Dispatcher Training Simulator Research Articles

A Brief Survey on the Development of Intelligent Dispatcher Training Simulators

The well-known dispatcher training simulator (DTS), as a good tool to train power system dispatchers, has been widely used for over 40 years. However, with the high-speed development of the smart grid, the traditional DTSs have struggled to meet the power industry’s expectations. To enhance the effectiveness of dispatcher training, technical innovations in DTSs are becoming more and more demanding. Meanwhile, the ever-advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technology provides the basis for the design of intelligent DTSs. This paper systematically reviews the traditional DTS in terms of its origin, structure, and functions, as well as limitations in the context of the smart grid. Then, this paper summarizes the AI techniques commonly used in the field of power systems, such as expert systems, artificial neural networks, and the fuzzy set theory, and employs them to develop intelligent DTSs. Regarding a less studied aspect of DTSs, i.e., intelligent training control, we introduce the Adaptive Learning System (ALS) to develop a personalized training program, which will also be an important aspect of future research.

The Hybrid Real-Time Dispatcher Training Simulator: Basic Approach, Software-Hardware Structure and Case Study

AbstractThe article presents the Hybrid Real-Time Dispatcher Training Simulator (HRTDTS). The main advantages of this simulator are the adequate simulation of a single spectrum of processes in the object for training – any real electric power system (EPS), as well as the real-time control of the equipment circuit-mode states in modes of the EPS operation. This is achieved by the HRTDTS development within the concept of hybrid simulation, which allows to surpass the modern widely-used simulators based purely on numerical simulation, which do not comprehensively reproduce processes in the EPS and limit the training of certain dispatchers skills. The dispatcher simulator structure and the developed specialized HRTDTS software are demonstrated. The developed dynamic dashboards for monitoring and operating, implementing the circuit-mode states visualization of the equipment or the EPS districts that correspond to specific objects for training, are presented. The special panels that display extended information about the processes in the EPS are also shown in the article. The comparison of simulation results with the data, obtained via RTDS, for the HRTDTS validation was carried out. The practical emergency scenario for the training of dispatching personnel, including the assignment of an emergency situation and the actions of dispatchers to eliminate it, was created for testing and demonstration of the HRTDTS capabilities.

The Development of Dispatcher Training Simulator in a Thermal Energy Generation System

A dispatcher training simulator (DTS) is a real-time Human Machine Interface (HMI)-based control tool that is able to visualize industrial control system processes. The present study was aimed at developing a simulator tool for boilers in a thermal power station. The DTS prototype was designed using technical data of thermal power station boilers in Indonesia. It was then designed and implemented in Wonderware Intouch 10. The resulting simulator came with component drawing, animation, control display, alarm system, real-time trend, historical trend. This application used 26 tagnames and was equipped with a security system. The test showed that the principles of real-time control worked well. It is expected that this research could significantly contribute to the development of thermal power station, particularly in terms of its application as a training simulator for beginning dispatchers.

Use of a Hybrid Power System Simulator for the Dispatchers Exercise

The article presents a Dispatcher Training Simulator (DTS) based on the Hybrid Real-Time Power System Simulator (HRTSim). The main DTS advantage is the real-time circuit-mode states control of the electric power systems (EPS) equipment, including isolated-phase control. This DTS operates in all EPS modes: normal, emergency, and post-emergency. It is achieved by hybrid simulation. The dispatcher training simulator requires specialist software, structure of which is described in this article. In additional, implementation of this DTS for Tyumen EPS, Russia was demonstrated.  Finally, the implementation results are given to demonstrate the efficiency of the DTS application for the dispatchers’ skills upgrading.

Simulation Engine for Dispatcher Training and Engineering Network Simulators

Abstract: The paper presents a simulation engine for power system electromechanical transient modelling. This engine can be incorporated into a dispatcher training simulator. The same engine is used in the engineering network simulator MODES. Commands and protection models, specific for using in a dispatcher simulators are described. Rotor angle and frequency stability calculations are also presented.

