L-3 MAPPS announced today that it is has been contracted by DTE Energy to upgrade the Fermi 2 nuclear power plant simulator with L-3’s Orchid® simulation environment. The company will also provide DTE Energy with an additional simulator specifically to train field personnel on emergency diesel generator (EDG) operations. The project starts immediately and is slated for completion in the summer of 2012.
"L-3 has a strong track record of performing work on the Fermi 2 simulator," said Michael Chatlani, vice president of L-3 MAPPS power systems and simulation. "We are pleased to have this follow-on opportunity to advance the Fermi simulator using today’s state-of-the-art technology."
In September 2006, L-3 MAPPS successfully performed a comprehensive refurbishment of the Fermi 2 simulator’s computers, instructor stations and simulation models to improve the simulator’s training effectiveness and long-term performance, while reducing operating costs.
For the current project, L-3 MAPPS will continue to advance the efficiency of the Fermi 2 simulator by updating all of the simulation computers to the latest generation, as well as migrating the models and simulator maintenance tools from the previous generation of L-3 software to its user-friendly, industry-leading Orchid simulation environment. In addition, an EDG simulator will be deployed, with virtual panels based on L-3’s Orchid Touch Interface solution.
DTE Energy Co (NYSE: DTE) is a diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Located in Monroe County, Michigan, the Fermi 2 plant is a 1,122MW General Electric BWR power plant that produces about 15% of the power generated by Detroit Edison power plants. This single plant is capable of producing enough electricity to serve a city of about one million people.
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 three 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.
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 US Navy, allied foreign navies and commercial customers 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.
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.