information input device 24 is composed of, for example, a keyboard and a mouse.

The input interface 18a includes an information input unit 16 and an information input unit 17.

The information input unit 16, which serves as a first acquisition unit, acquires status information relating to the status of the simulated plant 3 that simulates a plant. The status information includes, for example, the initial conditions of the simulation by the computing device 22, such as the room temperature and the shape of the room. The information input unit 16 acquires the status information from the simulated plant information output unit 8 in the interface 9.

The information input unit 17, which serves as the second acquisition unit, acquires the setting (set value X) of the abnormal event that the user (instructor) is to cause to occur in the simulated plant 3. The setting of the abnormal event is, for example, a setting related to piping that causes a rise in temperature in the room. In this case, the information input unit 17 acquires, for example, the size (diameter) of the hole in the piping as the set value X. Note that the set value X may be, for example, a percentage from the maximum diameter. In this case, the larger the set value X, the greater the degree of abnormality. The information input unit 17 acquires the set value X of the abnormal event that the instructor inputs from the auxiliary information input device 24.

More specifically, the information input unit 17 further acquires a target abnormality level Yt, which is a target value of the abnormality level, and a target time Tt, which is a target value of the time during which the abnormal event is occurring.

The calculation device 22 as a simulation unit simulates the degree of abnormality, which indicates the degree of abnormality of an abnormal event, based on the state information and settings. The calculation device 22 also changes the settings and simulates the degree of abnormality again.

More specifically, the calculation device 22 simulates the degree of abnormality with respect to the time during which the abnormal event occurs. That is, the calculation device 22 simulates the change in the degree of abnormality over time. The time during which the abnormal event occurs is also the elapsed time since the occurrence of the abnormal event. The degree of abnormality increases as time passes from the occurrence of the abnormal event (see FIG. 2).

More specifically, the calculation device 22 changes the set value X and simulates the degree of abnormality again so that the simulated degree of abnormality becomes the target degree of abnormality Yt at the target time Tt. Details of the simulation will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.

The main memory device 21, which serves as a storage unit, stores the results of the simulation performed by the arithmetic device 22. The main memory device 21 also stores simulation model information for the simulated plant 3. The model information includes state parameters for the simulated plant 3 according to multiple outputs of the simulated plant 3, such as 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, etc. The state parameters include, for example, the state of lamps and meters in the simulated plant 3. The simulation model information is used for simulation by the arithmetic device 22. This allows training and simulations for training to be performed in multiple operating states.

The output interface 18b includes an information output unit 19 and an information output unit 20.

The information output unit 19, which functions as a display control unit, causes the auxiliary information output device 23 to display the setting value X used by the calculation device 22 in the simulation. This allows the instructor to check the results of the simulation and select and determine more appropriate settings. This makes it easier to determine settings related to abnormal events.

The information output unit 20 outputs the simulation result of the calculation device 22 to the simulated plant 3. For example, when the calculation device 22 calculates a set value X as a result of the simulation, the information output unit 20 sends the calculated set value X to the simulated plant 3. As a result, the operation training assistance device 2 can cause an abnormal event to occur in the simulated plant 3 automatically during training, or by the instructor checking the set value X displayed on the auxiliary information output device 23 and operating the auxiliary information input device 24. In other words, the information output unit 20 (abnormal event occurrence unit) causes an abnormal event to occur in the simulated plant 3 automatically or in response to the instructor's operation, based on the set value X used in the simulation by the calculation device 22.

The auxiliary information output device 23, which serves as a display unit, displays the simulation results. The auxiliary information output device 23 is, for example, a display.

Next, we will explain the simulation performed by the calculation device 22.

Figure 2 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between time and the degree of abnormality. In Figure 2, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the degree of abnormality. The computing device 22 simulates the degree of abnormality, i.e., the temperature of a room in which a steam leak has occurred, for example, by simulating a thermal energy calculation. In the thermal energy calculation simulation, for example, it is simulated how much the energy of a space increases when steam energy is released into the space (room). The amount of steam leakage, as well as the temperature, shape, size, etc. of the room are included in the state information as simulation conditions.