Island Operations of Parallel Synchronous Generators - Simulators Case Study for Large Power Plants

While increasing integration of renewable energy sources (RES), which are unregulated and difficult to predict, a large system of nuclear power plants must provide balancing peaks in the production of renewable energy. It is also important to simulate the rapid changes in the power of individual NPP units, and for these regimes to train operators of nuclear units. Therefore the paper is aimed to Island Operations of More Parallel Electric Synchronous Generators Connected to One Substation of Power Grid. For the control of rapid and poorly predicted power peaks / deviations it is also necessary to use large Nuclear Power Plants. These control requirements are not yet required to NPP and therefore NPP Simulators can not be used for these purposes. Firstly, there are described the results of the Case Study: Engineering and Training Simulators for Large Conventional and Nuclear Power Plants. Initially there are presented the simulations of different island operations of power plant turbine generators connected to one substation into the power grid on the example of the Power and Heating Plant with six parallel operating synchronous generators. Generally the Power/Performance K-Factor (KF) are defined for the T&D Systems. K-Factor characterizes the electrical properties of the systems. On the simulator the instructor chosen size distribution system (i.e., KF) in which generators are electrically connected. For different island operations (whose electrical "hardness" depends on the size of KF) will be shown the results of the simulations on the Dispatcher Training Simulator (DTS) used for the training of parallel operations of two or more power turbine generators / blocks. The simulation models are created in MATLAB - SIMULINK. Secondly, a similar multi-block island mode will be also analyzed for a large Nuclear Power Plants.

Modelling and Simulation of a Variable Step Size Algorithm for a Power Simulator

The Dispatcher Training Simulator (DTS) is used for imparting training in power system operation and allied areas. It facilitates the dispatcher to be trained in normal, emergency and restorative conditions. A numerically stable algorithm that can accommodate larger time step width will be an ideal choice for DTS, but it should also have smaller time step width to capture short term dynamics. Hence, an algorithm has been developed, for simulation of long-term dynamics at a ‘larger time step width’, in order to decrease the total simulation time while the simulation is made to run for a 24 hour system load curve and also to capture the short term dynamics with a ‘small time step width’. To these authors’ knowledge the approach used in this algorithm has not been used elsewhere. This article presents the modelling and simulation of a variable step size algorithm for a DTS. Long-term dynamics gives an observable system response, which can be used to train system operators. Short-term dynamics gives the transient stability of the system. An efficient Network Topology Processor and apt component models were interfaced with this algorithm. This algorithm has been implemented in a DTS - Power System Simulation Module and tested for many possible cases like, Bus fault application and removal, Line opening and closing, etc.

Development of Fault Management Dispatcher Training Simulator for TDAS in Korea

A fault management dispatcher training simulator for large-scale Distribution Automation System (TDAS) is developed to train operators in distribution control center. This simulator is composed of independent simulation server and operator consoles and can be used for network analysis, network operation, fault management and evaluation. TDAS DB is duplicated online to the simulation server keeping the data security. The system can model distribution network penetrated with distributed generations (DG) using the real data from the TDAS DB. Network fault scenarios are automatically generated by calculating fault current and generating fault indicators. Also, manual entry of cry wolf alarm is available. Moreover, operation solution for scenario of fault isolation and service restoration is generated automatically so that trainee can check their operation result. Operator actions during training session are saved and can be played back as well as displayed on one-line diagram pictures.

Implementation of Automation Determination of Training Score for Dispatcher Training Simulator

Based on analyses of several evaluation schemes, difficulty coefficient subtraction method was presented. An automation determination of training score method used in DTS was given, and the implementation process was introduced in details. Furthermore, marking for trainees’ training was carried out on four aspects of dispatching operation, power supply reliability, grid security, and economy of power network operation. According to the difficulty level of teaching plan, the difficulty coefficient was determined, the relevant calculation method of trainees' training score was proposed, and the weighted score and evaluation report were presented finally. Its practical applications indicate that the marking method of trainees’ training score is reasonable, able to reflect the practice of dispatchers' operation, and easy to realize generalization, extension and maintenance through the separation between program and standard of evaluation score.

