Power Plants Simulators with an Expert System to Train and Evaluate Operators

 Abstract—Two full-scope power plant simulators to train operators, one for a coal-fired power plant and one for a combined cycle power plant were integrated in a common simulation environment and coupled with an expert system and additional modules to evaluate the trainees in theoretical aspects and to evaluate their operative actions via process simulation. The rule-based approach to knowledge representation was selected, and a graphic editor was developed to build the training exercises, from the simulation scenario until their execution sequence and criteria of evaluation. The final simulation system includes training exercises preloaded with specific objectives for each one of the simulated processes, and it has been implanted in a portable computer for its transportation and installation in the power plants, so the operators can use this system to practice onsite without the supervision of an instructor.