The set value X of X=a10 indicates the initial setting value of the simulation. The initial setting value is a value input by the instructor using the auxiliary information input device 24. L1 indicates the simulation result of the degree of abnormality using the initial setting value. Yt indicates the target degree of abnormality. Tt indicates the target time. Le indicates the time change in the degree of abnormality expected by the instructor. Le reaches the target degree of abnormality Yt at the target time Tt. Note that Le does not necessarily have to intersect with the intersection point of the target time Tt and the target degree of abnormality Yt on the graph, but may be within a specified range from the intersection point. The set value X=a12 indicates an example of the set value X at which Le is obtained by simulation.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, L1 and Le obtained by the simulation are proportional to time. However, this is not limited to the above, and the degree of abnormality may change in a complex manner over time depending on the abnormal event, the simulation method or simulation conditions, or on the many parameters used in the simulation. For example, if the abnormal event is a rise in room temperature due to a steam leak, the ease with which steam moves changes depending on the shape of the room, etc. Therefore, the room temperature, which is the degree of abnormality, may change in a complex manner over time.

Note that Le and the set value X=a12 are unknown at the time of simulating L1. As described above, the calculation device 22 changes the set value X and simulates the degree of abnormality again so that the simulated degree of abnormality becomes the target degree of abnormality Yt at the target time Tt. This results in the simulation result shown in FIG. 3.

Figure 3 is a graph showing an example of a simulation result of the calculation device 22 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 3, the simulation is continued from Figure 2, and Le and the set value X = a12 corresponding to Le are obtained.

I1 indicates the intersection point between L1 and the target time Tt. Y1 indicates the degree of abnormality at the intersection point I1. Furthermore, L2 indicates the change in the degree of abnormality over time that is simulated next (second time) after L1. I2 indicates the intersection point between L2 and the target time Tt. Y2 indicates the degree of abnormality at the intersection point I2.

The set value X=a11 is the set value X corresponding to L2. In addition, the set value X=a11 is the set value X=a10 plus the setting change value α. The set value X=a12 is the set value X=a11 plus the setting change value α. Therefore, the set value X increases from a10 to a11 to a12. Accordingly, the degree of abnormality at the target time Tt also increases.

Note that, as an example, L1, L2, and Le are shown to vary at approximately equal intervals, but this is not limited to this. The intervals between L1, L2, and Le may vary depending on the simulation conditions, etc.

The calculation device 22 changes the setting value X and simulates the degree of abnormality again so that the simulated degree of abnormality at the target time Tt becomes the target degree of abnormality Yt. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the degree of abnormality Y1 in the initial simulation is smaller than the target degree of abnormality Yt. To increase the degree of abnormality at the target time Tt, it is necessary to increase the setting value X. That is, the calculation device 22 repeatedly performs simulation while adding the setting value X by the setting change value α until the setting value X=a12 at which Le is obtained is reached. Details of the setting change value α will be explained later.

When the simulated abnormality at the target time Tt is within a first predetermined range R1 including the target abnormality Yt, the information output unit 19 causes the auxiliary information output device 23 to display the set value X used by the calculation device 22 in the simulation. The first predetermined range R1 is, for example, an allowable range of abnormality arbitrarily set by the instructor. The first predetermined range R1 is, for example, a range of abnormality centered on the target abnormality Yt. In other words, it is sufficient that the simulated abnormality is close to the target abnormality Yt at the target time Tt. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the information output unit 19 causes the auxiliary information output device 23 to display the set value X=a12. Therefore, the instructor can recognize the set value X=a12 obtained as a result of the simulation. As a result, the instructor can more easily determine the expected setting for the abnormal event. Therefore, the burden on the instructor can be reduced. The auxiliary information output device 23 may display the contents of FIG. 3, including a graph, as a simulation result.