Models of synchronous generator and transformers for Dispatch Training Simulators and Real Time Digital Simulators

Abstract This paper is aimed firstly to own-made dynamic models of synchronous generators (SG) for Dispatcher Training Simulators (DTS). The basic requirements are contending claims from mathematical physical description and the numerical solution point of view on the other side. From this fact yields necessity of “engineering intuition” and experiences. Secondly the model of power transformers (PT) is evaluated for Real Time Digital Simulators (RTDS), which are aimed to design and verification of digital protections and local automatics. It is most important especially in analysis of intersystems swings, abnormal and warning state, near critical state, blackout and restoration of power systems.

Advanced dispatcher training simulator

This article analyzes the modeling and describes the algorithmic breakthroughs and the use of parallel processing in power system dispatcher training simulation. The first industrial version of the FAST-DTS simulator (running a 400 node, 80 generator power system), with its advanced instructor and operator stations, is described and illustrated with various training scenarios. Principles used for the configuration and the compatibility with EUROSTAC (reference software dedicated to the dynamic simulation of power systems in the field of transient and long-term stability) and further developments are also discussed.

Identification-based power unit model for load-frequency control purposes

This paper presents a new method for process transfer function identification (TFI) and a new approach for the development of a power unit's dynamic model based on new applications for presented TFI method. This method uses a two-stage procedure which indirectly reduces both noise effects and the order of the transfer function. The first stage is the frequency response identification of a process, while the second one is the transfer function computation using frequency response obtained in the first stage. The power unit dynamic model which is identified using three relatively simple experiments is applied to load-frequency control. This dynamic model developed for the vicinity of the steady-state operation mode can be used for automatic generation control purposes, to tune load-frequency control systems, as well as to build and set up a real-time simulator for dispatcher training. The modeling of 140 MW power units of the IEC (Israel) is fulfilled through implementation of this model and by its identification method yielding sufficiently good results.

A fast load flow model for a dispatcher training simulator considering frequency deviation effects

This article presents a fast load flow algorithm considering the effect of frequency deviation on loads and generator outputs. The model was developed for and applied to a dispatcher training simulator (DTS) in the People's Republic of China. In order to meet the real time requirements of DTS, new solution techniques have been suggested to handle non-symmetric nature of the load flow Jacobian matrices resulting from the presence of the frequency deviation forms. The suggested methods reduce the memory requirement and provide faster solution. Results have been obtained on a 220 kV, 67 bus and another 22 bus provincial power system networks in China.

The dispatcher training simulator at PECO Energy Company

This paper addresses the uses of the dispatcher training simulator (DTS) at PECO Energy, USA. The primary applications of the simulator are discussed from a users' point of view rather than the technical details that describe its internal workings. Topics addressed are dispatcher training, engineering studies, root cause analysis investigations (why undesirable things happened) and the use of the DTS as a public relations and confidence building tool. A discussion of the DTS training environment and general training philosophy is included along with a step-by-step progression through the development of a typical training exercise. A section is included that recommends changes in the implementation of the DTS along with a "lessons learned" discussion. A sample DTS lesson plan is included.

A Dispatcher Training Simulator for ECPCC

Abstract A new Dispatcher Training Simulator (DTS) has been developed by Nanjing Automation Research Institute in collaboration with East China Power Control Center and Southeast University, and has been operated for two years. This DTS is built on a distributed platform. It provides both steady - state and dynamic behavior simulation of power system. Dynamic power flow and dynamic frequency programs are used for steady - state simulation. The unified dynamic process simulation algorithm may imitate the behavior of short term, mid term and long term dynamics of the system. The transition between the terms is automatic and smooth. Two simulation algorithms of protection relay actions are applied.

