GSE Systems Wins Westinghouse Contract for AP 1000 Nuclear Reactor Simulators

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--GSE Systems Incorporated (AMEX:GVP) (Sykesville, Maryland), a global pioneer in real-time and training simulators, has secured a contract from Westinghouse Electric Company LLC (Monroeville, Pennsylvania) to build a full-scope nuclear reactor simulator for Westinghouse's AP 1000 reactor. GSE, a self-professed preferred vendor of Westinghouse, will build the simulator solution based on the reactor design specific to the geographic area.

The multimillion-dollar deal involves building high-fidelity simulation prototypes for the AP 1000 reactor, with the capability to mimic real-time plant operations involving human-machine interface. The prototypes will demonstrate the layout, process design, and control-room functions of the reactor model.

The AP 1000 technology from Westinghouse is becoming a preferred technology in the region. Westinghouse already has signed engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts for six of the proposed 14 U.S. nuclear power plants that are to be based on the AP 1000 model. Under these contracts, Westinghouse is also required to provide a plant simulator, in addition to building the nuclear plant itself.

The simulation solutions planned for the current phase will focus on common features applicable to all future AP 1000 installations in the U.S., making them reusable in all plants in the country. However, GSE hopes to work on plant-specific contracts in the future, once customized reactor configurations are available. According to GSE sources, the AP 1000 simulators will be the first simulators for advanced third-generation nuclear power plants that will be used to train personnel at these plants, even while the plants are under construction.

As a part of deals signed in 2007, GSE also will provide a full-scope simulator for the twin AP 1000 project proposed by Sanmen Nuclear Power Company (Zhejiang, China), and also will upgrade existing reactors in the U.S., United Kingdom, Mexico, Germany and Russia, in addition to providing related services.

Construction activities at the Sanmen site were scheduled to begin this year. Of the four proposed units -- two each at Haiyang and Sanmen -- the first unit is slated to come on stream by late 2013, with the remaining three expected to start functioning by 2014-15. GSE is also expected to provide a new reactor core and thermo-hydraulic codes to Russian Research Institute for Nuclear Power Operations for use in its 1,200-MW AES-2006 VVERs, 18 units of which are planned to be built by 2020.

AP 1000 technology, the only advanced third-generation reactor with a design certification from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is renowned to be the safest reactor to date. The reactor has been designed based on proven technology, offering improved performance levels as well as passive safety systems. The AP 1000 is also the most economical plant in the world, with the design comprising 35% lesser pumps; 85% lesser cables; simplified safety systems with 50% lesser valves and 80% lesser pipes; and 45% lesser overall seismic building volume.

GSE Systems is a global player, providing real-time simulators and educational solutions across a range of sectors such as manufacturing, processing, power, and government functions. GSE's integrated solutions comprise domain-specific hardware, related software, and training packages. The company has completed over 349 installations worldwide in a period of 30 years. It has a customer base of over 100 clients across 40 countries.

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