Next, the setting change value α will be explained. The setting change value α is the amount of change in the setting value X. The setting change value α indicates, for example, the amount of change in the diameter of the hole in the pipe. Below, we will explain the case where the setting change value α is a constant value, and the case where the setting change value α is changed for each simulation.

(When the setting change value α is a constant value)
The calculation device 22 changes the set value X by the first predetermined value α1 and simulates the degree of abnormality again. The first predetermined value α1 is a constant value. The value of the first predetermined value α1 is set in advance by, for example, an instructor. The first predetermined value α1 may be, for example, a value that is 10% of the set value X, which is the initial value. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the degree of abnormality Y1 is lower than the target degree of abnormality Yt. Therefore, the calculation device 22 increases the set value X by the first predetermined value α1 and simulates the degree of abnormality again.

If the simulated degree of abnormality at the target time Tt exceeds the target degree of abnormality Yt, the calculation device 22 reduces the set value X. For example, if the simulated degree of abnormality is greater than the target degree of abnormality Yt and exceeds the first predetermined range R1, the calculation device 22 subtracts a value smaller than the first predetermined value α1 (for example, (α1)/4) from the set value X used in the simulation and uses it for the next simulation. For example, the calculation device 22 repeatedly simulates the degree of abnormality while reducing the set value X by (α1)/4 each time until the simulated degree of abnormality at the target time Tt becomes smaller than the target degree of abnormality Yt. This allows the simulated degree of abnormality at the target time Tt to appropriately converge within the first predetermined range R1.

(When changing the setting change value α)

The computing device 22 changes the set value X to be used in the next simulation based on the ratio or difference between the simulated degree of abnormality at the target time Tt and the target degree of abnormality Yt, and simulates the degree of abnormality again. For example, after simulating L1 with the set value X=a10, the computing device 22 calculates the ratio (Yt/Y1) of the target degree of abnormality Yt to the degree of abnormality Y1. The computing device 22 uses the value obtained by multiplying the calculated ratio (Yt/Y1) by the set value X=a10 as the next set value X=a11. In this case, the set value X= a11 is expressed by Equation 1.
a11=(Yt/Y1)×a10 (Formula 1)
The setting change value α is expressed by the following equation 1.
α=a11-a10={(Yt-Y1)/Y1}×a10 (Formula 2)
That is, the setting change value α is calculated based on the ratio or difference between the simulated degree of abnormality at the target time Tt and the target degree of abnormality Yt.

Next, the calculation device 22 calculates the ratio (Yt/Y2) of the target degree of abnormality Yt to the degree of abnormality Y2 after simulating L2 with the set value X=a11. The calculation device 22 uses the value obtained by multiplying the calculated ratio (Yt/Y2) by the set value X=a11 as the next set value X=a12. In this case, the set value X=a12 is expressed by Equation 3.
a12=(Yt/Y2)×a11 (Formula 3)
The setting change value α is expressed by Equation 4.
α=a12-a11={(Yt-Y2)/Y2}×a11 (Formula 4)

If the simulated degree of abnormality at the target time Tt exceeds the target degree of abnormality Yt, the calculation device 22 decreases the set value X. For example, if the simulated degree of abnormality is greater than the target degree of abnormality Yt and exceeds the first predetermined range R1, the set value X used in the next simulation will be a smaller value. This is because the setting change value α based on the difference between the degree of abnormality at the target time Tt and the target degree of abnormality Yt becomes negative. This allows the simulated degree of abnormality at the target time Tt to appropriately converge within the first predetermined range R1. Furthermore, even if a value significantly different from the set value X=a12 is input as the initial setting value, the set value X=a12 can be obtained with fewer simulations than when the setting change value α is a constant value.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the calculation device 22 changes the set value X and simulates the degree of abnormality again. Furthermore, the information output unit 19 causes the auxiliary information output device 23 to display the set value X used by the calculation device 22 in the simulation. This makes it easier to obtain the set value X of the expected abnormal event. As a result, the effort and burden on the instructor can be reduced.