The dispatcher training simulator for Metropolitan Edison Company

The dispatcher training simulator (DTS) has become an important tool for Metropolitan Edison Company (Met-Ed). As new sophisticated functions are being added to energy management systems (EMS), the need for dispatchers to be trained in using them in an environment similar to online is also continuously growing. Met-Ed purchased its DTS as a part of the present full graphics EMS. Met-Ed put in considerable effort in preparing its network model to meet the DTS training objectives and tune unit model parameters to achieve realistic simulation responses. The first formal DTS training session began in January, 1994. The main purpose of this paper is to present the real-life use of the DTS and the benefits realized from its use. Today, most electric utilities have DTS functionality, but this DTS functionality is not being widely used. The authors hope that the training experience presented in this paper will encourage other utilities to start using the DTS as part of their regular training. This paper discusses the DTS features, data preparation and training session experience.

An online dispatcher training simulator function for real-time analysis and training

Today's power systems have become so complex that it is not easy for the system dispatcher to realistically predict the results of outages. The situation is compounded whenever the power grid is not in its normal configuration due to maintenance switching or equipment failure. The authors feel that the dispatcher training simulator (DTS) is an excellent tool that can be used to teach the dispatcher how to react under these conditions. In this paper, the authors present an on-line implementation of the DTS which allows the user to: initialize the DTS to an EMS disturbance using data that was captured at the time of the disturbance; and place the DTS in a playback mode and go back to specific times in the scenario. The former feature allows the analyst to investigate EMS disturbances and then train the various dispatchers to be able to recognize such disturbances and to recover from them when they occur. The latter feature allows the instructor (with the trainee) to review and re-experience desired portions of the scenario. It is the authors' feeling that these two features will help the EMS operational staff understand their power system better and help their dispatchers in dealing with operational problems associated with the proper running of the system.

Analysis of a static VAr compensator using the dispatcher training simulator

The static VAr compensator (SVC) has shown great potential among all the voltage stability enhancement measures available. Studies have shown that an SVC, which is properly placed, can also improve the transmission capacity. In this paper, the authors have developed different SVC models for power system dynamics (short-term and long-term) as well as static analysis. With these SVC models imbedded in the dispatcher training simulator (DTS) and associated transient stability simulation, the results obtained by analytical methods, such as the optimal location for installing an SVC as well as the control parameter settings, can be tested, evaluated and tuned under 'real-time' conditions. This kind of implementation could provide valuable assistance for power system planning and operation. The authors have conducted various tests under different operating conditions and using different SVC models to evaluate the influence of major parameter settings.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>

New approaches to the AGC non-conforming load problem

Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) has many nonconforming loads that are a challenge for their automatic generation control (AGC) software. Their area control error (ACE) values often have peak-to-peak swings of 150+ MW in a few minutes, and the ACE signal is noisy due to numerous asynchronous nonconforming industrial loads. These loads include over 20% of the base US steel production. A number of investigations targeted at assessing the actual impact of highly varying industrial loads on system reliability have been undertaken. This paper reports results for one of these investigations. The current AGC program attempts to account for short duration excursions which leads to increased generation over and under shoots and possible increased wear and tear on generating equipment. It has been shown that conventional control strategies of this nature can degrade rather than improve overall control of ACE. As a consequence, an effort has been undertaken to develop algorithms that will discriminate between noncontrollable short-term excursions and controllable long-term excursions. This paper presents two techniques that address the nonconforming load problem for AGC. One technique used a neural network algorithm for pattern recognition of controllable signals, and the other technique is based on the detection of a controllable signal in the presence of a noisy random load using a random signal probability model. Both algorithms were tested with actual field load data via a dispatcher training simulator that utilized a generic system model. >

An integrated dispatcher training simulator for use in a regional electricity distribution centre

At the end of 1993 the first dispatcher training simulator of the Hungarian electric power industry began operation in the regional dispatcher centre of the North Hungarian Electricity Distribution Company (EMASZ KDSZ). The simulator performs discrete event-driven simulation of the network, the protection arrangements and the telemetry system. Its main purpose is to help the dispatchers to cope with complicated, rarely occurring disturbances in the electrical network. During a training session the trainee uses the same type of workstation as in the online system. The instructor&apos;s man-machine interface is implemented in DECWindows using the colour graphics terminal of a VAXstation 3100.