Simulation Assisted Automation Testing During Loviisa Automation Renewal Project

In simulation assisted automation testing, an automation system is connected to a process simulator that provides a realistic process response. Under this circumstance, automation testing becomes intuitive since the automation system can be operated as at the actual plant. Testing Station software has been developed to support simulation assisted automation testing. It provides tools for simulation control; simulation can be started/stopped, initial conditions saved/loaded, and malfunctions launched/reversed. Furthermore Testing Station is used to design and report the results of the tests. Simulation assisted automation testing has been successfully used during automation renewal project of Loviisa nuclear power plant. APROS process simulation software has been used to implement the process model needed for the testing.