In general, the instructor checks the simulation results and determines appropriate set values. For example, before conducting training, the instructor checks the state of changes appearing on various instruments, display devices such as indicator lamps and CRTs (cathode ray tubes), various annunciators (alarms), etc., and obtains the set values, such as the proportion of abnormal events to be given to the simulated plant and the time for which they are generated, so that the change in the simulated plant 3 is what the instructor expects. Alternatively, if the above-mentioned advance check is not performed, the instructor determines the proportion of abnormal plant events to be given to the simulated plant and the time for which they are generated while conducting training. If the change in the simulated plant is not what the instructor expects, the instructor determines the state of the change in the simulated plant using a human system, corrects the state of the change, and sets the corrected value again from the input device to obtain the set value that gives the expected change in the simulated plant.

In this way, to set up a single plant abnormality to produce the desired change in state, the instructor had to make a comprehensive judgment of the changes that appeared on the plant simulator, which placed a large burden on the instructor. In addition, the state of the simulated plant at the time when the plant abnormality occurred differed depending on the trainee's method and timing of operation of the central control panel. Therefore, the instructor had to make corrections based on human judgments and set the input device, which placed a large burden on the instructor.

In contrast, in the first embodiment, the calculation device 22 calculates a set value X that corresponds to (or is close to) the target time Tt and target abnormality degree Yt input by the instructor. Furthermore, the auxiliary information output device 23 displays the set value X calculated by the calculation device 22 to the instructor. This allows the instructor to obtain the desired set value X without having to change the settings and repeat simulations. As a result, the burden of advance preparation on the instructor can be reduced. Furthermore, since the instructor does not need to make a judgment, the workload of the instructor can be reduced, and the influence of each instructor's experience can be suppressed.

The calculation device 22 also simulates the degree of abnormality faster than real time based on the state information at the time when the information input unit 17 acquires the set value X and the set value X. The calculation device 22 performs high-speed calculation processing at a speed faster than real time, for example, 20 to 30 times faster than real time. This allows the calculation device 22 to perform simulations during training. Therefore, the instructor can determine the set value X in real time according to the state of the simulated plant 3 during plant operation training, without prior preparation.

The information output unit 19 may also cause the auxiliary information output device 23 to display the simulation results stored in the main memory device 21. Thus, the auxiliary information output device 23 displays the results of a simulation that has been performed in advance. For example, a simulation is performed in advance using multiple pieces of state information and a setting value X. This allows the instructor to determine the settings for an abnormal event even if the calculation speed of the calculation device 22 is slow.

Furthermore, an abnormal event is not limited to a rise in room temperature due to a steam leak, but may be a secondary change (abnormality) that occurs when a certain malfunction occurs. An abnormal event may be, for example, a rise in the water level in a room due to a water leak, or a radiation leak from a hole that has occurred. An abnormal event may also be, for example, an increase in the conductivity of the circulating water used to rotate a power generation turbine. The circulating water used in nuclear power generation is generally pure water, and therefore has low conductivity. For example, if a hole occurs in a pipe through which the circulating water passes, seawater used to cool the circulating water will flow into the circulating water, causing an increase in conductivity.

The calculation device 22 performs simulation not only when the set value X is increased, but also when it is decreased. For example, when the degree of abnormality Y1 is greater than the target degree of abnormality Yt, the calculation device 22 may simulate the degree of abnormality while decreasing the set value X so that the simulated degree of abnormality at the target time Tt becomes smaller.

(Variation 1)
4 is a graph showing an example of a simulation result of the arithmetic device 22 according to Modification 1. Modification 1 of the first embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the arithmetic device 22 performs a simulation while changing the set value X based on a target degree of abnormality Yt instead of the target time Tt.

