An Immersive Virtual Reality Training Game for Power Substations Evaluated in Terms of Usability and Engagement

Safety-focused training is essential for the operation and maintenance concentrated on the reliability of critical infrastructures, such as power grids. This paper introduces and evaluates a system for power substation operational training by exploring and interacting with realistic models in virtual worlds using serious games. The virtual reality (VR) simulator used building information modelling (BIM) from a 115 kV substation to develop a scenario with high technical detail suitable for professional training. This system created interactive models that could be explored using a first-person-perspective serious game in a cave automatic virtual environment (CAVE). Different operational missions could be carried out in the serious game, allowing several skills to be coached. The suitability for vocational training carried out by utility companies was evaluated in terms of usability and engagement. The evaluation used a System Usability Scale (SUS) and a Game Engagement Questionnaire (GEQ) filled by 16 power substation operators demonstrating marginally acceptable usability, with improvement opportunities and high acceptance (by utility technicians) of this system for operation training focused on safety in such hazardous tasks.

DC traction power substation using eighteen-pulse rectifier transformer system

<span lang="EN-US">Twelve-pulse rectification system had been widely integrated in today’s DC traction power sub-station (DC-TPSS). This configuration had successfully mitigated low order harmonic distortion. As some research findings had confirmed that the dc voltage and current ripple factors may further minimize by increasing the number of rectification pulses to 18, 24, or 36. This paper had presented a simulation study to investigate the prospect of implementing an eighteen-pulse rectification system in a DC-TPSS. The theory of phase-shifting transformer used to produce an 18-pulse rectifier is presented with simulation verification. Simulation result shows that 3.69% of grid current distortion index is recorded without installing any filters. In addition, the dc voltage and current ripple may also be further reduced for about 30% compared to a conventional twelve-pulse rectification system.</span>

Designing Virtual Reality Environments through an Authoring System Based on CAD Floor Plans: A Methodology and Case Study Applied to Electric Power Substations for Supervision

The adoption of Virtual Reality (RV) technologies in prototype design and process revision has contributed to multiple industry areas. Nonetheless, the development of VR systems for engineering is a complex task, as it involves specialized teams handling low-level code development. Given these problems, the goal of this study is presenting a methodology for designing VR, through an Authoring System based on Computer-Aided Design (CAD). The presented methodology provides an easy integration of electric power substation floor plans and Virtual Reality software (VRS), as well as three-dimensional and symbol modeling conventions. Centralized software architecture was developed, composed of the CAD Editor, input manager and VRS. The methodology was evaluated through a case study applied to the conception (elaboration) of electric power substations (EPS) as part of a Research and Development (R&D) project for training and field assets supervision. The results demonstrated visual precision and high integrity in elaboration of a VR environment from the CAD floor plan. This work also presents a comparative analysis between manual conception and the Authoring System.

Remote monitoring system design of power substation based on GPRS

This paper studies the design scheme of a substation remote monitoring system based on GPRS, and gives the solution about poor real-time and imperfect function of centralized substation monitoring system. The working principle diagram of the measurement and control device is introduced in detail, and the modules of analog acquisition and switching input are designed. The substation remote monitoring software based on GPRS communication is developed to realize the remote real-time monitoring of electrical and switching parameters and other functions, such as data query, fault early warning and energy efficiency analysis. The experimental results show that the system has the characteristics of real-time, multi-function and high reliability. It is of great significance to implement defensive maintenance, improve power supply quality, save energy and reduce consumption.

HVDC Interference on MGL Pipelines

Mahanagar Gas is a City Gas Distribution Company engaged in the distribution of Natural Gas in and around Mumbai City. MGL has around 415 km of commissioned steel pipeline network which is being protected by ICCP. These pipelines are coated with three layer polyethylene coatings. Rectifying the external interferences on pipeline network is a major challenge for pipeline operating personnel in order to maintain safety and integrity of their pipeline. This technical paper is based on study of one of such external interference which posed a threat to MGL’s steel pipeline network. High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) is a system for transmission of electricity over long distances. This system uses Direct Current (DC) for bulk transmission of electricity in contrast with the more common Alternating Current (AC) systems. HVDC is considered to be more effective to increase power grid delivery capabilities. A part of MGL’s pipeline network is currently facing interference due to a HVDC power substation on the outskirts of Mumbai. This substation is being operated by State Government and is affecting around 145 kms of MGL’s steel pipeline network during its monopolar operation for transmission of electricity. This interference is creating multiple anodic and cathodic areas on pipeline network with the help of a high magnitude current entering and exiting from pipeline at multiple locations which are difficult to predict and rectify. This technical paper will elaborate the concept of HVDC interference on steel pipelines. It will give a brief overview on the methodology adopted for identifying, monitoring and analyzing this interference phenomenon and will comment on the results of this analysis. It will throw light on a variety of technical challenges faced in dealing with this interference while operating a city gas distribution network in particular. And finally, it will discuss about possible remedial measures available and their effectiveness to curb this interference.