The virtual reality simulator allows trainees to “see” equipment and to work on it in a safe environment. It allows trainees to experience the consequences of errors without any impact in the real world.
The Leningrad station is the first pilot site in Russia where the technique is being tested. Until now, personnel were trained “on the job”, which meant waiting for planned shutdowns. Russia is planning to use the virtual reality simulator to train up to 1,000 specialists a year.
The simulator was developed by Russian company Croc Immersive Technologies. Croc created a virtual reality training model to simulate 10 kV switchgear electrical cabinets at the Leningrad station.
A virtual simulator of electrical equipment costs five-times less than a physical simulator and is easier to scale, Croc said. Because manufacturing infrastructure and equipment are constantly upgraded, physical simulators quickly become obsolete. Virtual reality, on the other hand, is adaptable to changing conditions.