I1a indicates the intersection point between L1 and the target abnormality level Yt. T1 indicates the time of the intersection point I1a. Furthermore, I2a indicates the intersection point between L2 and the target abnormality level Yt. T2 indicates the time of the intersection point I2a.

The calculation device 22 changes the setting value X and simulates the degree of abnormality again so that the time it takes for the simulated degree of abnormality to reach the target degree of abnormality Yt is the target time Tt. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the time T1 in the initial simulation is greater than the target time Tt. To shorten the time at the target degree of abnormality Yt, it is necessary to increase the setting value X. In other words, the calculation device 22 repeatedly performs simulations while increasing the setting value X by the setting change value α at a time until the setting value X=a12 at which Le is obtained.

The setting change value α may be the same as in the first embodiment by setting the target abnormality level Yt and abnormality levels Y1 and Y2 in the first embodiment to the target time Tt and times T1 and T2, respectively. Therefore, when the setting change value α is a constant value, the calculation device 22 changes the setting value X by the first predetermined value α1 and simulates the abnormality level again. Also, when changing the setting change value α, the calculation device 22 changes the setting value X to be used in the next simulation based on the ratio or difference between the time until the simulated abnormality level reaches the target abnormality level Yt and the target time Tt, and simulates the abnormality level again.

When the time it takes for the simulated abnormality level to reach the target abnormality level Yt is within a second predetermined range R2 including the target time Tt, the information output unit 19 causes the auxiliary information output device 23 to display the setting value X used by the calculation device 22 in the simulation. The second predetermined range R2 is, for example, an allowable range of time arbitrarily set by the instructor. The second predetermined range R2 is, for example, a range of time centered on the target time Tt. In other words, it is sufficient that the simulated abnormality level reaches the target abnormality level Yt near the target time Tt. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the information output unit 19 causes the auxiliary information output device 23 to display the value of the setting value X=a12. Therefore, the instructor can recognize the setting value X=a12 obtained as a result of the simulation. As a result, the instructor can more easily determine the expected setting for the abnormal event. Therefore, the burden on the instructor can be reduced.

The plant simulator 1 according to the modified example 1 can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

The calculation device 22 performs simulation not only when the set value X is increased, but also when it is decreased. For example, when the time T1 is shorter than the target time Tt, the calculation device 22 may simulate the degree of abnormality while decreasing the set value X so that the time it takes for the simulated degree of abnormality to reach the target degree of abnormality Yt becomes longer.

Second Embodiment
5 is a graph showing an example of a simulation result of the arithmetic device 22 according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a graph of a plurality of simulation results for a plurality of setting values X including an initial setting value X is displayed.

5 shows set values X=a1 to a9 obtained by decreasing the set value X from the initial value X=a10, and set values X=a11 to a23 obtained by increasing the set value X. Ie indicates the intersection point between Le and the target time Tt. B indicates a bar corresponding to the value on the vertical axis on the graph. D indicates a numeric display box that displays a numeric value corresponding to the position of bar B.

The information output unit 19 causes the auxiliary information output device 23 to display the correspondence between the time during which the abnormal event occurs and the degree of abnormality simulated by the calculation device 22 using multiple setting values X, together with the multiple setting values X used in the simulation by the calculation device 22. The correspondence is, for example, a graph. Therefore, the auxiliary information output device 23 displays content that is almost the same as that shown in FIG. 5.

The calculation device 22 changes the setting value X acquired by the information input unit 17 by the second predetermined value α2 and simulates the degree of abnormality again. The second predetermined value α2 is, for example, a constant value. The value of the second predetermined value α2 is, for example, set in advance by the instructor.

More specifically, the calculation device 22 increases the set value X acquired by the information input unit 17 by the second predetermined value α2 and simulates the degree of abnormality again, and decreases the set value X acquired by the information input unit 17 by the second predetermined value α2. The set values X = a9, a8, ... a2, a1 are values obtained by decreasing the initial value of the set value X = a10 by the second predetermined value α2. The set values X = a11, a12, ... a22, a23 are values obtained by increasing the initial value of the set value X = a10 by the second predetermined value α2.

