L-3 MAPPS to Simulate Major Beznau Nuclear Power Plant Updates

L-3 MAPPS announced today that it will proceed with two projects to update the full scope simulator at Axpo’s Beznau nuclear power plant located in Döttingen, Switzerland. The projects involve NEXIS and AUTANOVE updates being performed on the plant’s two operating units. The simulator updates are expected to enter service in the fall of 2013.
Under the NEXIS project, the plant is replacing its existing WDPF-based plant information system with an advanced Ovation-based system from Westinghouse. For the AUTANOVE project, the existing remote hydro plant emergency power supply is being replaced with two on-site diesel generators for each operating unit. To properly train Beznau operators on the impact and behavior of these significant plant modifications, the updated simulator must be operational well in advance of the actual plant modifications going into service.
“Since the Beznau full scope simulator went into operation in the first quarter of 2007, Axpo has depended on L-3 MAPPS for its nuclear plant simulation needs,” said Michael Chatlani, vice president of marketing & sales for L-3 MAPPS Power Systems and Simulation. “As the plant has evolved, so has the simulator, and we are proud that Axpo has continued to work alongside us over the years.”
“Always ready to devise custom solutions to address our challenges, L-3 MAPPS’ technology, know-how and general approach to business are the right fit for Beznau,” said Roger Lufi, operations support manager at Axpo’s Beznau nuclear power plant. “We look forward to completing these new projects with our simulation partner.”
For NEXIS, L-3 MAPPS will modify the interface to the existing plant information system to allow communication with the Ovation system supplied by Westinghouse. Several trials will be performed before L-3 MAPPS personnel proceed to a Pittsburgh, Pa. facility to set up the initial communication and to support integrated simulator-Ovation testing.
For AUTANOVE, L-3 MAPPS will leverage its Orchid^® Modeling Environment to remodel the electrical emergency power supply, including power distribution. The new diesel generators will be fully simulated with their auxiliary and control systems. The controls will be based on Westinghouse’s Common Q platform. L-3 MAPPS will develop the control logic that will be added to start up the diesel generators and sequentially turn on the necessary equipment. Other related plant changes that will be modeled are the addition of a feeding system to the emergency feedwater system and a seal water pump to the seal injection water supply to the reactor coolant pump, each controlled by AREVA’s Teleperm XS.
Both updates will be integrated on the full scope simulator and subjected to rigorous on-site testing before the updated simulator is turned over to Axpo’s training department.
Headquartered in Baden, the Axpo Group is Switzerland’s leading energy utility, involved in electricity generation and transmission, power distribution, and trading. Axpo has more than 4,000 employees and provides electricity to around three million people in Switzerland. Axpo AG’s fleet of nuclear power stations includes its own facility in Beznau, as well as stakes in co-owned nuclear power stations in Gösgen and Leibstadt, as well as purchase rights to output from French nuclear power stations. The Beznau nuclear power plant consists of two near-identical Westinghouse pressurized water reactor units. Their net output is 365 megawatts each. The Beznau simulator was put into service by L-3 MAPPS on 30 March 2007.
L-3 MAPPS, a division of L-3 Marine & Power Systems, has nearly 30 years of experience in pioneering technological advances in the marine automation field and nearly 40 years of experience in delivering high-fidelity power plant simulation to leading utilities worldwide. In addition, the company has more than four decades of expertise in supplying plant computer systems for Canadian heavy water reactors. L-3 MAPPS also provides targeted controls and simulation solutions to the space sector. To learn more about L-3 MAPPS, please visit the company’s website at www.L-3com.com/MAPPS.
Comprising 25 operating companies, L-3 Marine & Power Systems (L-3 M&PS) is a worldwide leader in maritime automation and control, navigation, communications, dynamic positioning, and power distribution and conditioning for the U.S. Navy, allied foreign navies and commercial customers worldwide. L-3 M&PS also produces full-fidelity simulators for increased operator proficiency, resulting in safe operations for leading utilities and ship operators worldwide. With over 80 locations in 20 countries, L-3 M&PS is a cohesive, global partner with extensive capabilities and a proven track record in delivering the highest level of technology, service and integration. To learn more about L-3 Marine & Power Systems, please visit the company’s website at www.L-3com.com/MPS.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 employs approximately 61,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in C³ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems, aircraft modernization and maintenance, and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of electronic systems used on military and commercial platforms. The company reported 2011 sales of $15.2 billion. To learn more about L-3, please visit the company’s website at www.L-3com.com.
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Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release are forward-looking statements. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to events or conditions or that include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “will,” “could” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statement, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in the company’s Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-Looking Statements included in the company’s recent filings, including Forms 10-K and 10-Q, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

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