Principle and full scope simulators for training of control center operators

The development of electrical power supply systems and the increased microcomputer based automation of control functions introduce new demands on the personnel in charge of the operation of the systems. To fulfil these demands the operators have to receive a profound training in understanding the principles involved and in operating the equipment used. A training simulator is an excellent instrument to provide such training. Training simulators have traditionally been used in military applications and in the training of nuclear power plant personnel. The rapid development of digital electronics and computers will, however, steadily increase the feasibility of training simulators in other fields of training. An emerging field is the training of electrical control center operators. Different approaches can be utilized in this training. A principle simulator simulates a simplified actual grid or a generic grid with typical grid elements. A full scope simulator duplicates most of the instruments and control equipment of an actual control centre and the controlled grid is modelled in great detail. The full scope simulator may be situated in connection with the control centre which serves as the reference system. This can be a large dispatching centre or a small district centre. Of basic importance in full scope simulators as well as in principle simulators are the training functions provided, the available software development tools and the programs for electrical system modelling. The role of these elements in a training simulator is further discussed in the paper.