The information output unit 19 also causes the auxiliary information output device 23 to display an object (indicator) whose position can be manipulated by the instructor on the correspondence relationship (graph), and at least one of the time and the abnormality level corresponding to the position of the object. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the object is bar B. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the auxiliary information output device 23 displays bar B and the abnormality level (numeric display box D) corresponding to the position of bar B. Bar B can be manipulated by the instructor in the vertical axis direction on the graph.

More specifically, the information input unit 17 acquires the set value X and the target time Tt input by the auxiliary information input device 24. The set value X is used in the simulation of the calculation device 22. The target time Tt is a reference for determining the set value X, and corresponds to the right end of the bar B. The instructor uses the mouse to move the bar B to the position of the intersection Ie so that the position of the bar B becomes the desired degree of abnormality (the target degree of abnormality Yt). The instructor recognizes the value of the desired degree of abnormality by checking the numerical display box D. The instructor can also recognize from the graph the set value X that will obtain the desired degree of abnormality. As a result, the instructor can more easily determine the set value X.

The other configurations of the plant simulator 1 according to the second embodiment are similar to the corresponding configurations of the plant simulator 1 according to the first embodiment, so detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The plant simulator 1 according to the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

The object is not limited to a bar, and may be, for example, a point object placed at any position on the graph. In this case, the information output unit 19 may display both the time and the degree of abnormality corresponding to the position of the point object. In this case, it is not necessary for the instructor to input the target time Tt.

The instructor may also read the value of the degree of abnormality (target degree of abnormality Yt) from, for example, the scale shown on the axis of the graph. In this case, it is not necessary for the instructor to input the target time Tt or for the numeric display box D to be used. Therefore, the information output unit 19 can more easily display the graph and the set value X, etc.

(Variation 2)
6 is a graph showing an example of a simulation result of the arithmetic device 22 according to the modified example 2. The modified example 2 of the second embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the instructor determines an appropriate time based on a target abnormality degree Yt instead of the target time Tt.

Iea indicates the intersection point between Le and the target abnormality degree Yt, and Ba indicates a bar corresponding to the value on the horizontal axis of the graph.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the auxiliary information output device 23 displays a bar Ba and a time (numeric display box D) corresponding to the position of the bar Ba. The bar Ba can be manipulated by the instructor in the horizontal direction on the graph.

In addition, variant 2 may be similar to the second embodiment by setting the target abnormality level Yt and abnormality levels Y1 and Y2 in the second embodiment to target time Tt and times T1 and T2, respectively.

The calculation device 22 may perform a simulation during training, or may perform a simulation before training. If a simulation is performed before training, the main memory device 21 may store the simulation results.

The plant simulator 1 according to the modified example 2 can achieve the same effects as the second embodiment.

(Variation 3)
The third modification of the second embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the set value X is preset.

The set value X includes a number of values that are set in advance by the instructor. The set value X may be, for example, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% or the like of the maximum diameter of the pipe hole. This eliminates the need for the instructor to input the set value X. The set value X is stored, for example, in the main memory device 21.

The plant simulator 1 according to the modified example 3 can obtain the same effects as the second embodiment. In addition, the plant simulator 1 according to the modified example 3 may be combined with the modified example 2.

At least a part of the plant simulator 1 according to this embodiment may be configured with hardware or software. When configured with software, a program that realizes at least a part of the functions of the plant simulator 1 may be stored in a recording medium such as a flexible disk or CD-ROM, and may be read and executed by a computer. The recording medium is not limited to removable ones such as magnetic disks or optical disks, but may be fixed recording media such as hard disk drives or memories. In addition, a program that realizes at least a part of the functions of the plant simulator 1 may be distributed via a communication line (including wireless communication) such as the Internet. Furthermore, the program may be encrypted, modulated, or compressed and distributed via a wired or wireless line such as the Internet, or stored in a recording medium.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims, as well as the scope and gist of the invention.

