**2.1.5 Virtual simulators**

With the increase in processing capacity, computational speed, advances in computer technology and the sophistication in modelling, it is becoming more feasible to develop systems based on Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR). These systems implement hardware interfaces which deliver a more stimulating experience to the trainee, via the experimentation of "realistic" sensations. In an available dynamic simulator can be implemented a three-dimensional visor in order to train maintenance people on local operations and to complement actual training programmes with threedimensional view of equipment like: turbines, boilers, electric generator, etc. With these systems, trainees practice the operation of the process, and at the same time, they get a better understanding of the physical and chemical phenomena occurred and obtain detailed knowledge about the equipment. Martínez-Ramírez et al. (2011) present a prototype of a VR training system for a thermal power plant.

#### **2.1.6 Web simulators**

According to the simulators architectures previously discussed, the simulators are installed in a training centre or on site if the simulator is easily portable. In the case of the simulators where more than a PC is involved, the computers are connected in a local area network. Therefore, the communication between the interactive processes diagrams and the mathematical models is based on a proprietary protocol and implemented over TCP/IP with the aim to link two points within a local network. Such diagrams are part of a conventional Windows application, which can only be executed on a computer with the environment provided by the operating system and interconnected to the same network, so it cannot be transmitted through the Internet and take advantage of modern information technologies like cloud computing.

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product, whereby shared resources, software and information are provided to computers and other devices over a network (typically the Internet). Cloud computing provides computation, software, data access, and storage services that do not require end-user knowledge of the physical location and configuration of the system that delivers the services. The concept of cloud computing fills a perpetual need of information technologies: a way to increase capacity or add capabilities on the fly without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licensing new software. Cloud computing encompasses any subscription-based or pay-

room hardware (IAEA, 1998); therefore they have been used preferably in the nuclear power industry due to the great number of control boards of these plants. On the other hand, multi-user simulators are installed in a local area network and they are used as a complement of the training courses for operators of fossil power plants (Tavira-Mondragón et al., 2005; Romero-Jiménez et al., 2008). In these simulators, the instructor has a console where he simultaneously directs the simulation sessions for each one of the trainees. With his console, the instructor establishes the same or different training exercises for each one of the students and supervises them in an individual way from the same interface. Each one of the trainees has his own console to operate the simulated

With the increase in processing capacity, computational speed, advances in computer technology and the sophistication in modelling, it is becoming more feasible to develop systems based on Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR). These systems implement hardware interfaces which deliver a more stimulating experience to the trainee, via the experimentation of "realistic" sensations. In an available dynamic simulator can be implemented a three-dimensional visor in order to train maintenance people on local operations and to complement actual training programmes with threedimensional view of equipment like: turbines, boilers, electric generator, etc. With these systems, trainees practice the operation of the process, and at the same time, they get a better understanding of the physical and chemical phenomena occurred and obtain detailed knowledge about the equipment. Martínez-Ramírez et al. (2011) present a

According to the simulators architectures previously discussed, the simulators are installed in a training centre or on site if the simulator is easily portable. In the case of the simulators where more than a PC is involved, the computers are connected in a local area network. Therefore, the communication between the interactive processes diagrams and the mathematical models is based on a proprietary protocol and implemented over TCP/IP with the aim to link two points within a local network. Such diagrams are part of a conventional Windows application, which can only be executed on a computer with the environment provided by the operating system and interconnected to the same network, so it cannot be transmitted through the Internet and take advantage of modern information

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product, whereby shared resources, software and information are provided to computers and other devices over a network (typically the Internet). Cloud computing provides computation, software, data access, and storage services that do not require end-user knowledge of the physical location and configuration of the system that delivers the services. The concept of cloud computing fills a perpetual need of information technologies: a way to increase capacity or add capabilities on the fly without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licensing new software. Cloud computing encompasses any subscription-based or pay-

power plant in an independent way of the other students.

prototype of a VR training system for a thermal power plant.

**2.1.5 Virtual simulators** 

**2.1.6 Web simulators** 

technologies like cloud computing.

per-use service that, in real-time over the Internet, extends information technologies existing capabilities. Cloud computing providers deliver applications via the internet, which are accessed from a web browser, while the business software and data are stored on servers at a remote location (Wikipedia, 2011a).

In the current transition process to new computational paradigms, where Internet plays a important role, the use of modern techniques for the development of software applications is a key strategy to guide these technologies, and training simulators require to adapt their platforms to support suitable graphical interfaces for the final user and implement the Internet communication mechanisms called web services. As a result of this process, it is obtained a web user interface which allows interacting with a simulator from a remote location via a HMI with similar features to the ones available in the simulators of the training centres. In such way, the simulator is available to any computer with an internet connection and a web browser with the plugins required for the application. Figure 6 shows the services provided by cloud computing and its comparison with the services required for a full-scope simulator.

Fig. 6. Cloud computing services.
