Advanced Virtual Energy Simulation Training and Research (AVESTAR) Center

Targeted to energy and process, engineering and construction, and technology supply industries, the AVESTAR^TM Center aims to develop a workforce well-prepared to operate, control, and manage next-generation power plants with carbon capture. The Center also promotes NETL's outreach mission by offering hands-on simulator training and education to researchers and university students. Current training and research objectives will help meet aggressive NETL program goals for advanced integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power stations capable of 90% pre-combustion CO₂ capture, as well as low sulfur, mercury, and NOx emissions.

The AVESTAR^TM Center offers a full-scope, high-fidelity, real-time dynamic simulator with operator training system (OTS) for a commercial-scale IGCC plant with CO₂ capture and compression. The simulator builds on, and reaches beyond, existing combined-cycle and conventional-coal power plant simulators to combine--for the first time--a "gasification with CO₂ capture" process simulator with a "combined-cycle" power simulator together in a single dynamic simulation framework.

The plant design uses slurry-fed, entrained-flow gasification technology with CO₂ capture based on a dual-stage, physical solvent-based acid gas removal (AGR) process for H₂S and CO₂ capture. The combined cycle uses advanced F-class gas turbines and a triple pressure-level heat recovery steam generator (HRSG)/steam cycle.

The IGCC Dynamic Simulator handles normal base load operation, complete cold, warm, and hot startups, normal shutdown, load shedding and following, and fuel switching. The dynamic simulator also handles emergency shutdowns and other abnormal situations in real-time, including equipment malfunctions and failures.

NETL planned, developed, tested, and deployed the IGCC dynamic simulator in collaboration with energy experts from West Virginia University, Fossil Consulting Services, Invensys Operations Management, and other industry and university partners.

AVESTAR's IGCC training and research programs are up and running at state-of-the-art simulation facilities located at NETL in Morgantown, WV and at West Virginia University's (WVU) National Research Center for Coal and Energy (NRCCE). Click for more details on the AVESTAR Center including a list of upcoming training courses.

Ongoing work is aimed at developing an IGCC immersive training system (ITS) based on innovative 3-D virtual reality technology. When combined with the OTS, the ITS will extend the training scope to both control room and field operators, allowing them to work as a team. Benefits include improved communication and collaboration among work crews, off-line evaluations of procedures, and training for safety-critical tasks. NETL's AVESTAR Center will offer hands-on, scenario-based training on the IGCC ITS in late 2011.

Looking forward, NETL will continue to build AVESTAR's portfolio of dynamic simulators, ITSs, and advanced research capabilities to satisfy industry's growing need for training and experience with the operation and control of high-efficiency, near-zero emission energy plants.

IGCC ITS Gas Turbine Section View (click to enlarge)	IGCC ITS Reboiler Animation (click to enlarge)
IGCC ITS Distillation Column Animation in CO2 Capture Section (click to enlarge)	IGCC ITS Gas Leak Scenario (click to enlarge)