1 Plant simulator, 3 Simulated plant, 16 Information input unit, 17 Information input unit, 19 Information output unit, 21 Main memory device, 22 Calculation device, 23 Auxiliary information output device, 24 Auxiliary information input device, R1 First predetermined range, R2 Second predetermined range, X Set value, α1 First predetermined value, α2 Second predetermined value

Claims (10)

a simulated plant that simulates plant characteristics and a set abnormal event in the plant;
a simulated central control panel that can be operated by a trainee under the guidance of an instructor to operate the simulated plant and that can display plant status signals simulated by the simulated plant;
an operation training assistance device for assisting the instructor, the operation training assistance device determining a set value of the plant abnormal event to be caused in the simulated plant and inputting the set value into the simulated plant;
The operation training assistance device includes a first acquisition unit that acquires state information related to a state of the simulated plant;
a second acquisition unit that acquires a setting value input by the instructor to cause the plant abnormal event to occur in the simulated plant , a target abnormality degree indicating a degree of abnormality caused by the plant abnormal event, and a target time that is a target value for a time period during which the abnormal event is caused ;
a simulation unit that simulates a time change in an abnormality level indicating a degree of abnormality caused by the plant abnormal event based on the state information and the set value , the simulation unit changing the set value by itself by a value preset by the instructor so that the abnormality level becomes the target abnormality level at the target time , and repeatedly simulating the time change in the abnormality level;
a display control unit that causes a display unit to display the multiple types of setting values due to the change used by the simulation unit in the simulation and the change in the degree of abnormality for each setting value over time , together with the target time and the target degree of abnormality. 2. The plant simulator according to claim 1, wherein the simulation unit repeatedly simulates a change in the degree of abnormality over time by changing the set value so that the simulated degree of abnormality at the target time falls within a first predetermined range including the target degree of abnormality. The simulation unit is
3. The plant simulator according to claim 2, wherein the set value is changed by a first predetermined value to repeatedly simulate the change in the degree of abnormality over time, or the set value to be used in a next simulation is changed based on a ratio or difference between the simulated degree of abnormality at the target time and the target degree of abnormality to repeatedly simulate the change in the degree of abnormality over time. The simulation unit is
3. The plant simulator according to claim 2, wherein the set value is changed by a first predetermined value to repeatedly simulate the change in the degree of abnormality over time, or the set value to be used in a next simulation is changed based on a ratio or difference between the time required for the simulated degree of abnormality to reach the target degree of abnormality and the target time to repeatedly simulate the change in the degree of abnormality over time . 2. The plant simulator according to claim 1, wherein the simulation unit repeatedly simulates the change in the degree of abnormality over time by changing the set value so that a time required for the simulated degree of abnormality to reach the target degree of abnormality falls within a second predetermined range including the target time. The plant simulator according to claim 1 , wherein the simulation unit repeatedly simulates the change over time of the degree of abnormality by changing the setting value acquired by the second acquisition unit by a second predetermined value at a time. 7. The plant simulator according to claim 6, wherein the simulation unit repeatedly simulates the change in the degree of abnormality over time by increasing the setting value acquired by the second acquisition unit in increments of the second predetermined value, and repeatedly simulates the change in the degree of abnormality over time by decreasing the setting value acquired by the second acquisition unit in increments of the second predetermined value . The plant simulator according to claim 1 , wherein the set value includes a plurality of values that are set in advance. 9. The plant simulator according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display an object whose position can be manipulated by the instructor on a correspondence relationship indicating the plurality of types of setting values and a time change over time of the degree of abnormality for each setting value, and at least one of the time and the degree of abnormality corresponding to a position of the object. 10. The plant simulator according to claim 1 , wherein the simulation unit simulates the degree of abnormality faster than real time based on the setting value and the state information at the time when the second acquisition unit acquired the setting value .

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