Scenario Building for Operator Training Simulators Using a Transient Stability Program

The operation of a modern power system has become more complicated and as a result the need for advanced and extensive operator training is becoming more critically important. An Operator Training Simulator (OTS) can significantly enhance the efficiency of power system operator training. An OTS can provide a realistic environment for operators to practice operating procedures, and understand and learn how to cope with emergency and restorative situations. To achieve efficient training through an operator training simulator, suitable training scenarios have to be developed to familiarize the trainee with the characteristics of the system under different (and stressed) conditions. Each training scenario consists of a base (starting) operating case, a system load profile to drive the simulation and a sequence of events including generator tripping, network switching, etc. The scenario building is usually a very complicated and very difficult task, imposing a heavy burden on the OTS scenario builder. One of the drawbacks of the existing power system operator training simulators is the lack of the efficient scenario building aids. As recommended in an EPRI final report, various scenario building aids should be provided for the scenario builder to efficiently develop training scenarios. One such scenario building aid is a suitable transient stability program. Due to the OTS modeling limitations, it is not possible to simulate in real time the power system transient response, such as protective relaying operations, to system faults.