By Tom Fiske and Dick Hill, ARC Advisory Group
Overview
In today’s business environment, companies are pushing their plants to their limits, while at the same time; both processes and control systems are becoming increasingly more complex. Staffed largely with aging workforces, with many experienced operators getting ready to retire, companies need to ensure that they can continue to operate their plants in a safe, reliable, and profitable manner. Operator training systems (OTS) provide one of the best ways to train new operators and refresh the skills of experienced ones.
Immersive 3D virtual reality (VR) is now available for the process and energy industries. VR adds another dimension of realism to simulation. The simulation is similar to an immersive video game, but uses rigorous modeling instead of an artistic rendering. The simulator’s immersive technology extends the training scope to both control room and outside operators and allows them to work as a team.
The benefits of high fidelity immersive VR simulation go beyond those of traditional simulation and include more realistic scenarios, improved communication and collaboration among work crews, off-line evaluations of procedures, and off-line training of rare abnormal situations. The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) uses a VR simulator at its state-of-the-art training center to help develop next-generation, zero-emission integrated gasification combine cycle (IGCC) power plants with carbon capture.
ARC clients can view the complete report at 3D Simulation Brings Immersive Dimension to Operator Training
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