Immersive technology for training and professional development of nuclear power plants personnel

Abstract

Training and professional development of nuclear power plant personnel are essential components of the atomic energy industry’s successful performance. The rapid growth of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies allowed to expand their scope and caused the need for various studies and experiments in terms of their application and effectiveness. Therefore, this publication studies the peculiarities of the application of VR and AR technologies for the training and professional development of personnel of nuclear power plants. The research and experiments on various aspects of VR and AR applications for specialists’ training in multiple fields have recently started. The analysis of international experience regarding the technologies application has shown that powerful companies and large companies have long used VR and AR in the industries they function. The paper analyzes the examples and trends of the application of VR technologies for nuclear power plants. It is determined that VR and AR’s economic efficiency for atomic power plants is achieved by eliminating design errors before starting the construction phase; reducing the cost and time expenditures for staff travel and staff training; increasing industrial safety, and increasing management efficiency. VR and AR technologies for nuclear power plants are successfully used in the following areas: modeling various atomic energy processes; construction of nuclear power plants; staff training and development; operation, repair, and maintenance of nuclear power plant equipment; presentation of activities and equipment. Peculiarities of application of VR and AR technologies for training of future specialists and advanced training of nuclear power plant personnel are analyzed. Staff training and professional development using VR and AR technologies take place in close to real-world conditions that are safe for participants and equipment. Applying VR and AR at nuclear power plants can increase efficiency: to work out the order of actions in the emergency mode; to optimize the temporary cost of urgent repairs; to test of dismantling/installation of elements of the equipment; to identify weaknesses in the work of individual pieces of equipment and the working complex as a whole. The trends in the application of VR and AR technologies for the popularization of professions in nuclear energy among children and youth are outlined. Due to VR and AR technologies, the issues of “nuclear energy safety” have gained new importance both for the personnel of nuclear power plants and for the training of future specialists in the energy sector. Using VR and AR to acquaint children and young people with atomic energy in a playful way, it becomes possible to inform about the peculiarities of the nuclear industry’s functioning and increase industry professions’ prestige.