Power plant simulator based practical training at ABB's Learning Zone, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, June 1, 2014 - ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, is working closely with Al Taweelah B, Asia Gulf Power Service Company (AGPS)  on a unique training program to develop technical competences of young Emiratis to handle operations of critical infrastructure plants like power and water in the country and in the wider region.

The training is designed to correspond to actual operating situations ensuring more effective usage of the plant equipment, which then enables optimized lifecycle management and increases operational efficiency and productivity.

Novak Stevanovic, Region Division Manager, Power Systems,India, Middle East and Africa (IMA) said, "By opting for ABB, the customer has access to a variety of equipment and system training services to ensure that the company's personnel can respond to all situations at the plant now and in the future. We are now pleased to offer this training capability to the Emiratis, which confirms ABB as a thought leader in technology and innovation. We are looking forward to working very closely with other stakeholders to customize such training sessions in future."

He added, "Customer training is an integral part of what we do at ABB. The growing complexity of industrial applications, and the requirement to be more productive while maintaining safety and reliability standards, mean that proper training is now essential for running the world's critical infrastructure - and this where we as ABB can contribute greatly." 

The training is taking place at ABB's Learning Zone, which is the hub for learning, development and collaboration in the Middle East. The flagship facility based in the iconic HQ building in Abu Dhabi, UAE is set in approximately 1,000 square meters and showcases ABB's products, services and solutions. It offers customers, engineers and students a wide selection of training courses on leading edge technologies in a distinctive environment. 

Dale Huntington, Managing Director of Al Taweelah B, Asia Gulf Power Service Company (AGPS) commented, "The clever use of the simulator to practically show the previously taught theory in a very structured and progressive program, all undertaken within a leading edge purpose built learning environment has provided a world class solution for training operators. The differentiating factor apart from giving this distinctive solution for training operators is ABB's facilities, tailor-made training solution and highly experienced trainers." 

Modern teaching techniques including 3D video for theory and high fidelity emulator-based simulator for control panel operations will explain techniques on how to operate and handle different scenarios and critical operating conditions. Monitoring and providing feedback on the development of the trainees during the program (6 weeks class room + 8 weeks at site) including testing & certification will provide the trainees with a solid foundation to develop themselves into  future senior power plant managers. For the simulator training, 2 students will be assigned to a simulator station with 4 monitors, which can work independently as single combined cycle power plant or as a client to the trainer's simulator station (during demonstration / teaching).

Highly qualified faculty from Power Management Institute, NTPC Limited have developed the course in conjunction with ABB and the simulator supplier from the United States. NTPC, the largest power company in India, was setup in 1975 to accelerate power development in the country.  

Al Taweelah B is the fifth and the largest IWPP developed in Abu Dhabi under the Government of Abu Dhabi's highly successful programme for the privatization of the water and power sector. 

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 150,000 people.

For help with any technical terms in this release, please go to: www.abb.com/glossary

© Press Release 2014