Delivering Innovation: NecPlus Completed Phase 3 of the Prony Energies Burner VR Project
In December 2022, NecPlus successfully delivered the third and final phase of the Prony Energies Burner VR project. Two years earlier, Prony Energies, a power plant based in New Caledonia, entrusted us with an exciting challenge: to implement a Virtual Reality solution to assist in upgrading their 55MW boilers with new burners.
PHASE 1 - DESIGN ITERATION IN VR
The burner replacement required extensive removal of existing pipework, valves, and instruments. Instead of simply reinstalling these systems as they were, NecPlus proposed a more practical, maintainable redesign. Using VR, operators and maintenance teams were able to review and iterate on the design until it met their needs.
This first phase involved integrating 3D CAD models into a VR environment using a gaming engine. Teams could log in simultaneously, review the design in real-time, and communicate through their avatars, even from remote locations.
PHASE 2 - INSTALLATION SIMULATION
One of the biggest challenges of the project was lifting the new burners into place. These large mechanical components posed difficulties as the plant wasn’t designed for such a replacement. To address this, we used VR to test various approaches: removing pipework, modifying structural steel, and even cutting holes in floor grating. In the virtual environment, the weightless burner was easily manipulated to validate the best method, ensuring confidence before the real installation.
This simulation allowed the team to avoid potential mistakes and safety risks. When the installation phase arrived, the team executed flawlessly—almost as if they'd done the job before, because, in VR, they had.
PHASE 3 - BURNER TRAINING
The new burners were significantly different from the old ones. To prepare the team, NecPlus created a VR training room where operators could familiarize themselves with the equipment and the burner light-off sequence. Immersed in a VR environment, trainees engage more deeply with the content, leading to better understanding and improved retention.
This project showcases the full spectrum of NecPlus' expertise, from VR-based project planning to maintenance and training. If you're interested in exploring how VR/XR technology can enhance your business operations, we'd love to connect and discuss your goals.
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