Cost-Effective Digital Enhancement of an Analog Steam Operator Training Simulator

A hybrid expansion of a serviceable control board training simulator for fossil plant operators is described. Plant-specific parameter scaling and incorporation of an actual single-phase generator and model power system were accomplished through the use of inexpensive digital equipment with little hardware development. Capital expenditure limitations in difficult economic times were overcome by stopping short of full scale simulation goals, while still enabling students to be trained using the major systems and parametric levels associated with the actual plants they operate.