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L-3 MAPPS to Deliver Orchid® Touch Interface Classroom Simulators to South Texas Project

"STPNOC had several choices when deciding on which latest-generation classroom simulator technology to use for its training program, and we are very pleased that L-3 MAPPS was selected to provide its Orchid Touch Interface," said Michael Chatlani, vice president of L-3 MAPPS Power Systems and Simulation. "In addition to the efficient design and affordable price points of our Orchid Touch Interface, STPNOC is able to leverage the virtual panel investment it made when L-3 MAPPS upgraded the full scope simulator in 2006 and 2007."

L-3 MAPPS’ Orchid Touch Interface takes control and auxiliary room panel virtual displays to a new level of realism. High-fidelity panel graphics are displayed on large touch screen monitors with 1080p full HD resolution. Three monitors are mounted on each frame, known as a bay, and five bays will be delivered to STPNOC. The setup is flexible, and STPNOC will be able to use all five bays in one classroom simulator configuration or in various combinations for up to five classroom simulators. The top monitor of each three-monitor bay articulates, allowing passage through a standard door frame. Each bay is mounted on swivel casters for easy maneuvering from one room to another. Orchid Touch Interface’s touch screen interface allows students to operate the panel graphics manually and obtain life-like visual responses.

In addition to updating the full scope simulator’s virtual panel graphics for the classroom simulators, L-3 MAPPS will emulate the qualified display processing system (QDPS) displays, which are currently stimulated on the full scope simulator, using L-3’s Orchid Control System.

The South Texas Project Electric Generating Station is located approximately 90 miles southwest of Houston near Bay City. The two-unit nuclear facility, one of the nation’s largest, serves approximately two million Texas homes. The facility is licensed and operated by STP Nuclear Operating Company, and jointly owned by Austin Energy, CPS Energy of San Antonio and NRG Texas. The two units at the state-of-the-art facility began commercial operation in August 1988 and June 1989, respectively.