Simulator Training Evaluation and Monitoring System (STEAMS)

Introduction

STEAMS is a software product to record and play back simulator sessions. It integrates audio, video, operator screen content, data logs, instructor-initiated malfunctions, operator actions and plant responses into a combined stream for post-scenario replay and analysis.

STEAMS provides quick and easy means to search and find interesting sequences of a recorded session, and immediately synchronizes all data sources to the selected time. This makes STEAMS superior to traditional video-based recordings.

Applications

STEAMS is applicable to simulator-based training in nuclear, petroleum, power, and other industries. STEAMS supports tasks such as

• in-scenario or post-scenario debriefs
• assessments of operator and crew performance
• learning from recorded best-practice operations
• documenting simulator compliance during scenario-based simulator testing

Key features

During playback, STEAMS presents

• audio from selected devices, with individual volume control
• video from selected cameras
• searchable lists of operator actions, plant alarm & event responses, and instructor-initiated malfunctions and notes
• trend plots of process parameter values
• screenshots captured from selected operator control screens and plant process computer screens

The user can play & pause, and easily select any time from a recorded scenario by dragging a slider, selecting from searchable lists of events, or clicking on trend plots. STEAMS immediately synchronizes all data sources to the selected time and is ready to play.

Performance evaluation

SCORE is a complementary software product to STEAMS, featuring structured and consistent evaluation of operating crew performance. SCORE supports instructors and evaluators in preparing schemas and in using these to evaluate operator and crew performance. SCORE can also be used by operators for post-scenario self assessments.

Installations

Together with Exitech Corporation and the plants’ simulator staff, IFE has deployed STEAMS at 5 nuclear power plant training centers

• Donald C Cook nuclear plant, Michigan, USA
• Comanche Peak nuclear power plant, Texas, USA
• Joseph M. Farley nuclear plant, Alabama, USA
• Surry nuclear power station, Virginia, USA
• Vogtle electric generating plant (unit 3&4), Georgia, USA

STEAMS is based on well-proven prototypes used by IFE’s researchers to assess operator crew performance in HAMMLAB studies since 2011.