Tecnatom has developed the first simulator for an off-the-mainland diesel plant. The reference plant has been Los Guinchos, located on the island of La Palma in the Canaries, which comprises 8 open-cycle diesel and gas turbine groups.
In view of their specific characteristics (isolation and small size), electrical systems on islands are subject to blackouts. When this occurs, it is essential that the electricity supply be recovered in the shortest time possible. For this reason, the plant operating company (ENDESA) decided to implement a series of actions aimed at minimising the risk of blackout situations and at speeding up recovery from them.
One of the key factors for the adequate management of these events is the suitable training of the plant operating personnel, the conclusion in this case being that the optimum solution consisted of developing a specific simulator and subsequently using it for the training of the operating shift crews.
The development of this simulator has led to the awarding to Tecnatom of the development of 8 new simulators for diesel plants in Ceuta, Melilla, Menorca, Ibiza-Formentera, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera and El Hierro.
